Entrepreneurs put a lot on the line to start their own businesses — their own money, their own time and even their own names. As a sole proprietor, you can choose to simply do business under your personal name. Or you can keep your name to yourself and look more professional as a business by officially registering a DBA (Doing Business As) name. Filing a DBA — also known as a fictitious business name — allows you to:

1. Conduct business under a name that isn't your own
2. Use a business name without forming an official legal entity such as an LLC or corporation
3. Accept payments under a business, rather than an individual, and open a business bank account under your business name

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

File your DBA with the appropriate entity through easy online services

DBAs typically are filed with the state or, more commonly, the county. For a small fee, you can complete a name registration form that allows you to legally use your fictitious business name; all you'll need in most jurisdictions is your name, the date of your filing, the name you wish to do business as and your business address.

I recommend: If you fear paperwork, hire someone to do it for you. MyCorporation.com, LegalZoom.com and BizFilings offer complete DBA registration services for businesses in any jurisdiction.

Decide if a DBA is right for you

If your company is structured as a sole proprietorship or a partnership, and you want to operate your business under a name other than your own, chances are you'll need to file a DBA with your city, county or state.

I recommend: Learn the basics of DBA registration with articles from Business Pipeline and About.com.

Choose a name

If you want to do business under a fictitious name, choose that name carefully. Keep your name simple and easy to pronounce, and choose one that adequately describes your business while appealing to your target customers.

I recommend: Browse records of existing DBAs in your area to make sure your name is not already being used. Most states and counties have their own fictitious name databases; find yours at BusinessName.com.

Apply for a Federal Tax ID Number

A name isn't enough to do business; you'll also need a number with which to identify your business to the federal government. You can use either your Social Security Number (SSN) or an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

I recommend: Find out if you need an EIN — and apply for one online — with information from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Register a trademark

Filing a DBA will not protect your business name from duplication. To reserve exclusive rights to your DBA, you'll have to register it as a trademark.

I recommend: Search federal trademarks — and apply for one of your own — online with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Use — and enjoy — your DBA

Once your DBA is properly registered, you can use it to conduct business — meaning that you can freely use your DBA to market and advertise your business, as well as finance it via business checking accounts and lines of credit.

I recommend: Use your new business name everywhere — on your business cards, checks, stationery and more. Order custom business supplies featuring your fictitious name from Deluxe or iPrint.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Corporations and LLCs also can register DBAs, and are required to do so if they plan to transact business under a name other than their legally-approved name.
• •  DBA registration can cost between $10 and $100.
• •  Individuals and companies can file as many DBAs as they desire.
• •  In some jurisdictions, a DBA must be formally announced via publication in the local newspaper.