In this digital age, having an online presence has become essential for businesses to thrive. One crucial aspect of establishing an online identity is registering a domain name and obtaining the necessary licenses. A DBA license, also known as a fictitious business name or assumed business name, is a legal requirement that allows you to operate your business under a different name than your personal name.
It's essential to understand that a DBA license is not the same as a trademark registration. While both serve the purpose of protecting your brand identity, they have distinct differences and purposes.
Obtaining a DBA license is mandatory for businesses that operate under an assumed name. This includes sole proprietors, partnerships, and limited liability companies (LLCs).
The primary purpose of a DBA license is to provide public notice of your business's existence and ownership structure. It also helps to prevent potential conflicts with other businesses operating in the same industry or geographic area.
Obtaining a DBA license is a relatively straightforward process. First, you'll need to check if your desired business name is available by conducting a search with the relevant state or county authorities.
Once you've confirmed the availability of your chosen name, you can proceed to file an application for registration. This typically involves submitting a notarized statement and paying a fee.