Do DBA Filings Expire?

When an individual wishes to start his or her own business, it’s common for the business to adopt a fictitious business name, also called a DBA, or trade name, which differs from the name of the person establishing that business.

Since our legal names don’t give light to the nature of any particular business, DBA application filing a popular way to identify a business, through a registration process that includes publishing the DBA in a local newspaper for several weeks to give the community a chance to observe who the sole proprietor is (or general partnership), and what name they’ve decided to call their business.

This is all part of the registration process, which is governed by state DBA laws, and various state agencies.

When Do DBA Filings Expire in My State?

Each state has different rules and regulations that govern applying for a DBA and when and if DBAs expire or require renewal. A country clerk processes some state DBA applications, while other states process DBAs through the secretary of state.

Moreover, each state has different laws about when a DBA expires and needs to be renewed. For example, in California, the state requires that all DBAs be renewed every 5 years; however, in Texas, renewal is required every 10 years.

While each state has slightly different procedures regarding the application process and renewal rates, DBA application filing is easy to do, and not very expensive, regardless of the jurisdiction. This is why DBA application filing is such a popular business entity, especially among small business owners.

DBA application filing usually requires a short form or application, publication or announcement of the filling in a local newspaper, and a small associated fee.

When and if your DBA expires, the state will allow you to renew the DBA application online for a fee, plus a small renewal form.

DBA renewals should take place before they expire, so be sure to know your state’s renewal frequency to ensure you DBA application filing is a smoother process for your and your business.

To answer any additional questions, ask an expert here.