| Features | Rating & Prices | |
|---|---|---|
 | #1 Most Recommended LegalZoom performs a name search of your DBA, and then completes and files your application for you. All while providing you with advice along the way! |  Click here to see prices |
Georgia – DBA
File a Georgia DBA
A fictitious business name, or DBA (short for ‘doing business as’) allows you to legally do business in Georgia as a particular name at minimal cost, and without having to create an entirely new business entity. You can accept payments, advertise, and otherwise present yourself under that name. In fact, if you present your business under a name other than your proper legal name without proper notification, it may be considered fraud.
Without a Georgia DBA (‘Doing Business As Georgia’) or Fictitious name, your Georgia business is required to operate under your personal name or names of your partners. Georgia State law requires that you file the proper paperwork in order to not only operate under another name, but even to open a bank or checking account in a name other then your own!
Registration Renewal
Fictitious name registrations are valid for five years in all cities including Athens Renewals may be filed between January 1 and December 31 of the fift year. If the fictitious name renewal is not filed by December 31, the fictitious name registration expires.
Penalty for Failure to Register a Fictitious Name
You may be subject to criminal misdemeanor penalties as well as be prevented from maintaining a lawsuit. In addition, you may be held liable for attorneys’ fees and costs if someone cannot ascertain that you are the owner of a fictitious business name. All three may apply under some circumstances.
Athens, Roswell,Albany, Marietta, Warner, Robins, as well as all other Georgia Cities, the law requires business owners using a business name other than their own first and last name to acquire a DBA Fictitious Business Name. In most states, the state or each county clerk’s office files forms for particular counties or cities. Check with us so we can help you fill out the proper form and make sure that the dba application form, and in getting the dba, the correct type of payment, thecost and fee.
Getting a DBA means you need to get the requirements / legalities and the correct Georgia Business Name Certificate form to file your DBA. Note that if you will make mistakes, the form will be rejected if there are too many white-outs, cross-outs or other correction marks.
There are guidelines that you must follow when selecting a name, including conducting a name search. The name search is easy to do and does not require much time. The clerk’s office usually has the computer and books on file to do the search. After knowing your name is not taken, you can place it on the form. Know the following words can not be used: Associates, Group, Consultants, Limited, LTD, Inc., Corp., Corporation or Incorporated. Some other words are periodically added to the list so it is in your best interest to check this thoroughly when you go to the clerk’s office.
In Partnership with:
| Features | Submission Time | Turnaround | Rating & Prices | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Most Recommended LegalZoom performs a name search of your DBA, and then completes and files your application for you. All while providing you with advice along the way! | Click here to see prices |