How to Register for a DBA and LLC: A Step-by-Step Guide

How do I get a DBA and LLC?
Steps to Changing Your DBA to an LLC: Determine If You Can Use Your DBA Name. States require LLCs to have a name that no other registered business uses. Choose a Registered Agent. Register Your New LLC With the State. Obtain an EIN. Open a New Bank Account. Dissolve Your DBA. Make Other Final Changes. Limited Liability.
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Managing a business presents its own set of difficulties, so it’s critical to have the appropriate legal framework in place. A DBA (Doing Business As) and an LLC (Limited Liability Company) are two of the most well-liked legal forms for small businesses. We’ll go over the specifics of registering for a DBA and an LLC in this article and address some associated queries.

Obtaining a DBA

You can conduct business under a name other than your legal name with the aid of a DBA. This is often referred to as an assumed business name or fictional name. To obtain a DBA, you must take the following actions:

1. Pick a name: Begin by going with an original, unoccupied name. The company name database maintained by your state can be used to confirm availability.

2. Submit a DBA application: After deciding on a name, you must submit a DBA application to your state or local government. A notification may also need to be printed in the neighborhood paper.

3. Pay the filing fee: A DBA requires payment of a filing fee. By county and state, the sum varies. 4. Obtain any essential permits and licenses: Depending on the nature of your industry and the location of your company, you might need to acquire additional licenses and permits.

Finding an LLC

An LLC protects business owners from personal liability and keeps their personal and corporate assets separate. Follow these procedures to create an LLC:

1. Pick a name: Just like with a DBA, you must select an original name that is not in use. The company name database maintained by your state can be used to confirm availability.

2. Submit articles of organization: You must submit your articles of organization to the Secretary of State’s office in your state. The structure of your LLC is described in this document. It’s a good idea to draft an operating agreement that specifies the ownership and management of your LLC, even though it’s not needed in all states. The same as with a DBA, you might need to get extra licences and licenses based on your business type and region.

4. Obtain any applicable permits and licenses.

How to Online Business Name Registration

You can register your business name online in several states. To find out if this choice is offered, contact the Secretary of State’s office in your state. Usually, your business name, contact details, and payment information are required. Can a business name be registered but not used?

You can indeed register a business name even if you never use it. You might still be forced to pay registration-related fees, though. It’s also crucial to keep in mind that if you don’t utilize your company name now, someone else could be able to do so later.

A DBA sole proprietorship is what it sounds like. In a DBA sole proprietorship, the owner does business using a false identity. This indicates that the company and the owner are one and the same legal entity. All of the company’s duties and debts are the owner’s responsibility. Although it is very simple and inexpensive to set up, this kind of business does not shield the proprietor from personal liability. In conclusion, creating a DBA or LLC involves significant thought and preparation. Make sure the name you choose is original and not already in use. According to your business’s location and type, you could also need to apply for more permits and licenses. You may manage a profitable and legally compliant business by carefully following these steps and completing your research.