Ever considered operating your business under a different, more brandable name without the hassle of forming a new legal entity? This is where a DBA (Doing Business As) comes in. For many entrepreneurs in Georgia, whether you’re a sole proprietor, freelancer, or running an LLC, filing a DBA is a simple way to establish your brand while maintaining your current business structure.
In Georgia, DBAs (often referred to as a “Trade Name” or “Assumed Name”) are typically required if your business operates under any name other than your own legal name or your company’s registered name. This practice promotes transparency for customers, banks, and state agencies, and also enhances your business’s credibility.
This guide will walk you through the process, costs, and key requirements for filing a DBA in Georgia so you can avoid common pitfalls and confidently operate under the name you choose.
What Is a DBA in Georgia?
A DBA (Doing Business As), also known as a Trade Name or Assumed Name in Georgia, enables a business to legally operate under a name that’s different from its official legal name. For instance, if James Chen is a sole proprietor but wants to conduct business as Atlanta Tech Solutions, he would need to register a DBA.
It’s important to understand that a DBA isn’t the same as forming an LLC or a corporation. Unlike those legal structures, a DBA doesn’t create a separate legal entity or provide liability protection. It’s merely a way to officially register the name you wish to use for branding and business purposes.
You might need a DBA in Georgia if you:
- Want to operate your business under a brand name that’s different from your personal or company’s legal name.
- Plan to manage multiple ventures under one existing LLC, corporation, or sole proprietorship.
- Need to open a business bank account using your trade name.
In Georgia, filing a DBA is one of the most straightforward and affordable ways to give your business a professional identity without having to restructure your company.
Who Needs to File a DBA in Georgia?
While not every business in Georgia is required to file a DBA, many will need to do so if they plan to operate under a name other than their legal one. Filing a DBA ensures public transparency and makes your business name official for use in banking, contracts, and marketing.
You need to file a DBA in Georgia if you are:
- Sole Proprietors: If you’re running a business under any name other than your full legal name. For example, James Chen, providing web design services as Modern Web Creations, would need a DBA.
- LLCs or Corporations: Even if your company is already registered with the Georgia Secretary of State, you will need a DBA (Trade Name) if you want to operate under a different brand or division name.
- Freelancers and Small Businesses: If you’re expanding your services or managing multiple projects, a DBA allows you to use distinct trade names without having to form separate legal entities.
In essence, if the name you use to interact with customers doesn’t match your legal name or your registered entity’s name, Georgia law requires you to file a DBA (Assumed Name or Trade Name Certificate).
Step-by-Step Process to File a DBA in Georgia
Filing a DBA (Trade Name) in Georgia is a process that’s handled at the county level. Unlike some other states, Georgia doesn’t require a state-level filing for a DBA. The process is straightforward, but it’s important to follow the correct steps for the county where your business is located.
Check Name Availability
Search the records of the Clerk of the Superior Court in your county to ensure your desired trade name isn’t already in use. Some counties may have online search tools, while others may require an in-person visit. Your name should also follow Georgia’s business name standards.
Complete the Trade Name Application
You will need to fill out a Trade Name Application. This form is typically available from the Clerk of the Superior Court’s office in your county. The form may vary by county, but it will generally require information such as your desired trade name, the nature of your business, and the names and addresses of the business owners. Owner signatures often need to be notarized.
File With Your County
File the completed and notarized Trade Name Application with the Clerk of the Superior Court in the county where your business is located. You can usually do this in person, by mail, or through an e-filing system if available. The filing fee will vary by county, but it’s typically around $15-$25.
Publication (Required in Georgia)
Georgia law requires you to publish a notice of your new trade name in the official legal organ (newspaper) of the county where you filed. The notice must run once a week for two consecutive weeks.
You will need to contact the newspaper and pay for the publication. After the notices have run, the newspaper will provide you with an affidavit of publication. For an example of the specific forms, fees, and publishing rules required, review the Fulton County Clerk’s Trade Name Registration page.
Keep Proof of Filing and Publication
It’s crucial to keep a copy of your filed trade name application and the publisher’s affidavit as proof of your DBA. You’ll need these documents for tasks like opening a business bank account under your trade name. Unlike Texas, a Georgia DBA (Trade Name) doesn’t have a renewal requirement unless there’s a change in ownership or the trade name itself.
Costs & Timeline of Filing a DBA in Georgia
When filing a DBA (Trade Name) in Georgia, the costs and timelines are determined at the county level, and the process includes a mandatory publication step. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Filing Fees
The filing fee for a Trade Name application varies by county but is typically in the range of $15-$25. Some counties may have higher fees. Additionally, there may be a small fee for certified copies of your filed document.
Publication Costs
Georgia requires you to publish your trade name in the official legal organ (newspaper) of the county where you filed. This typically costs an additional fee, often between $40-$60, which is paid directly to the newspaper.
Processing Times
In-person filings at the Clerk of the Superior Court office may be processed the same day. However, it will take at least two weeks for your name to be officially in effect, as you must complete the two-week newspaper publication requirement. Mail-in applications may take longer to process.
Renewal Timeline
In Georgia, a DBA (Trade Name) doesn’t have a set expiration or renewal date. It remains valid as long as the ownership and business information on the original filing don’t change.
Quick Note: The mandatory newspaper publication step in Georgia makes the process more expensive and longer compared to states like Texas that don’t have this requirement.
Renewing or Canceling a DBA in Georgia
Georgia’s rules for renewing and canceling a DBA are different from many other states.
- Renewal: Unlike the 10-year renewal cycle in some states, a Georgia DBA (Trade Name) doesn’t need to be renewed. It remains in effect indefinitely unless the information changes. If there’s a change in ownership or the trade name itself, you’re required to file a new or amended Trade Name application with the county clerk.
- Cancellation: If you no longer wish to use your DBA, you should formally cancel it to keep public records up-to-date. You will need to file an Affidavit to Cancel a Trade Name form with the same county clerk’s office where you originally registered. The filing fee for cancellation is typically around $12-$25, depending on the county. There’s no publication requirement for cancellation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a DBA in Georgia
Filing a DBA in Georgia is a simple process, but minor errors can lead to delays or invalidate your registration. Here are the most common mistakes to steer clear of:
Skipping the Publication Requirement
Georgia law mandates that you publish your DBA notice in a newspaper for two consecutive weeks. Forgetting this step will result in your DBA being invalid. This is a non-negotiable part of the process.
Filing in the Wrong County
Since Georgia DBA filings are handled at the county level, you must file with the Clerk of the Superior Court in the county where your business is physically located or where you primarily conduct business. Filing in the wrong county will cause your application to be rejected.
Not Getting Your Form Notarized
Many Georgia counties require the owner’s signature on the Trade Name Application to be notarized. Failing to do so will result in the rejection of your filing.
Assuming a DBA Provides Legal Protection
A DBA in Georgia is simply a trade name registration. It doesn’t create a separate legal entity or offer any liability protection for your personal assets. You will still need to form an LLC or corporation if you want to protect your assets from business debts and lawsuits.
Choosing a Name That’s Too Similar to Another Business
While your county clerk may not conduct a thorough name search, it’s your responsibility to ensure your chosen trade name isn’t already in use. Adopting a name that’s too similar to an existing business can lead to branding confusion and potential legal disputes down the line.
FAQs About Filing a DBA in Georgia
Filing a DBA in Georgia involves a county-level process with unique rules. Here are answers to some of the most common questions entrepreneurs ask:
Do I Need a DBA If I Already Have an LLC?
Yes, if your LLC operates under a name different from its legal one. For example, “Peach State Services LLC” doing business as “Atlanta Event Planners” would need a DBA to legally use the latter name.
Can I File a DBA Online in Georgia?
Most Georgia counties require you to file in person or by mail. While some counties may have online portals for searching records, the actual application and notarization process often requires a physical presence or mailed documents.
How Long Does DBA Approval Take?
The timeline for a Georgia DBA is tied to the required two-week newspaper publication. After filing your notarized application, you must publish the notice for two consecutive weeks. Final processing may vary by county, but your trade name isn’t officially effective until this publication is complete.
How Long Is a DBA Valid in Georgia?
Unlike some states, a Georgia DBA doesn’t expire. It remains valid indefinitely as long as there are no changes to the business’s ownership or trade name. If changes occur, you must file a new or amended application. To begin the required local filing for a DBA (Trade Name), refer to the state’s official guide on File for a DBA which directs you to your county clerk.
Can Multiple DBAs Be Linked to One Business?
Yes. A single business entity can register multiple DBAs to operate different brands or service lines. Each DBA requires a separate filing with the Clerk of the Superior Court and a separate newspaper publication.
Final Takeaway
Filing a DBA in Georgia is a straightforward process that allows you to operate under a new business name without the need to form a new legal entity. With no renewal requirement, it provides entrepreneurs long-term stability for their branding, marketing, and business expansion.
Whether you’re a sole proprietor, freelancer, or an LLC seeking to launch multiple brands, registering a DBA ensures legal compliance while giving your business the professional identity it needs to thrive in the Peach State.
