A DBA Assumed Business Name is the same as a trade name. It is the name of the business when officially registered with the government. For example, you do business as a sole proprietor using the business name "Best Widgets Company". The business name is called an Assumed Business Name, or fictitious firm name (as in Nevada).
In other states, it goes by a fictitious business name, as in California, and DBA assumed business name in Texas or DBA Business Name Certificate in New York etc. It is also known as Doing Business As ( DBA ) because a business is doing business as a certain name as in the example above. The point is that it has to be registered with a DBA certificate and in some cases also be published in a legal newspaper and a proof of publication obtained.
Here Are The Permits, Tax ID Number(s) and Other Registrations Required When Starting a Business All Businesses need at a minimum a Business License and a Fictitious Business Name DBA If you are a retailer or wholesaler, you will need minimum a Sellers Permit Resale Business License, & a Business License If you hire workers, you will need minimum a Federal ID & State Employer ID , & a Business License . Corporations and LLCs need a Corporate certificate filed and Federal ID . Partners need at a minimum a Federal ID & a DBA. Sole Owner/Proprietors may get and use a Federal ID & also at a minimum get a Business License but also a DBA if using a trade name. Instead of filing a Business License, you can choose a Limited Liability Company LLC or corporation filing & You will not need a DBA.