Do You Need a DBA? Understanding Fictitious Business Names in Nevada and California
September 2025 | By Jonathan S. Ro, Esq., Ro Law Firm | jonathan@jsr-law.com
If you’ve ever wondered whether you need to file a “DBA” for your business, you’re not alone. A DBA—short for “Doing Business As”—is also called a fictitious business name or fictitious firm name. It’s the official way for you to operate under a name that’s different from your own personal or company’s legal name.
Why File a DBA?
Filing a DBA has several benefits:
Branding Flexibility: It lets you market your business under a name that resonates with customers, instead of being limited to your personal name or LLC name.
Banking and Contracts: Most banks require a DBA certificate before they’ll let you open a business bank account under your trade name. Vendors and clients often feel more comfortable contracting with a business name rather than an individual.
Public Notice: Filing makes ownership transparent, helping establish trust and deter fraud.
Multiple Ventures: If one LLC runs several different product lines, you can use different DBAs for each without setting up multiple entities.
Nevada: Simple and Straightforward
In Nevada, DBAs are called Fictitious Firm Names (FFNs). You file them with the county clerk where you do business.
Cost: Typically $25 in Clark County.
Publication: No newspaper publication required.
Practical Benefit: Filing is often necessary for banking and gives you flexibility if you want one LLC to operate multiple brands.
California: More Formal Requirements
In California, DBAs are known as Fictitious Business Names (FBNs) and are also filed at the county clerk’s office.
Publication Required: You must publish notice of the filing in a local newspaper once a week for four weeks, and then file proof of publication with the county.
Renewal: Generally every five years.
Legal Weight: California law requires a properly filed and published FBN to enforce contracts entered under that name in court.
Bottom Line
Nevada makes DBA filings easy and affordable—mainly important for banking and branding.
California attaches more legal consequences—without a proper FBN, you may not be able to enforce contracts.
If you’re running a business in either state under a name different from your own, filing a DBA is an inexpensive step that can save you trouble later.
Contact the Ro Law Firm today for a personalized consultation on this or any related transactional question at (725)222-0236.