A DBA stands for Doing Business As. It is also sometimes called a Fictitious Business Name.

A DBA is needed when you want your business to be known under a name other than its legal name or if you are a sole proprietor.

For example, if your name is Ron Winston and you have a home based business that is under the sole proprietor structure you would need a DBA. Even if you are going by “Ron Winston Designs” you will need the DBA to be legal.

A DBA also helps you get a business checking account and/or post office box setup in the business name.

Setting up your DBA, or Fictitious Business Name, is pretty easy.

Pick a name for your Fictitious Business Name. Then think of a few backup names in case the one you want is taken.

Go on down to your local county court clerk. This needs to be the county clerk in the county where the business is located.

As the clerk to run a business name search on the name you want. If it is available, as for a DBA or Fictitious Business Name form.

Fill out the form and pay the necessary fee to set up your Fictitious Business Name.