File a DBA / Fictitious Business Name in Georgia.
A DBA (Doing Business As) . also called a Fictitious Business Name, Assumed Name, or Trade Name . lets a Georgia entity operate under a different name. This guide explains the filing process, where to file in Georgia, fees, renewal cycles, and the critical fact that a DBA is NOT a substitute for forming an LLC or Corporation.
File Georgia DBA →When to file a DBA in Georgia
"Acme Holdings LLC" wants to operate retail stores as "Acme Coffee".
Sole proprietorships using anything other than the owner's legal name must file a DBA in Georgia.
Multiple brands run by the same LLC each get their own DBA.
Banks require a filed DBA to accept payments made out to a name other than the legal entity.
A DBA is NOT a legal entity
Filing a DBA in Georgia does not create liability protection, tax separation, or perpetual existence. A DBA is only a name registration. If you want liability protection, form an LLC or Corporation. The DBA can then be filed in the entity's name.
How to file a Georgia DBA
- 1Determine state vs county filing. Some states file at the Georgia Secretary of State, others at the county clerk. Some require both.
- 2Check name availability. A Georgia DBA cannot duplicate an existing entity or DBA.
- 3File the Certificate of Assumed Name. Some Georgia jurisdictions require newspaper publication.
- 4Track renewal cycle. Georgia DBA renewals typically required every 5 years; some states sooner.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a DBA in Georgia?
How much does a Georgia DBA cost?
Does a DBA in Georgia replace forming an LLC?
Can my Georgia LLC file multiple DBAs?
Do I need a DBA if I use my legal entity name?
How long does a Georgia DBA last?
Does File.Business handle Georgia DBA filings?
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Disclosure. File.Business is a private business filing and compliance service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with the Georgia Secretary of State or any Secretary of State office. You may file directly with the Georgia Secretary of State. Information on this page is for general guidance only and is not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Fees and deadlines verified against the Georgia Secretary of State as of June 2026 and may change. For entity-specific guidance, consult a licensed Georgia attorney or CPA.