Trade name registration

Trade name = DBA

A trade name is the name a business trades under publicly, when it differs from the owner's legal name or the company's registered entity name. It's the same thing as a DBA, a fictitious business name, or an assumed name. A trade name is not a trademark: registering it records your use of the name but does not grant exclusive nationwide rights the way a federal trademark can.

How to register a trade name

• Confirm the name is available with a quick name search.
• File with the correct office for your state — the Secretary of State in many states, or a county/town clerk in others.
• Meet any publication or notarization requirements your state imposes.
• Renew on schedule — terms range from “never” to every couple of years.

See your state's exact requirements in the 50-state registry, or file through LegalZoom for a done-for-you option.

Check my business name