Often, a business wants to operate using a name customers will recognize, remember and like. For example, John Jones (or the John Jones LLC) may want to do business as “Landscaping and More.” Or, a company might have various divisions or products – and want to do business using multiple names to reflect each, instead using of the legal name on its official incorporation documents.  

Whenever you’re using a name other than your legal name, states may require or allow your business to do a voluntary assumed name filing, or DBA (doing-business-as) filing. This filing might be called DBA, assumed name, fictitious name, or something similar, depending on your state. States also vary in other aspects – like the types of business entities affected by DBA filings (e.g., LLCs, corporations) and the need to periodically renew these filings. 

This state-by-state chart by CT’s business experts gives you an overview of voluntary assumed name filings, along with expiration information, for each state and the District of Colombia. Equipped with this snapshot summary, you’ll have a better understanding of DBA filings and how the duration of these kinds of filings vary by state. 

Topics Included

• Businesses Affected (State-by-State)
• Statutory Expirations (State-by-State)