Can You Do a DBA Under an LLC? A Comprehensive Guide

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a popular business structure that offers personal liability protection to its owners. However, many entrepreneurs and small business owners may wonder if they can also register a Doing Business As (DBA) name under their LLC. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide a comprehensive guide on how to do a DBA under an LLC.

A DBA, also known as a fictitious business name, is a name that a business uses to operate under a name that is different from its official business name. This can be useful for businesses that want to operate under a trade name, such as a brand name, or for businesses that want to operate under a name that is different from their official business name.

In most states, a DBA is a separate entity from the LLC, and it requires its own registration and filing. However, some states allow a DBA to be registered under an LLC, which can simplify the process and reduce the costs associated with registering a DBA.

To register a DBA under an LLC, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Check with your state's business registration office to see if they allow DBAs to be registered under LLCs.
2. Choose a DBA name that is not already in use by another business in your state.
3. File a DBA registration form with your state's business registration office.
4. Pay the required filing fee.
5. Wait for the DBA registration to be processed and approved.

It's important to note that even if you register a DBA under an LLC, you will still need to comply with all of the other requirements and regulations that apply to your LLC, such as filing annual reports and paying taxes.

In conclusion, while it is possible to do a DBA under an LLC, it is important to check with your state's business registration office to see if they allow DBAs to be registered under LLCs. If they do, you will need to follow the steps outlined above to register your DBA.