By taking care of the paperwork, filing process, and all name requirements, LegalZoom is a popular choice for business owners looking for this service and has become a key player in this space, offering an accessible, cost-effective gateway for individuals and small businesses to navigate the often complex and intimidating realm of legal matters, including DBAs.
What is LegalZoom’s DBA service?
A Doing Business As (DBA) is a registration that allows a business to operate under a name different from its legal, registered name. Businesses might opt for a DBA for various reasons, such as branding purposes, marketing a particular line of products, or establishing a separate identity for different parts of the business without forming a new legal entity. It can also be a good choice for sole proprietors who do not want the business to use their own name.
In some states, this is called a fictitious business name, assumed name, or trade name. The process of obtaining a DBA typically involves checking the desired business name for uniqueness to avoid infringing on existing trademarks or business names, filing the necessary paperwork with the appropriate state or local government agency, and sometimes publishing the DBA in local newspapers as required by law.
LegalZoom’s service will understand all the legal requirements for your specific business and complete the tasks on your behalf.
Pros
- Simplifies the DBA registration process, making it accessible to entrepreneurs without legal expertise.
- Offers a comprehensive legal business name search to avoid conflicts with existing trademarks or business names.
- Provides step-by-step guidance throughout the filing process, enhancing user confidence and compliance.
- LegalZoom’s established reputation and expertise in online legal services lend credibility and reliability to the DBA filing process.
Cons
- The service may not cater to the unique nuances of every local jurisdiction, potentially requiring additional research by the user.
- Costs associated with the DBA filing service, while competitive, may add up when combined with state or local fees.
- The digital-first approach might not satisfy those preferring direct, in-person legal counsel for their business needs.
What LegalZoom Offers
When LegalZoom is used for DBA filing, they aim to offer end-to-end services that take care of the entire process. This means they have:
- A preliminary name search in your state.
- Completion and filing of all forms.
- Publication service (where required).
- Customer support.
- A satisfaction guarantee.
Depending on the package you choose, DBA filing may also come with additional benefits like attorney advice, document review, and discounts on other services.
Who LegalZoom is Best For
LegalZoom’s DBA filing service is ideal for:
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners who wish to operate under a name that reflects their brand or product offering, distinct from their legal business name, or to rebrand.
- Sole proprietorships, partnerships, and limited liability companies looking to differentiate their market presence or explore new ventures without establishing a separate business structure.
- Those with limited legal knowledge or resources who need to ensure all legal requirements are met efficiently and accurately.
- Business owners who do not have the time or bandwidth to manage the bureaucratic efforts involved in filing for a DBA.
Why Use LegalZoom
Choosing LegalZoom for your DBA filing offers a blend of convenience, expertise, and comprehensive support, making it an attractive option for business owners seeking to navigate the process of registering a trade name.
Convenience and accessibility
LegalZoom simplifies the DBA filing process with an easy-to-navigate platform that guides users through every step. The service is designed to be accessible to those without prior legal knowledge, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is correctly completed and submitted to the Secretary of State. This hassle-free approach saves time and allows business owners to focus on their operations rather than getting bogged down in bureaucratic procedures.
Trusted expertise
With years of experience providing online legal services, LegalZoom brings expertise and reliability to the DBA filing process. Users benefit from the platform’s comprehensive checks for name uniqueness and compliance with state laws, reducing the risk of conflicts or legal issues down the line. LegalZoom’s reputation for quality service provides peace of mind that the DBA filing is handled professionally.
Comprehensive support
From start to finish, LegalZoom offers support to ensure that the DBA filing process is smooth and efficient. This includes customer service assistance for any questions or concerns that arise, as well as access to additional legal services that a business might need post-DBA registration. The platform’s wide range of services makes it easy for businesses to access legal resources as they grow and evolve, making LegalZoom a valuable partner beyond just the DBA filing.
LegalZoom Features
Preliminary name search
One of the first steps in the DBA filing process is ensuring that your desired business name is available. LegalZoom conducts a thorough preliminary name search in your state to check the availability of your chosen DBA name. This critical step helps avoid potential legal issues or conflicts with existing businesses, ensuring your chosen name is unique and compliant with state regulations.
Form completion and filing
Navigating the paperwork for DBA filing can be daunting for many business owners. LegalZoom simplifies this aspect by handling the form completion and submission process on your behalf. Their team of experts ensures that all necessary paperwork is accurately completed and submitted to the appropriate government office, adhering to state-specific requirements. This service takes the guesswork out of the filing process, allowing you to focus on your new business operations.
Publication service (in select states)
In some states, the law requires that new DBA registrations be published in a local newspaper. LegalZoom offers a publication service to meet this requirement, handling the process for an additional fee. This service ensures compliance with state laws by facilitating the publication of your DBA in an approved local newspaper, streamlining what could otherwise be a time-consuming aspect of the DBA filing process.
Customer support
LegalZoom prides itself on offering exceptional customer support. Business owners can access support through multiple channels, including phone, email, and live chat, during business hours. This ensures that knowledgeable representatives can promptly address any questions or concerns arising during the DBA filing process, providing a seamless and supportive experience from start to finish.
60-Day satisfaction guarantee
LegalZoom stands behind the quality of its services with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with the DBA filing service for any reason, LegalZoom will refund your service fees. This guarantee underscores LegalZoom’s commitment to customer satisfaction and confidence in its ability to meet your legal service needs, providing an additional layer of reassurance when choosing LegalZoom for your DBA filing.
LegalZoom Pricing
LegalZoom offers two levels of service for DBA filing: standard and premium. Note that state filing fees vary by state and may include both application or processing fees and other requirements like publishing fees for local newspapers.
| Package | Standard DBA | Premium DBA |
| Price | $99 + state filing fees* |
$119 + state filing fees*
|
| Includes | Name search |
All Standard features
|
| Form completion and filing |
14-day trial of attorney advice program through LegalZoom
|
|
| Customer support |
Document review
|
|
| Publication service | Tax consultation | |
|
Discounts on other LegalZoom services
|
LegalZoom Reviews
| Rating | 4.1 | 4.59 | 4.5 |
| Number of Reviews | 2,559 | 6,092 | 3,430 |
| Source | Consumer Affairs | BBB | Trustpilot |
LegalZoom Competitors
| LegalZoom | ZenBusiness | IncFile | Rocket Lawyer | |
| Price | $99 or $119 | $95 | $99 | $99 |
| Legal Advice Available | With Premium | No | No |
Consultations included
|
| Publication Services Included | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Money-Back Guarantee | Yes – 60 Days | Yes – 60 Days | 24 Hour Window to Cancel | Yes – 30 Days |
FAQs
Can LegalZoom register my DBA name?
Yes, this is a service offered. Your state may call this an assumed name Texas), fictitious business name (Florida), or trade name (California), but LegalZoom will walk through the steps of a DBA registration for you if you want to operate under a different name than the one you registered as your company name.
Does LegalZoom offer a satisfaction guarantee?
Yes, LegalZoom offers a satisfaction guarantee on its services. If you’re unsatisfied with the service received, they will work to address the issue, offering refunds or credits towards future services as applicable.
How does a preliminary name search work?
LegalZoom conducts a comprehensive search in your state to check the availability of your desired DBA name, ensuring it doesn’t conflict with existing business names or trademarks. This step is crucial to avoid legal issues and is the foundation of a successful DBA filing.
What if my preferred DBA name is not available?
If your preferred DBA name is not available, LegalZoom’s customer support team can assist you in choosing an alternative name. They will guide you through the process of selecting a legal name that complies with state regulations and reflects your brand identity.
Can I use LegalZoom's DBA filing service for multiple businesses?
Yes, you can use LegalZoom’s DBA filing service for multiple businesses. Each business will require its own DBA filing, and LegalZoom can assist with each DBA application, ensuring each of your businesses is compliant with state laws and regulations.