How to file a DBA in Georgia
Filing a DBA (Doing Business As, also called a fictitious or trade name) in Georgia costs $165 in state fees, lasts 5 years, and is registered with the Superior Court. We file it for you at the state cost, no service fee.
Georgia DBA at a glance
| State filing fee | $165 |
|---|---|
| Filing authority | Superior Court |
| Term length | 5 years (renewable) |
| Renewal required | Yes, before expiration |
| File.Business fee | $0 |
When you need a DBA in Georgia
You need a DBA in Georgia when your business operates under a name different from its legal name. Common cases:
- A sole proprietor in Georgia doing business under a brand name instead of their legal name
- An LLC or corporation in Georgia marketing under a brand different from the registered entity name
- An out-of-state company doing business in Georgia under a different name
- Multiple brands operated under one parent LLC in Georgia
How to file a DBA in Georgia: 5 steps
- Choose your DBA name. Search the Georgia business name database to confirm the name is available. It must not be deceptively similar to existing registered names.
- Verify name compliance. Georgia prohibits names that imply a corporation (Inc., Corp.) unless your entity actually is one. Avoid restricted words.
- Prepare the DBA filing. The Superior Court requires the legal name of the owner, the DBA name, business address, and a description of business activities.
- Pay the $165 state fee and submit. File online with the Superior Court or use File.Business to handle it for you at the state cost.
- Track the 5-year renewal. Georgia DBAs expire and require renewal. We track this for you automatically with our compliance calendar.
File your Georgia DBA now
Our team prepares the filing, submits it to the Superior Court, and tracks renewal. You pay only the $165 state fee. No service charges.
Start my Georgia DBADBA vs LLC in Georgia: which do you need?
A DBA is a name registration, not a business structure. It does not provide liability protection, separate tax treatment, or formal recognition as a business entity. If you want personal liability protection while operating under a brand name in Georgia, you typically form an LLC and then optionally file a DBA for additional brands.
Compare your options: Form an LLC in Georgia or Form a Corporation in Georgia.
Georgia DBA frequently asked questions
How long does it take to file a DBA in Georgia?
Processing time with the Superior Court varies. Online filings are typically processed within 2 to 5 business days. We submit the filing the same day you order.
How long is a Georgia DBA valid?
5 years from filing date. You must renew before expiration to keep the name registration active.
Do I need an EIN if I file a DBA in Georgia?
Only if you have employees, file certain tax forms, or open a business bank account in the DBA name. Sole proprietors with no employees can use their SSN. Get an EIN.
Can I file a DBA in Georgia for an out-of-state LLC?
Yes. If your LLC is registered in another state and does business in Georgia, you typically need to foreign-qualify in Georgia first, then file the DBA.
Does a Georgia DBA protect my brand from others using the same name?
A DBA only reserves the name with the Superior Court. For broader brand protection, file a federal trademark with the USPTO.
On the $129/yr Compliance Annual Filings plan, we cover state late fees.
When you autofile your annual report through the $129/yr plan and we miss the deadline, we pay the state's late fee. The guarantee applies to that specific plan and the filings it includes. Other File.Business services are billed at the prices on this page.