Doing Business As

General Business Advice
Written By Larissa Davidson

What Is a DBA—and Do You Need One?

“DBA” stands for Doing Business As, and it's also called a trade name. It’s a name you can use to operate your business that isn’t your personal name or the legal name of your entity.

Why file a DBA?

  • Sole proprietors can operate under a business name instead of their own, adding professionalism and privacy.

  • LLCs and corporations can use DBAs to run different lines of business under one legal entity.

    • For example, if your LLC is called “Smith Enterprises LLC,” you could file a DBA for “Smith’s Lawn Care” and another for “Smith’s Snow Removal” without forming separate LLCs.

Important note:

A DBA does not create a new legal entity and does not offer liability protection. It’s simply a way to register a different name for your existing business.

In Maryland:

  • You can register unlimited DBAs.

  • It’s a simple one-page application with a $25 filing fee.

Have questions about whether a DBA is right for your business? Reach out—I’m happy to help.

Larissa Davidson
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