How to Find a DBA Name
- 1). Make a list of possible business names. If you check the status of a DBA and find that your first choice is already taken, you will need a backup or perhaps even two. For example, if you really like the name "Joe's Hardware" but find that someone else has already claimed it, you might list "Joey's Hardware" as your second choice.
- 2). Verify the DBA requirements in your state. Business.gov contains an excellent list of state-by-state filing requirements, including the necessary departments you will need to file your DBA to (see Resources).
- 3). Contact the necessary government department within your county. Most often, you will need to contact your county clerk's office. In some cases, you can perform a DBA search right on the office's website, but in other cases you will need to contact the office in person or over the phone to verify the availability of your desired DBA. Visit the website of your county clerk or other office as indicated on the DBA Filing Requirements list on Business.gov (see Resources) and locate the "DBA," "Doing Business As" or "Fictitious Business Name" page. Then look for an option that reads "DBA Search." (See Resources for an example.)
- 4). Search for the availability of your desired business name or names. If your county clerk's website allows you to access the information for free, use the "Search" feature on the "DBA Search" page to verify availability. Otherwise, contact the local office by phone or in person to inquire about name availability. When you find an available name that works for you, fill out a DBA application and claim the business name before someone else takes it.
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