A DBA, or Doing Business As, allows you to operate under a different name than your legal business name, which could bring benefits such as enhancing brand flexibility, improving marketing appeal, and fostering a distinct identity in the market.
A business registration certificate is an official document issued by a government authority that confirms a company's legal existence and compliance with local regulations, allowing it to operate and engage in business activities.
Do DBA's Expire or Need to Be Renewed? In New York State, DBAs have no expiration date and renewals aren't necessary. You do, however, need to file a Certificate of Discontinuance if you're no longer conducting business.
Setting up a DBA is relatively easy. Here are some general steps you need to follow, but there may be state-specific requirements that you can likely find on the respective Secretary of State's website. Search your name. Make certain the DBA name you want isn't already being used.
New York requires that all corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships (LPs), limited liability partnerships (LLPs), or out-of-state companies that regularly transact business in New York under a name different from their legal name, must file a DBA with the New York Department of State.
If your business operates under a business other than its legal name, you must receive a Certificate of Assumed Name from your county clerk. This certificate is often called a "business certificate." County clerks are separate for all five boroughs of New York City.
If you plan on conducting a for-profit business through a sole proprietorship or general partnership under any name other than your own, you are required by law to file a Business Certificate (also called a Certificate of Assumed Name).