What is "DBA" / Fictitious Business Name (FBN)?

A DBA or Doing Business As, is necessary when a person or a company is operating their business using a business name other than their real, actual name.

As well, a corporation or an LLC is required to have a DBA if transacting business under a name other than the legal name of the business.

How many DBA or FBN names can I register? Generally, there is no restriction on how many DBA's you can file.  There is a filing fee for each filing, the fee is per filed name.  Remember that DBA's are filed with the local government in your home state.

What is a DBA used for? For a sole proprietor, a DBA may be required to open a bank account.  Once you form a corporation or llc, your bank will most likely request a copy of your articles of incorporation or articles of organization.