What is a DBA (Doing Business As)?
A DBA, also called a Fictitious Business Name, lets you operate under a business name different from your legal name. Learn when you need one in California.
DBA Basics
A DBA — short for "Doing Business As" — is a registration that allows a person or business to operate under a name that isn't their legal name. In California, this is officially called a Fictitious Business Name (FBN) filing.
The terms are interchangeable:
- DBA = "Doing Business As"
- FBN = "Fictitious Business Name"
- "Trade name" or "assumed name" in some other states
Example: Jane Smith is a sole proprietor. Her legal name is "Jane Smith." If she wants to operate as "Coastal Candle Co.," she needs to file a DBA/FBN with her county registrar because she's conducting business under a name other than her own.
Who Needs a DBA?
You need a DBA in California if:
Sole Proprietors and General Partnerships
If you operate as a sole proprietor or general partnership and you use any name other than your own legal name (or the legal names of all partners), you're required by California law to file a fictitious business name.
- ❌ No DBA needed: "John Nguyen Consulting" (operating as your own legal name)
- ✅ DBA needed: "Pacific Design Studio" (a name other than your legal name)
LLCs and Corporations
If your LLC or corporation wants to operate under a name different from its legally registered entity name, it needs a DBA.
- ❌ No DBA needed: "Pacific Design Studio, LLC" operating as "Pacific Design Studio, LLC"
- ✅ DBA needed: "Pacific Design Studio, LLC" operating as "PDS Creative" (a shortened or different name)
Multiple Brand Names
Businesses that operate multiple brands under a single entity commonly use DBAs. For example, a restaurant group ("Sunset Hospitality Group, LLC") might file DBAs for each restaurant name.
Why Do DBAs Exist?
The DBA system serves a consumer protection function: it creates a public record of who actually owns the business behind a brand name. If you're a customer who has a dispute with "Coastal Candle Co.," you can look up the FBN filing to find out that Jane Smith is the owner and how to contact her.
This is why California law requires DBA filings to be published in a local newspaper — the publication requirement creates a public record through local notice.
DBA vs. Entity Registration: What's the Difference?
| DBA / FBN | LLC / Corporation | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A registered trade name | A separate legal entity |
| Liability protection | ❌ None | ✅ Yes (personal assets protected) |
| Filed with | County clerk (and published) | California Secretary of State |
| Cost | ~$26 filing fee (LA County) | $70–$100 + $800/yr |
| Renewal | Every 5 years | Ongoing (annual/biennial filings) |
A DBA does not create a new legal entity. It's just a name registration. Your personal liability as a sole proprietor is unchanged. If you want liability protection, you need an LLC or corporation.
California DBA Requirements
In California, DBAs are filed at the county level — not with the state. Each county has its own registrar/clerk that handles FBN filings.
Key requirements in California:
- File with your county's registrar — typically the County Clerk or Registrar-Recorder
- Publish in a qualifying newspaper — within 30 days of filing, you must publish notice of the fictitious business name in a local newspaper of general circulation for 4 consecutive weeks
- File proof of publication — after publication, you file an affidavit of publication with the county
- Renew every 5 years — FBNs in California expire after 5 years and must be renewed (with new publication)
Multi-County DBAs
If your business operates in multiple California counties, you generally need to file in each county where you conduct business. This can get complicated quickly — especially for businesses active across Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Ventura counties.
Administry handles multi-county DBA filings as a service, ensuring each county's requirements are met and publication is handled locally. See How Administry Files Your DBA.
Common Questions
Do I need a DBA if I just formed an LLC?
Only if you want to operate under a different name than your LLC's legal name. If "Pacific Design Studio, LLC" wants to operate as just "Pacific Design Studio," many counties consider this a slight variation and may not require a DBA — but the rules vary by county.
Can I open a business bank account with just a DBA?
Yes — most banks accept a certified copy of your FBN filing to open a business account in the DBA name. Some banks also require a federal EIN.
Does filing a DBA protect my business name?
No. DBA registration does not give you exclusive rights to the name. It's a public notice filing, not a trademark. For name protection, you'd need a state or federal trademark registration.