Do I Need a DBA for My Business?

New York and New Jersey businesses can conduct business under different names than they have registered with the state. This concept is commonly referred to as a “DBA” or “D/B/A” which are shorthand for “Doing Business As.”

For example, ABC Consulting Inc. and XYZ Services LLC may wish to streamline their registered names by dropping the cumbersome corporate suffix and instead promote the business under different names.

Those alternative names can also provide more information about the products or services. They may also bolter search engine optimization–which is crucial for any small business (for example “ABC NYC Online Consultants” or “XYZ Bergen County IT Services”).

Using a DBA is also helpful when a business owner runs separate products or service lines out of the same corporate entity.

DBAs in New York

A domestic or foreign corporation may conduct or transact business under an assumed name (a.k.a a D/B/A) by filing a Certificate of Assumed Name pursuant to Section 130 of the General Business Law. The business owner must complete and file the Certificate of Assumed Name with the New York Department of State and pay the necessary fee.

For more information on how to file a DBA in New York, visit the New York Department of State Certificate of Assumed Name for Domestic and Foreign Business Corporations | Department of State (ny.gov).

DBAs in New Jersey

After profit and non-profit corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships have been established or are authorized to do business in New Jersey, they may legally do business under an alternate name once that alternate name is registered. The selection of the alternate name is not subject to name availability requirements as those for the business entity name.

Although the registration of the alternate name will not provide exclusive rights, it will legally link the name to the corporate entity and enable the business to use the alternate name for financial, advertising and other business purposes for a 5-year period that can be renewed.

For more information on how to file a DBA in New Jersey visit the State of NJ – NJ Treasury – DORES for more information. Form C-150G is available to register an alternate name for all entity types. Renewals are now available online. Form C-150R is also available to renew an alternate name.

Conclusion

If you have questions about DBAs and whether you need one for your New York or New Jersey business, be sure to contact a business attorney for a consultation.

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