DBA Business: What “Doing Business As” Means for Your Company in 2026

Millions of established businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs choose to use DBAs every year to be able to conduct business under names that better reflect their company and brand identity.

Although a DBA sounds official, these business structures do not create a new company or business entity. Which means, these do not provide the personal asset protection that a typical LLC or Corporation will provide you. Also, DBAs do not change how the IRS taxes the business.

In this guide, we will explain what having a DBA means for you company in 2026, when your business will need one, and the differences between creating a DBA and forming an official business entity like an LLC or a Corporation. From being a sole proprietor who is launching your first new venture, to an establish LLC who is looking to add new brands to your offerings, understanding these differences and how they work can save you form making any costly mistakes.

DBA Business Explained

A DBA is short for "doing business as". This, in simple terms, is a name registered with the state that a business operates in, and that is different than the business owners legal name, and from the official name of the LLC or Corporation who formed it. These names are also referred to as fictitious business names, assumed names, or a trade name depending on what state you are register the name in.

DBAs are a sort of nickname for your business. After registering one, you can conduct business under this name, accept payments from customers, and perform marketing operations under your DBA name. An advantage of DBAs is that these can sound more professional and descriptive of what the business purpose is as compared to your personal name (for sole proprietorships) and your entity's legal registered name.

A crucial part of understanding DBAs that can confuse many business owners is that a DBA does not create a new separate entity. If you are conducting business as a sole proprietor, and register a DBA you will still be considered a sole proprietorship. Having the DBA for your business is simply a naming tool that you can use to differentiate your business ventures and operate under a name that is not your personal legal name.

For example, John Smith is planning to start a bookkeeping practice. If he does not form an official business entity, then his legal business name will just be "John Smith". But, he could file a DBA to operate as "Sunflower Bookkeeping" and will be able to have a separate bank account, print invoices, and market himself under this name. However, in legal terms John Smith will still be held personally responsible for anything Sunflower Bookkeeping does and will not be provided any personal asset protection that is typically provided for entities such as LLCs and Corporations.

For an example of a business entity such as an LLC, consider an example with a business by the name of Apex Holdings LLC. The owners of this business have chosen to launch a new marketing division and are wanting a more customer friendly name for this venture. They could potentially file a DBA for "Apex Marketing Studio" and conduct all business for this new venture under this DBA name. They will be able to enter contracts under this name and do all related activities, but still enjoy the personal asset protection that is provided by their LLC. The DBA they registered is simply just for branding purposes and naming flexibility.

Most states will require you to register a DBA if your business is operating under a name that is different than the owners name (sole proprietorships) or the registered business name (LLCs and Corporations). This is for transparency for customers so they are able to know who is running the business and have a sort of continuity between the different ventures a business might be in.

The process for forming a DBA is pretty similar to registering an official business entity. It must be filed with the state you are operating in and will include certain fees along with it. Contacting a business filing service can be helpful for this step as they would be able to provide you will a correctly filed DBA name and ensure there are no mistakes in the registration process that lead to legal issues down the road or any potential rejections of the DBA name.

DBA meaning vs. legal business name

The legal business name of your business is the name that your business is registered with the state and any government agencies as. This is the name that will be on all official paperwork, state documents, and legal papers. Depending on your business structure, this can mean different things.

If you are operating as a sole proprietor and have not formed any business entity yet, the legal name of your business will just be your personal name. Such as the example from before, John Smith operating a landscaping business will be doing business as "John Smith" until he chooses to file a DBA or registered an official business entity.

For LLCs and Corporations, the legal business name is what is shown your formation paperwork that is filing with the state you are operating in. Whatever your Articles of Organization say for your business name will be your legal name, even if you are not marketed or referred by that name often.

A DBA creates a public record that links your fictitious name to the real owner or entity behind it. When North Star Retail Group, Inc. files a DBA for “North Star Outlet Store,” anyone who searches public records can discover that the outlet store is actually owned by the corporation. This transparency is the entire point of fictitious business name laws.

The terminology varies by state, which can create confusion when you’re researching requirements:

• Texas calls them “assumed names”

• Florida uses “fictitious name”

• Colorado refers to “trade name”

• California and many others use “DBA” or “fictitious business name”

Despite the different labels, these terms describe substantively the same concept. A business operating under a name that isn’t its legal name must register that assumed name with the appropriate governmental entity.

Keep in mind that DBA laws exist primarily as consumer-protection tools, not as intellectual property protection. Filing a DBA doesn’t give you trademark rights, doesn’t prevent others from using similar names in other jurisdictions, and doesn’t provide legal protection if someone infringes on your brand.

DBA vs LLC and other business entities

This distinction causes more confusion than almost any other topic in small business formation. Let’s clear it up.

The distinction between what a DBA is and how they operate can be one of the more confusing aspects of business registration that new business owners will have to deal with. To clear it up, a DBA is essentially an alias. This name is registered with the state but will always be attached to an already existing person or business entity.

An LLC or Corporation is completely different than a DBA. These are separate legal entities that are formed through the Secretary of State and require the correct formation documents to be submitted to the state you are going to be operating in. These entities are able to own property, enter into contracts, and will provide owners with personal asset protection that will separate the business debts and lawsuits from the owners personal assets.

What an LLC provides that a DBA cannot:

An LLC is able to provide a legal shield between your business activities and your personal ones. This is often referred to as the "corporate veil" and is one of the most important aspects of forming a legal business structure. If your LLC is sued, or incurs significant debts, the only thing that creditors are able to go after if your businesses assets. They are not able to go after your personal assets such as your home, retirement accounts, and savings.

This liability shield protects you as a business owner as long as there is a clear separation of personal and business finances. This is a huge aspect of continuing this protection that is provided to you as a business owner. Any mistakes in commingling funds, and mixing personal and business finances can lead to a "piercing of the corporate veil" and leave your personal assets at risk.

An LLC also offers flexible taxation. By default, a single-member LLC is taxed as a sole proprietorship, but you can elect to be taxed as an S-corp or C-corp if it benefits your situation. The LLC exists as a business entity separate from you, with its own employer identification number and potentially its own business bank account.

What a DBA provides that an LLC cannot:

A DBA gives you branding flexibility without forming a new company. If your LLC is named “Martinez Holdings LLC” but you want to operate a bakery called “Sweet Morning Pastries,” a DBA lets you do exactly that without creating a second LLC.

A tale of two founders:

Scenario one: Alex starts a freelance graphic design practice. He files only a DBA for “Pixel Perfect Design” and begins taking clients. He’s now legally a sole proprietor operating under a trade name. His business income goes on Schedule C of his personal tax return. If a client sues him for a design dispute, Alex’s personal savings, car, and home are all potentially at risk. The DBA provided zero legal protection.

Scenario two: Jordan also starts a design practice. She forms “Jordan Creative LLC” first, then files a DBA so the LLC can operate as “Mosaic Design Studio.” When clients sign contracts, they’re technically contracting with Jordan Creative LLC dba Mosaic Design Studio. Jordan has liability protection through her LLC, and the DBA gives her the branding she wants. Her business income flows through the LLC, and she’s protected if something goes wrong.

The lesson: if you only register a DBA without forming a legal entity, you’re operating as a sole proprietorship (or general partnership if there are multiple owners) by default. That means no liability protection, no separation of personal assets, and no entity-level tax benefits.

Who needs a DBA business name?

The short answer: anyone operating under a name different from their legal name or their entity’s registered name may need a DBA, depending on state or local rules. But let’s break down the specific situations where DBAs become essential.

Sole proprietors wanting privacy and professionalism

James Carter runs a web development business. Operating as “James Carter” works legally, but it sounds like a person, not a company. Filing a DBA for “Carter Web Design Studio” gives him a more professional business identity for his website, invoices, and marketing materials. It also provides modest privacy. Clients see the business name rather than just his personal name on everything.

Partnerships choosing a unified brand

When two accountants, Sarah Mills and David Park, start a practice together, their default legal name would be something like “Mills and Park.” If they want to operate as “Summit Accounting Partners,” they’ll need a DBA to transact business under that assumed name.

LLCs and corporations launching new brands

Existing entities frequently use DBAs to expand without forming new entities. A company called “Lifestyle Brands Inc.” might file DBAs for “FitLife Supplements,” “ZenSpa Products,” and “ActiveWear Direct”. These three distinct consumer brands all owned by one corporation. This approach saves the administrative burden and cost of maintaining separate entities for each product line.

Banking requirements in 2026

A a practical reality many new business owners overlook is that most banks require a filed DBA certificate and often an employer identification number to open an account titled in your business name. Without these documents, the bank can’t verify that you’re authorized to conduct business under that name.

If you’re Maria Lopez trying to open an account for “Sunrise Bookkeeping,” the bank will ask for your DBA certificate. If you’re Brightline Holdings LLC trying to open an account for “Brightline Marketing Studio,” you will run into the same issue, the bank needs to see that the LLC has properly registered that DBA.

Benefits and risks of using a DBA for your business

Understanding both sides of the DBA equation helps you make smarter decisions about your business structure.

Benefits of filing a DBA

• Simplicity: The straightforward paperwork and not having to officially form a separate business entity makes registering a DBA more simple than something like an LLC. This can be beneficial to new business owners and sole proprietors who do not feel they need to go through the regulations involved in creating an LLC or Corporation.

• Branding flexibility: Establishing a DBA allows you to choose a name that can clearly explain what your business purpose is and help customers recognize it easier.

• Privacy: Some business owners value privacy more than most. If they are operating as a sole proprietorship, then their legal name for the business will be their personal name. Establishing a DBA can allow them to operate under a name other than their own, which can help to protect their privacy and not have their name listed on all business documents.

• Multiple brands under one entity: LLCs and Corporations are able to have multiple DBAs that are registered under one entity without having to form a new business. This is valuable if your business is engaging in multiple ventures that are distinct, and allows you to properly market under each specific name.

• Banking purposes: Often times, having a DBA is required for opening a dedicated business bank account as the name on the account must match the business name.

Risks and limitations of DBAs

• No liability protection: A DBA does not separate your personal assets from business liabilities.

• Limited name protection: DBA registration typically prevents identical names locally but doesn't provide trademark-level protection.

• Geographic restrictions: DBA registration in one state doesn't protect your name in others.

• Potential conflicts: Another business could form a legal entity with a similar name, potentially overriding your DBA rights.

Tax and legal implications of a DBA business

A DBA does not change your tax situation. Your business's tax treatment depends on its legal structure.

• Sole proprietors report business income on Schedule C of their personal tax return, whether they choose to use a DBA or not.

• Partnerships file Form 1065. LLCs and corporations file their respective tax returns.

• The DBA is simply a name attached to the business entity or individual.

Legal liability follows the owner or entity behind the DBA, not the DBA name itself. Contracts should identify both the DBA and the underlying entity for clarity.

Many states and banks require an employer identification number (EIN) even if the DBA business has no employees.

How to set up a DBA business name in 2026

Step 1: Choose your name carefully

Verify name availability in state and county databases, check USPTO trademarks, domain names, and social media handles.

Step 2: Determine your filing authority

DBA filings may be at the state, county, or city level depending on jurisdiction.

Step 3: Complete the application

Applications typically require your DBA name, legal owner name, business address, entity type, owners' details, and business description.

Step 4: Pay the filing fee

Fees range depending on the state you are filing in. These should be listed during the filing process.

Step 5: Meet publication requirements (if applicable)

Some states require publishing a public notice in a local newspaper.

Step 6: Receive your DBA certificate

Keep this document for banking and legal purposes.

Additional Information:

If you do not have time or do not want to handle this process yourself, considering hiring a professional filing service to take care of all these steps for you. In these cases, the fees of hiring a service can make sense when taking into account the simplicity and ease that is awarded having someone else deal with these guidelines.

Maintaining, renewing, and changing a DBA

DBAs will need to be renewed often and do have expiration dates if not properly maintained. These renewal times will vary depending on the state you are registered in, and it's important to keep track of these times to ensure your DBA is not expiring to maintain all legal compliance.

Keeping all information related to your DBA updated is required to stay in good standing. Anytime there is a a change to the business address or ownership, it will need to be updated with the Secretary of State. If you decide to change the official name of your DBA, it will require you to file a new DBA and cancel or terminate the old one. Failure to renew or update anything related to your DBA can lead to legal issues and potentially a revocation of your registration.

DBA for franchises and multi-brand companies

Franchisees often form an LLC or corporation and file a DBA to operate under the franchisor’s brand. Larger companies use multiple DBAs to run different brands under one legal entity. Each location or state may require separate DBA filings.

Choosing and protecting a strong DBA business name

Choosing a strong business name means choosing a name that is descriptive, easy to spell and will be easy for customers to remember. Avoid any names that are confusing and too similar to existing business names. Verify through the state database that the name is available before you try to register to avoid long wait times and rejections.

Remember that registering a DBA will not give you the asset protection that comes with an LLC or Corporation. The DBA registration will only allow you to operate your business under a different name than what is registered with the state, or if you are a sole proprietor, a name that is different than your personal name.

DBA business FAQs for owners in 2026

Am I legally required to file a DBA?

• Most states require it if you operate under a name other than your legal or entity name.

Can two businesses have the same DBA name?

• This is dependent on the state of registration. Some states allow DBAs to have the same name and some states do not. It's important to know the regulations of the state you are registering the DBA in before filing to avoid any rejections and long wait times.

How long does a DBA last?

• Varies by state. Often 5-10 years with renewal required. Some states require yearly renewal, but these are subject to change so it's important to stay up to date on any information released by the Secretary of State.

Can I have multiple DBAs under one LLC?

• Yes, commonly used to operate multiple brands.

Can I change my DBA later?

• Yes, by filing a new registration and canceling the old one.

How long does DBA approval take?

• From same-day online filings to several weeks with publication requirements.

Does having a DBA affect my ability to get business credit or loans?

• No direct effect, but it helps build business credit by allowing accounts under the business name.

What happens if I operate without filing a required DBA?

• Penalties, fines, inability to enforce contracts, and banking issues.

Key takeaways

• A DBA is used as a naming tool, not as a separate legal structure.

• It gives your business the ability to have a more professional branding, with establishing multiple brands under one business entity.

• DBAs do not provide owners the personal liability protection or change anything involving the tax status of the business.

• Requirements for registering a DBA vary depending on what state your business is operating in, and renewal timelines vary as well.

• For stronger brand protection, combine DBA with federal trademark registration.

• Consult with professional business filing service to help determine the best structure for your specific needs.

If you’re unsure whether a DBA alone meets your needs or whether you should form a legal entity first, consider consulting with our expert customer service team or attorney familiar with your state’s requirements. A small investment in professional guidance now can prevent much larger problems down the road.