Fictitious Name (DBA) Frequently Asked Questions

A fictitious name is an operating name, which is different from the legal name of a sole proprietor, corporation or LLC. You must register your fictitious name with the state in which you are conducting business. A fictitious name may be best described by using some examples:

Sole Proprietor:  You are a sole proprietor who wishes to conduct business utilizing a name that is different than your personal legal name. (i.e. you wish to operate under the name “Sunshine Landscaping” instead of “John Doe”).

Incorporated Business: You having incorporated a business and you wish to conduct business under a name that is different from the entity’s legal name. (i.e. Your business is incorporated as “John Doe, Inc.” or “ABC Company, Inc.” but you wish to operate as “Sunshine Landscaping”).

In most states, the name you register must be advertised at least once in a newspaper that is located within the county where your principal place of business is located. However, proof of advertisement is typically not required. You, as the applicant, certify the name has been advertised when you sign the application.

No, registration of a fictitious name does not grant the applicant ownership or any rights to the name nor does it prevent another individual or corporation from using or registering the same fictitious name.

In most states, a fictitious name registration is valid for a period of 5 years and will expire on December 31^st of the final year.

Fileyourbusiness.com’s partners can assist you in registering a fictitious name for your sole proprietorship or incorporated business by clicking here.