Glossary • Updated 2026
By Srikanta M.Reviewed against FTB / SOS sources: September 2026Methodology

DBA (Fictitious Business Name)

‘Doing business as’ registration letting an entity or sole prop operate under another name.

In detail

Filed county-by-county in California (~$40–$80 plus newspaper publication).

A DBA creates no liability shield: it is a name, not an entity.

Banks require the filed statement to open DBA accounts.

Where it matters

More definitions

Sources

  • Cal. Rev. & Tax Code; 8 Del. C.; Wyo. Stat. Title 17; FTB/SOS glossaries