Starting, running, and growing a business requires dedication, time, and paperwork, and one important consideration is obtaining a DBA name. A DBA, or “Doing Business As,” can offer a range of benefits depending on your business structure, whether it’s a sole proprietorship, LLC, or any other entity. 

The following descriptions of each state’s DBA filing requirements are provided for informational purposes and do not constitute legal advice. To ensure compliance with DBA rules and regulations in your specific state, county, or city, it is highly recommended to consult a business attorney or reach out to the appropriate authorities, such as the Secretary of State’s office or county clerk. 

Read on to learn about DBA filing fees per state. 

Price of DBA Filing Per State

The fees associated with filing a DBA can vary from state to state. Here is a breakdown of the DBA filing process and fees in several states:

Alabama

In Alabama, entrepreneurs who wish to operate under an alternative name using a DBA must file what is commonly referred to as a “Trade Name” or “Fictitious Business Name.” The filing fee for a Trade Name is set at $10. Typically, this filing process takes place at the county level. It’s important to note that as part of the requirement, businesses are obligated to publish a notice of their Trade Name in a local newspaper for a consecutive number of weeks. 

Staying informed about the specific county regulations and any potential updates related to DBA filings in Alabama is crucial, and it’s recommended to consult the official sources for accurate and current information.

Alaska

In the state of Alaska, businesses wishing to operate under an alternate name through a DBA must file a “Business Name Registration.” The fee for filing a Business Name Registration is set at $50. This filing process occurs at the state level. Businesses are required to renew their registration every five years. 

Keeping track of the renewal dates and any potential updates or changes to the DBA requirements in Alaska is key.

Arizona

Entrepreneurs in Arizona seeking to operate under a different name through a DBA are required to file a “Trade Name.” The fee for filing a Trade Name is $10. This filing process takes place at the county level, and businesses may need to publish a notice of their Trade Name in a local newspaper as per the county’s regulations. 

Staying updated with any potential changes or requirements related to DBA filings in Arizona is crucial, and it’s recommended to consult the official sources for accurate and current information.

Arkansas

In the state of Arkansas, businesses looking to operate under a different name through a DBA must file what is known as a “Trade Name” or “Fictitious Business Name.” The fee for filing a Trade Name is set at $25. This filing process is conducted at the county level, and depending on the county’s requirements, businesses may be obligated to publish a notice of their Trade Name in a local newspaper. 

It’s important for entrepreneurs to stay informed about any potential updates or changes to the regulations and procedures for DBA filings in Arkansas by consulting official sources.

California

In the state of California, entrepreneurs opting for a DBA must file a “Fictitious Business Name.” The filing fee for a Fictitious Business Name varies depending on the county and can fall within the range of $10 to $100. This filing process takes place at the county level, and it is commonly required for businesses to publish a notice of their Fictitious Business Name in a local newspaper for a specified period. 

It’s worth noting that these regulations and fees are subject to change, so it’s advisable to consult the official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information on DBA filings in California.

Colorado

A DBA is referred to as a “Trade Name” or “Fictitious Business Name” in Colorado. The fee for filing a Trade Name is $20. The filing is done at the state level, and businesses are required to renew the registration every five years.

Connecticut

In Connecticut, businesses opting for an alternative name through a DBA are required to file a “Trade Name.” The filing fee for a Trade Name is $50. This filing process typically takes place at the town or city level, ensuring local oversight. As part of the registration process, businesses may be obligated to publish a notice of their Trade Name in a local newspaper. 

Connecticut has an additional requirement for DBA registrants, which involves providing a statement describing the nature of the business.

Delaware

Delaware does not have a specific DBA filing requirement. Instead, businesses are registered under their legal name when incorporated in the state. However, businesses operating under a different name can register a “Doing Business As” name at the county level for a fee determined by each county’s regulations.

Florida

A DBA is commonly known as a “Fictitious Name” in Florida. The filing fee for a Fictitious Name is $50, and the filing process occurs at the state level. To comply with Florida’s regulations, businesses using a Fictitious Name are obligated to publish a notice of the name in a local newspaper for a specified duration. 

Certain professions in Florida may have additional requirements, like obtaining specific licenses or certifications first.

Georgia

In Georgia, businesses opting for an alternative name through a DBA are required to file a “Trade Name.” The filing fee for a Trade Name is $25, typically submitted at the county level. As part of the registration process, businesses might need to publish a notice of the Trade Name in a local newspaper. 

Hawaii

DBAs in Hawaii are required to file a “Trade Name.” The fee for filing a Trade Name is set at $25. This filing process takes place at the state level, ensuring consistency across the islands. In adherence to Hawaii’s regulations, businesses may need to publish a notice of their Trade Name in a local newspaper. 

Idaho

Businesses that wish to operate under an alternative name through a DBA in Idaho are required to file a “Fictitious Business Name.” The fee for filing a Fictitious Business Name may vary depending on the county, typically ranging from $20 to $25. This filing process is typically conducted at the county level. It’s important to note that businesses may be required to publish a notice of their Fictitious Business Name in a local newspaper as part of the registration process.

Illinois

In the state of Illinois, businesses seeking to operate under an alternative name through a DBA are required to file what is referred to as an “Assumed Name” or “Doing Business As (DBA) Name.” The fee for filing an Assumed Name is $150 for corporations and LLCs, while sole proprietorships and general partnerships are charged $25. 

Indiana

In the state of Indiana, businesses that wish to operate under an alternative name using a DBA are required to file what is known as a “Certificate of Assumed Business Name.” The fee for filing this certificate is $20. Typically, this filing process occurs at the county level, and businesses may be required to publish a notice of their Assumed Business Name in a local newspaper as part of the registration process. 

Iowa

A DBA in Iowa is known as a “Fictitious Name.” The fee for filing a Fictitious Name is $5. The filing is done at the county level, and businesses may be required to publish a notice of the Fictitious Name in a local newspaper.

Kansas

In Kansas, a DBA is referred to as a “Trade Name.” The fee for filing a Trade Name is $35. The filing is typically done at the county level, and businesses may need to publish a notice of the Trade Name in a local newspaper.

Kentucky

A DBA is known as a “Trade Name” in the state of Kentucky. The fee for filing a Trade Name is $20. The filing is done at the county level, and businesses may be required to publish a notice of the Trade Name in a local newspaper.

Louisiana

In Louisiana, a DBA is referred to as a “Trade Name.” The fee for filing a Trade Name is $75. The filing is typically done at the parish (county) level, and businesses may need to publish a notice of the Trade Name in a local newspaper.

Maine

A DBA is known as a “Fictitious Name” in Maine. The fee for filing a Fictitious Name is $20. The filing is done at the state level, and businesses may be required to publish a notice of the Fictitious Name in a local newspaper.

Maryland

In Maryland, a DBA is referred to as a “Trade Name.” The fee for filing a Trade Name varies depending on the county and can range from $25 to $50. The filing is typically done at the county level, and businesses may need to publish a notice of the Trade Name in a local newspaper.

Massachusetts

A DBA is referred to as a “Business Certificate” In Massachusetts. The fee for filing a Business Certificate varies by city or town but ranges from $25 to $100. The filing is typically done at the city or town clerk’s office where the business is located. It’s worth noting that the Business Certificate is valid for four years and can be renewed upon expiration. 

Businesses in certain professions, such as law or architecture, may have specific requirements or restrictions when filing a DBA.

Michigan

A DBA is called a “Fictitious Name” in Michigan. The filing fee for a Fictitious Name is $25. Businesses are required to register the Fictitious Name with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). 

Minnesota

In Minnesota, a DBA is referred to as an “Assumed Name.” The fee for filing an Assumed Name varies depending on the county and is typically between $30 and $50. Registering an Assumed Name is required for businesses operating under a name different from their legal name, and it helps establish their presence and legal recognition in the state.

Mississippi

In Mississippi, a DBA is known as a “Trade Name” or “Assumed Name.” The fee for filing a Trade Name or Assumed Name is $25. Businesses may be required to publish a notice of the Trade Name or Assumed Name in a local newspaper. Mississippi law requires businesses to renew their Trade Name or Assumed Name registration every five years. 

Missouri

In Missouri, a DBA is called a “Fictitious Name.” The fee for filing a Fictitious Name is $7, applicable to sole proprietorships, LLCs, corporations, franchises, and non-profit organizations. Renewing your Missouri DBA is required every five years, with a processing fee of $7. 

It’s important to note that Missouri does not mandate unique DBA names, but it is advisable to select a distinctive name that aligns with your business and facilitates effective branding and marketing.

Montana

In Montana, a DBA is called a “Fictitious Business Name.” The fee for filing a Fictitious Business Name is $20. The filing is typically done at the county level, and businesses may need to publish a notice of the Fictitious Business Name in a local newspaper. 

Nebraska

In Nebraska, a DBA is called a “Trade Name.” The fee for filing a Trade Name is $100. The filing process takes place at the county level, and businesses might be required to publish a notice of the Trade Name in a local newspaper. 

It’s worth mentioning that registering a Trade Name does not provide exclusive rights to the name. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses to conduct a comprehensive search to ensure that the chosen Trade Name is not already in use by another entity. Taking this step helps avoid potential conflicts or infringement issues in Nebraska.

Nevada

In Nevada, a DBA is commonly referred to as a “Fictitious Firm Name.” The fee for filing a Fictitious Firm Name in Nevada is typically around $25. Filing of a Fictitious Firm Name does not provide exclusive rights to the name and is primarily used for public disclosure and identification purposes. 

New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, a DBA is known as a “Trade Name.” The fee for registering a Trade Name in the state is approximately $50. Registering a Trade Name is not mandatory in New Hampshire, but it is recommended to protect your business name and establish legal recognition.

New Jersey

In New Jersey, a DBA is referred to as a “Trade Name.” The fee for filing a Trade Name in the state is generally around $50. Registering a Trade Name is essential to conduct business under a name that differs from the legal name of the individual or entity.

New Mexico

A DBA is commonly known as a “Trade Name” in New Mexico. The fee for filing a Trade Name in the state is typically around $25. Registering a Trade Name allows businesses to operate under a name that is different from their legal name.

New York

In New York, a DBA is known as a “Certificate of Assumed Name” or a “Business Certificate.” The fee for filing a Certificate of Assumed Name varies depending on the county but typically ranges from $25 to $100. Filing a Certificate of Assumed Name is required for businesses that operate under a name other than their legal name.

North Carolina

A DBA is commonly referred to as a “Trade Name” or an “Assumed Name” in the state of North Carolina. The fee for registering a Trade Name in the state is generally around $26. Registering a Trade Name is necessary if a business operates under a name other than its legal name.

Businesses can file their Trade Name or Assumed Name registration with the North Carolina Secretary of State. This is the governing body responsible for handling business registrations and maintaining the state’s business database. 

North Dakota

In North Dakota, businesses can file their DBA, known as a “Trade Name,” with the Secretary of State’s office. The Secretary of State oversees business registrations and maintains the official records. Registering a Trade Name is a key step for businesses operating under a name different from their legal name in North Dakota.

Ohio

A DBA is known as a “Fictitious Name,” in Ohio. The filing fee for a Fictitious Name is $50. As part of the registration process, businesses in Ohio are obligated to publish a notice of their Fictitious Name in a newspaper situated within the county where the business operates. This notice is required to be published once a week for two consecutive weeks.

Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, a DBA is a “Trade Name.” The fee for filing a Trade Name in the state is generally around $25. Registering a Trade Name is required for businesses operating under a name other than their legal name. 

Oregon

In Oregon, a DBA is called a “Business Name.” The fee for registering a Business Name in the state varies depending on the county and ranges from $50 to $100.

Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, a DBA is referred to as a “fictitious name.” To operate a business under a name different from the legal name, individuals or entities must file a fictitious name registration with the Pennsylvania Department of State. The fee for filing a DBA in Pennsylvania is $70. Registering a fictitious name helps establish the identity of the business and ensures transparency in business transactions.

Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, a DBA is known as a “fictitious business name.” Individuals or entities operating a business under a name other than their legal name must file a fictitious business name registration with the Rhode Island Secretary of State. 

The fee for filing a DBA in Rhode Island varies based on the type of business. For corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and limited partnerships, the fee is $50, while for nonprofit organizations, the fee is $20. Registering a fictitious business name helps businesses establish their identity and ensures transparency in business operations.

South Carolina

In South Carolina, a DBA can be referred to as either a “fictitious name” or an “assumed name.” The filing process for a DBA in South Carolina typically occurs at the local level, such as the county or city level, depending on the jurisdiction. However, if the business is a limited partnership, the filing must be done with the South Carolina Secretary of State. 

The fee for filing a DBA in South Carolina varies depending on the specific county or city where the registration is made. For limited partnerships, the filing fee is typically $10, but the fee for other business types may vary.

South Dakota

In South Dakota, a DBA is referred to as a “fictitious name.” Individuals or entities operating a business under a name different from their legal name must file a fictitious name registration with the Secretary of State. The fee for filing a fictitious name registration in South Dakota is $10.

Tennessee

In Tennessee, a DBA is known as an “assumed name,” although “trade name” and “fictitious name” are sometimes used interchangeably. The filing process for an assumed name depends on the type of business. 

Sole proprietorships and general partnerships must file at the county level with the Register of Deeds. The filing fee varies by county. Incorporated businesses must file with the Tennessee Secretary of State, and the fee for filing an assumed name certificate is $20.

Texas

In Texas, a DBA is referred to as an “assumed name.” The filing process for an assumed name depends on the type of business. Corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and LLPs must register with the Texas Secretary of State. The fee for filing with the Secretary of State is $25.

Sole proprietorships and general partnerships must file at the county level. The fee varies depending on the county.

Utah

In Utah, a DBA is known as an “assumed name.” Individuals or entities conducting business under a name other than their legal name must file an assumed name registration with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. The fee for filing an assumed name registration in Utah is $22.

Vermont

In Vermont, a DBA is referred to as a “Trade Name.” Individuals or entities conducting business under a name other than their own legal name must file a Trade Name Registration with the Vermont Secretary of State. The fee for filing a Trade Name Registration is $50.

Virginia

In Virginia, a DBA is known as a “Fictitious Name.” When individuals or entities operate a business under a name other than their own legal name, they must file a Fictitious Name Certificate with the State Corporation Commission. The fee for filing a Fictitious Name Certificate is $10. 

Washington

In Washington, a DBA is referred to as a “Trade Name.” Individuals or entities conducting business under a name other than their own legal name must file a Trade Name Registration with the Washington Secretary of State. The fee for filing a Trade Name Registration is $5. 

West Virginia

In West Virginia, a DBA is known as a “Fictitious Name.” When individuals or entities conduct business under a name other than their own legal name, they must file a Fictitious Name Certificate with the Secretary of State. The fee for filing a Fictitious Name Certificate in West Virginia is $15. 

Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, a DBA is referred to as a “trade name.” Individuals or entities operating a business under a name different from their legal name must file a trade name registration with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. The fee for filing a trade name registration in Wisconsin is $15. Registering a trade name helps identify the business and provides legal protection.

Wyoming

A DBA is referred to as a “trade name” in Wyoming. When individuals or entities operate a business using a name different from their legal name, they must file a trade name registration with the Wyoming Secretary of State. The fee for filing a trade name registration in Wyoming is $100. 

DBAs and Doola For Success

Obtaining a DBA name is a crucial aspect for businesses, as it provides various benefits based on the business structure. To effectively navigate the complexities of DBA filings and maintain compliance with legal obligations, it is vital to stay informed and seek professional advice.

Doola offers comprehensive support in managing financial records and ensuring accurate bookkeeping practices. By leveraging their expertise, businesses can streamline their financial operations and focus on growth.

Take the first step towards success by partnering with doola and ensuring your business’s financial stability.

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