How to file a DBA in California

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. In such cases, a DBA can help you create a strong brand identity.

In most cases, no. You do need a DBA if you are using 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 California Holdings, LLC and you do business as California Realty, you will need a DBA because those names are different. Similarly, if you use a shortened version of your business name as your assumed name (Smart Lamp Shades, but operating under the name SLS), you will need to 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 process than a legal name change. And remember, you can register multiple DBAs. So, if your business operates multiple different other businesses, DBAs might offer you more flexibility.

No. If you want to limit your liability in a rental property, the typical approach is to register 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.