DBA registration concern persons who own, conduct or transact business  are required, by statute, to file their business names in the county they are doing business on forms provided by the County Clerk's office. In some states a dba, fbn, fictitious business name or  Certificate of Assumed Name and a Certificate of Co-partnership must be filed in every county where business is conducted.

In registering a DBA, verify if the business name chosen is available. Once accepted, certified copies of that business name will be issued. It is your responsibility to check local telephone books and news media to make certain there is no existing business using the name you have chosen.

The registration of dba or Fictitious Business Name Statement or the Certificate of Assumed Name and Certificate of Co-partnership are not complicated, yet they are legal documents. Information given on them should be as complete and accurate as possible. Each certificate is valid for five years from the date of filing.

In some states, for DBA registration,  notarization of the fictitious name certificate is also necessary. This office will provide notarization if the owner has a current valid driver's license or state-issued ID. If more than one person owns the business, all need to be present for notarization.

Remember that after your register a DBA, it is the responsibility of persons owning a business to notify the government office and file the required forms if:

1. The principal address of the business changes
2. Persons are added or deleted from the business name certificate.
3. The business is dissolved.

Please note: This information pertains to registering  dba business names at the local level. There may be other local, state or federal agencies that handle requirements and regulations which affect your business name.