DBA FAQs

Do I have to file a DBA if I am a sole proprietor or partnership operating under my own name?

Yes and no. If your sole proprietorship or partnership is a name different from your individual (legal) or that of your partners, then you have to file a DBA. If your sole proprietorship or partnership is the same name as your own (legal) name or that of your partners, then the filing of a DBA is not required.


But if you are Donald Johnson, a sole proprietor conducting business under the name of Donald Johnson & Associates, then you would have to file a DBA. Similarly, if you are a partnership composed of only two partners, Donald Johnson and William Jones, yet you decide to name your company Johnson, Jones & Associates, you must register a DBA. Otherwise, you might mislead the public into thinking that instead of just you, or you and your named partner, your company is made up of many individuals.