How to file a DBA in Alabama
Filing an Alabama DBA ('doing business as'), also known as an 'assumed name', is a simple process. You will file the DBA at the state level.
Read below for answers to your questions about DBAs, plus important details and links, why you might consider filing an assumed name (DBA), and how a DBA can help or hurt you. If you need to research how to file a DBA in another U.S. state or territory, select it below.
Do I need a DBA in Alabama?
Alabama does not require General Partnerships or sole proprietorships to file a DBA. LLCs and corporations are required to file a DBA in Alabama.
Frequently Asked Questions About DBAs in Alabama
You can register as many DBAs as you want. But remember that each requires a separate registration and filing fee, a separate brand identity (name, logo design, etc.), and periodic renewal registrations.
The cost to set up a DBA varies by state, county, city, and business structure. In general, you will end up spending from $10 to $100 on registering your DBA.
No. DBAs are not a business entity and do not have separate tax IDs. The business entity that owns the DBA would have an EIN or Tax ID if one is required for the business (in nearly all cases, one is required).
You do not need to have a DBA for your LLC. You can operate the LLC under the name of the LLC. However, many LLCs have names that would convert to poor brands and make marketing more difficult. A DBA can help you create a strong brand identity in such cases.
In most cases, no. You need a DBA if you use a business name other than your legal business name or if you haven’t registered your business and operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership.
You will need a DBA if your business uses a name (for example, for the company logo, on your website, on signs, on products, etc.) that is not identical to the name of the company. For example, if you register an LLC called Alabama Holdings, LLC and do business as Alabama Realty, you will need a DBA because those names differ. Similarly, if you use a shortened version of your business name as your assumed name (Smart Lamp Shades, but operating under SLS), you must register a DBA.
Generally, no. Many state laws prevent DBAs that are to similar to existing DBAs, but this varies from state to state. One way to assure legal protection for your DBA is to trademark it.
Both solutions could give you a new name for your business. But in most cases, filing a DBA is a simpler, quicker, and less expensive than a legal name change. And remember, you can register multiple DBAs. So, if your business operates multiple different businesses, DBAs might offer you more flexibility.
No. If you want to limit your liability in a rental property, the typical approach is registering a separate LLC for each rental property. This would protect your personal assets and would also protect each property from being impacted by legal problems with another property you own.
Maybe. You can use Inc. in the DBA name only if you have registered a corporation.
No. A DBA is just a nickname for a business. It cannot turn into a legal business entity. In fact, you can register a DBA only if you already have a legal business entity or if you want to operate as a sole proprietor or partnership.
You can register as many DBAs as you want. But remember that each requires a separate registration and filing fee, a separate brand identity (name, logo design, etc.), and periodic renewal registrations.
The cost to set up a DBA varies by state, county, city, and business structure. In general, you will end up spending from $10 to $100 on registering your DBA.
No. DBAs are not a business entity and do not have separate tax IDs. The business entity that owns the DBA would have an EIN or Tax ID if one is required for the business (in nearly all cases, one is required).
You do not need to have a DBA for your LLC. You can operate the LLC under the name of the LLC. However, many LLCs have names that would convert to poor brands and make marketing more difficult. A DBA can help you create a strong brand identity in such cases.
In most cases, no. You need a DBA if you use a business name other than your legal business name or if you haven’t registered your business and operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership.
You will need a DBA if your business uses a name (for example, for the company logo, on your website, on signs, on products, etc.) that is not identical to the name of the company. For example, if you register an LLC called Alabama Holdings, LLC and do business as Alabama Realty, you will need a DBA because those names differ. Similarly, if you use a shortened version of your business name as your assumed name (Smart Lamp Shades, but operating under SLS), you must register a DBA.
Generally, no. Many state laws prevent DBAs that are to similar to existing DBAs, but this varies from state to state. One way to assure legal protection for your DBA is to trademark it.
Both solutions could give you a new name for your business. But in most cases, filing a DBA is a simpler, quicker, and less expensive than a legal name change. And remember, you can register multiple DBAs. So, if your business operates multiple different businesses, DBAs might offer you more flexibility.
No. If you want to limit your liability in a rental property, the typical approach is registering a separate LLC for each rental property. This would protect your personal assets and would also protect each property from being impacted by legal problems with another property you own.
Maybe. You can use Inc. in the DBA name only if you have registered a corporation.
No. A DBA is just a nickname for a business. It cannot turn into a legal business entity. In fact, you can register a DBA only if you already have a legal business entity or if you want to operate as a sole proprietor or partnership.