Get a DBA Name for Your South Carolina Business Today

If you own a South Carolina business and would like to use a different name than your legal business name, you will need to register a “doing business as” or DBA name with the state. Also called an assumed name, fictitious business name, or trade name, DBA names are typically used when you want to use multiple names for one business, or if you are a sole proprietor wanting to be recognized as something other than your legal name.

Want to learn more? This guide will cover the basics of what a DBA name is, the rules for choosing, registering, and maintaining one in the Palmetto State, and how we can help make the process easier.

What is a South Carolina “doing business as” (DBA) name?

Your South Carolina DBA name is an alias to promote your company’s persona and brand. This name can be used for operations, websites, and any correlating branding to help customers quickly understand what your new business is. A DBA name is referred to as a “fictitious name” or “assumed name” in South Carolina.

An important distinction to consider is that a DBA name is not a business entity type and does not impact how your business pays taxes. Regardless of your business entity type, you are eligible to operate under a DBA name. Some limited liability companies (LLCs) and corporations find DBA names to be beneficial when they prefer to use their business name without the added business designator, like “LLC” or “Inc.” 

There are two main categories of businesses that tend to seek DBA names:

• Sole proprietorships and partnerships: Without a DBA name, your business would be referred to as your legal name. Unless you plan to build a brand around your personal name, you may find it advantageous to have a DBA name. With a DBA name, you can operate under a legal business name.
• Corporations and LLCs: When your corporation or LLC does not wish to use a business qualifier, like “LLC” or “Inc.,” a DBA name is an ideal way to operate under your desired business name. Additionally, business owners may wish to launch a new division or line of products. A DBA name can be useful for this also, and there is no limit in South Carolina to the number of DBA names a business can utilize. 

Benefits of using a DBA

Businesses may find the use of a DBA name advantageous for several reasons, including the following benefits:

• Ability to choose a name that resonates with customers and supports your brand: A DBA name gives you the ability to share your branding voice right in your business name. A bonus branding opportunity exists if it aligns with an available “.com” domain name.
• Freedom to conduct business transactions under your DBA name: Formally registering your DBA name allows you to conduct official business, such as vendor and banking transactions, under this name. 
• Ease of use: If your business goes by a shortened version of its legal name already, such as dropping a designator like “LLC” or “Inc.,” a DBA name can help with smoother operations. 

Continue reading for a detailed overview of how to obtain your South Carolina DBA name.

How do I choose a South Carolina DBA name?

Choosing the perfect DBA name for your business requires careful consideration. First and foremost, you should look at how a name will stand out among your competitors and support your marketing efforts. A great DBA name is distinctive and memorable and allows potential customers to quickly understand your business’s nature.

You are not required to file your DBA name with the Secretary of State in South Carolina unless you are a limited partnership. The appropriate paperwork for a limited partnership should be filed with the county clerk in your respective city, town, and/or county. 

Comply with South Carolina DBA name requirements

When choosing a DBA name in South Carolina, it cannot conflict with a registered South Carolina business name. To see if a business name is already in use, you can perform a Business Name Search on the South Carolina Secretary of State’s website. Another restriction on DBA names in South Carolina is to avoid using terms related to banking.

Note: Simply filing a DBA name will not protect that name from another business using it. If you desire to protect your DBA name, you should seek protection through trademarking.

How do I register a South Carolina DBA name?

The following steps can be done to register your DBA name in South Carolina:

1. Conduct a Business Name Search on the Secretary of State’s website.
2. Ensure your desired DBA name is not already in use by another South Carolina business.
3. After 2006, there is no statewide registration filed with the Secretary of State to have your name recognized as a DBA name. 

One exception is that if your business is a domestic limited partnership, you may file with the Secretary of State using the downloadable form found here. Print and complete the form, and then mail it to the listed address with the $10 registration fee.

How do I manage ongoing DBA name compliance in South Carolina?

South Carolina has minimal requirements for compliance once you have filed your DBA name. However, business license renewals by county are a requirement, as laid out by Richland County’s “Starting a Business” page.

Depending on the county, you may request their local form to file for a DBA name. Otherwise, you can provide your DBA name directly on your business license form and renewals. It is noteworthy to recognize that business licenses must only be applied for where truly needed — in local areas where a business license is required, and only in an area where the business is located or operating.

The content on this page is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.

To help navigate the ins and outs of business filings in South Carolina, contact ZenBusiness today. Our business formation and compliance experts can take out the guesswork and ensure your company has completed all of the necessary paperwork, leaving you to focus on growing your South Carolina small business.