Georgia

Georgia DBA Registration

Complete 2026 guide to filing a DBA (doing business as / fictitious name) in Georgia — fees, process, publication requirements, and how it complements your LLC.

Filing fee

Filing level

County level (Trade Name Registration)

Renewal

Permanent (no renewal)

Publication required in Georgia

You must publish your DBA filing in a newspaper after registration. Cost: $50-$500 depending on the newspaper and county. Some counties require specific newspapers (legal notice publications).

Should You File a DBA in Georgia?

DBA is a good fit if...

• You operate sub-brands under your main LLC
• You want to use a catchier name than your LLC's legal name
• You're launching a new product line
• You're a sole prop who wants a business-sounding name

DBA is NOT enough if...

• You need liability protection (form an LLC)
• You want separate tax treatment for different activities
• You want to raise capital from investors
• You want to build business credit separately

FAQ

What's the difference between a DBA and an LLC in Georgia?

A DBA (doing business as) is a fictitious name registration — it lets you legally operate under a different name than your legal entity. It provides NO liability protection. An LLC is a legal entity that DOES provide liability protection. You can have both: LLC as the legal entity + DBA(s) for sub-brands or product lines.

How much does it cost to file a DBA in Georgia?

Georgia charges $0 + publication costs ($50-$500 depending on newspaper). Filed at the County level (Trade Name Registration). Renewal: Permanent (no renewal).

Do I need a DBA if I already have an LLC in Georgia?

Only if you want to operate under a name different from your LLC's legal name. Example: "Smith Ventures LLC" operating as "Smith Coffee Co." needs a DBA. If you use the LLC's exact legal name, no DBA needed.

How do I file a DBA in Georgia?

(1) Choose your DBA name (unique, not misleading). (2) Search existing Georgia DBAs to avoid conflicts. (3) File the Fictitious Name / Assumed Name form with County level (Trade Name Registration). (4) Pay $0 filing fee. (5) Publish notice in a local newspaper as required. (6) Receive your DBA certificate.

Do I need to publish notice when filing a DBA in Georgia?

Yes. Georgia requires newspaper publication of your DBA filing. Typical cost: $50-$500 depending on newspaper and county. Publication period varies (often 4-6 weeks).

Can I use a DBA to open a bank account in Georgia?

Yes. Most banks accept DBA filings for opening accounts under the DBA name. Bring: Articles of Organization (if LLC), EIN, DBA certificate, operating agreement. The account will be in the format "LLC NAME dba DBA NAME".

Need liability protection? Form an LLC first.

DBAs alone don't protect personal assets. If you're going to file a DBA, form an LLC first and use the DBA as a sub-brand of the LLC.

Form an LLC in GA LLC vs DBA guide