You must register for a DBA (Doing Business As) name if you own a business in Maryland and wish to use a name different than your legal name. We’ll provide you a step-by-step tutorial on how to apply for a DBA in Maryland in this article and address some associated queries. Do you need to register a DBA in Maryland?
It’s not necessary for every business in Maryland to register for a DBA. You must apply for a DBA if, however, you are conducting business under a name that differs from the name shown on your records of business registration. For instance, if your company is called “John Smith LLC” but you want to run it as “Smith’s Bakery,” you’ll need to apply for a DBA. How can I add a DBA to my Maryland LLC?
You must file an amendment to your articles of organization with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) if you are already conducting business in Maryland as an LLC and want to add a DBA name. The steps are as follows:
1. Pick a DBA name: To start, choose a name that is distinct and not being used by another company in Maryland. By using the online database of the SDAT, you can determine whether the name you have in mind is available.
3. Cover the cost: An update to your articles of organization must be submitted to the SDAT for a charge of $100. 4. Await authorization: After submitting your modification, you must wait for the SDAT to approve it. Typically, this procedure takes several weeks. The distinction between an LLC and a DBA is as follows: An LLC is a type of business entity; a DBA is not. Instead, it is the name under which a company conducts business. You are essentially registering the name with the state when you submit a DBA application. Contrarily, an LLC is a distinct legal entity that is created by submitting articles of formation to the state. Unlike a DBA, an LLC protects its owners from limited responsibility. Does Maryland require the registration of sole proprietorships?
You are not needed to register with the SDAT if you run your business in Maryland as a sole proprietorship. However, you must submit a DBA application if you want to run your company under a name other than your legal one.
Depending on the county where you are registering, the fee to register a business name in Maryland as a DBA (Doing Business As) varies. The price is between $25 and $50.