What are the Requirements for a DBA?
A DBA statement must generally be filed before using your DBA in the operation of your business, and in some cases within 30-40 days of your first business transaction. In addition, there are several states that require publishing your DBA statement in a local newspaper, and then filing proof of publication with the proper government office. The objective of publication is to inform the public of new businesses in the area, their legal name and ownership. A DBA name may not contain any word or corporate ending that implies it is anything other than a DBA, unless the DBA is being filed for a corporation, LLC or other state registered entity. For example, if Joe Smith operates a sole proprietorship under “ABC Plumbing,†he cannot file a DBA as “ABC Electical, Inc.†In order to have the title of corporation or LLC you would have to form and file such an organization with the appropriate state agency.
