What is a fictitious business name?
The term “fictitious business name” (or, sometimes, “assumed business name,” “trade name” or “DBA”) is used when a business uses a name that’s different from its legal name. For instance, if John O’Toole names his sole proprietorship Turtle’s Classic Cars, the name “Turtle’s Classic Cars” is a fictitious business name because it does not contain his last name, “O’Toole.” If your business uses a fictitious business name, you’ll need to register it with a government agency — in most states, your local county clerk’s office. For more information, read Registering Your Business Name.
The term “fictitious business name” (or “assumed business name,” “trade name,” or “DBA” for “doing business as”) is used when a business uses a name that’s different from its legal name. For instance, if John O’Toole names his sole proprietorship Turtle’s Classic Cars, the name “Turtle’s Classic Cars” is a fictitious business name because it does not contain John’s last name, “O’Toole.” If your business uses a fictitious business name, you’ll need to register it with a government agency — in most states, your local county clerk’s office. For more information, read Registering Your Business Name.
The term “fictitious business name” (or “assumed business name,” “trade name,” or “DBA” for “doing business as”) is used when a business uses a name that’s different from its legal name. For instance, if John O’Toole names his sole proprietorship Turtle’s Classic Cars, the name “Turtle’s Classic Cars” is a fictitious business name because it does not contain John’s last name, “O’Toole.” If your business uses a fictitious business name, you’ll need to register it with a government agency — in most states, your local county clerk’s office.
A fictitious business name is the name of your business, if different from your own. If you are operating the business as XYZ Desktop Publishing, for example, you are required to register the fictitious or assumed business name at your city or county clerk’s office. Registering your fictitious business name is important for a number of reasons. Banks look for proof that you have properly registered the name when opening a business account. An even more important consideration is that you won’t be able to enforce any contract that you sign under an unregistered name. An unregistered business name also leaves that name open for use by other businesses, even your competitors, which may jeopardize your business. Some states require that the fictitious business name be registered with the Secretary of State or other state agency. Procedures vary, but the process is fairly easy. In most states, you’ll register it at the county level. Be sure to call your county clerk’s office to find out its
