What Is a DBA for a US LLC? 2026 Guide for Non-Resident Founders
If your LLC is registered under one name but you want to sell products, run a Shopify store, or bank under a different name, you're probably looking for a DBA — not a new company. A DBA ("Doing Business As," also called a trade name, fictitious name, or assumed name) lets your existing LLC operate under an additional name, without creating another legal entity and without changing the tax or liability structure you already have.
The most important part first: a DBA does not create a new company and does not add liability protection. It's a registered name only — the same underlying LLC operates under it.
What a DBA Actually Does — and What It Doesn't
A DBA is simply an officially registered alias. The legal entity underneath it — the actual LLC, with its own EIN and liability structure — stays exactly the same. A DBA doesn't create a separate company, doesn't give you a new EIN, and doesn't wall off assets or debts from your original LLC. If you want separate liability protection for a different line of business, that requires a standalone new LLC, not a DBA.
Why a Non-Resident Founder Might Need One
The most common scenario for OpenEntity founders: one LLC, more than one brand. Say your LLC is registered under a generic holding name ("Acme Holdings LLC"), but you run two Shopify stores under two completely different brand names. Rather than forming a new LLC for each — with a separate formation fee, registered agent, and EIN per brand — you register a DBA for each trade name under the same existing company.
The second common reason is banking. US banks typically require a filed DBA certificate before they'll open, or even title, a business account under a name that doesn't match your LLC's legal name on file with the state — something that comes up often when a payment platform like Stripe or Mercury displays your brand name to customers.
Filing Cost by State
There's no uniform federal fee — how much you pay and where you file (state vs. county level) varies entirely by state. A few states also require a newspaper publication step after filing.
| State | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $5 | State level |
| Virginia | $10 | State level |
| Arizona | $10 | County level |
| Texas | $25 | State (Secretary of State) |
| Delaware | $25 | State (Division of Revenue) |
| New York | $25 | State — plus ~6-week newspaper publication (LLCs) |
| North Carolina | $26 | State level |
| Wyoming | $100 | State — notarized, ~15-day processing |
| Florida | $50 | State (Division of Corporations) |
| Georgia | $171–$175 | County — plus 2-week newspaper publication |
Source: fee schedules published by state Secretary of State sites and DBA-cost comparison guides, current for 2026.
Filing in Wyoming (the Most Relevant Example)
Since Wyoming is a common formation state for non-resident LLCs, its process is worth spelling out. Trade name applications are filed with the Wyoming Secretary of State for a $100 fee, the application must be notarized, and processing typically takes around 15 days. Wyoming requires you to actually be using the trade name before you register it. Registration is valid for ten years and renews for $50. If you're not ready to file yet, you can reserve the name for 120 days for a separate $30 fee.
DBA or a New LLC?
The practical rule: file a DBA when you're running an additional brand under the same company and the same acceptable level of risk. Form a new LLC when you need separate liability protection — for example a higher-risk line of business that could expose the rest of your operations if something goes legally wrong with it, when a different partner is involved in just that line, or when you need an entirely different state's rules to apply to it.
DBA — FAQ
Does a DBA give my LLC liability protection under the new name?
No. A DBA is just a registered alias — the legal entity underneath is still the same LLC, with the same liability shield (or lack of one) it already has. Filing a DBA doesn't create a new company and doesn't change your legal or tax structure at all.
Can a non-resident file a DBA for their US LLC?
Yes. Filing a DBA/trade name follows the same process regardless of the owner's residency — most states only ask for the LLC's legal name, its formation state, and sometimes its EIN. No US address, SSN, or ITIN is required to file the trade name itself.
How much does a DBA cost?
It depends entirely on the state. Fees run from about $5 (Washington) to $175 (Georgia, which also requires newspaper publication). Wyoming — a common formation state for non-resident LLCs — charges $100 for the initial trade name registration.
Do I need a DBA to open a business bank account under a different name?
Generally yes. US banks typically require a filed DBA certificate before they'll open or title an account under a name that doesn't match your LLC's legal name on file with the state.
When should I form a new LLC instead of filing a DBA?
File a DBA when you're running one business under a second brand name (a Shopify store with its own name, for example). Form a separate LLC when you need separate liability protection for a distinct business line, different owners on that line, or a different state's rules to apply to it.
Get the Underlying LLC Right First
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Check if I qualify — free, 60 secondsDisclaimer: OpenEntity is a private business formation and consulting firm and does not provide legal or tax advice. Everything in this article is general information for educational purposes only. Fees and procedures can change by state and over time. Consult a qualified attorney or advisor before acting on anything here.