What is a DBA or Fictitious Business Name?

The process for obtaining a Fictitious Business Name or DBA is relatively simple. You must file a Fictitious Business Name statement declaring your intent to use a business name and providing your legal name, the name you want the business to go by and your business address.  You must file this form with the Counties in which you operate and pay a small fee. This document becomes public record and serves to give notice to people in society who owns the company. 

Obtaining this will then allow you to open a bank account under the new name for your business.  For tax reporting purposes the financial institution will use your social security number. 

The filing of the Fictitious Business Name Statement is recurring and will need to be renewed periodically while you are using that business name.