Get a DBA Registration
Your business name is your brand. Apply for a “doing business as” (DBA) name and make yours memorable.
- Starts at $49 + filing fees.
What is a DBA Registration?
DBA is an acronym that stands for "doing business as." DBA registration is a way to give your business a name that's different from your personal name or the legal name of your business corporation. For example, if your personal name is John Smith and you sell an App, you can brand or sell you product or service as “Could Tiger App”. In this case your DBA registration would be a sole proprietorship.
If you conduct your business through a corporation and its legal name is John Smith App Development Inc., you could likewise register the DBA for your corporation.
Other Names for a DBA
When starting a business everyone knows that you need to “register” your business with the government. But it can get really confusing because there are many different kinds of “registrations” and people or websites don’t always distinguish between them.
A DBA is also called a “Business Registration”, “Business Name Registration” “Trade Name” or “Fictitious” business name. These terms are usually used interchangeably but really mean the same thing.
Name Search before registering your DBA
To register your DBA, a business name search report is generally required by provincial governments.
These reports are used to make sure that no one else has already registered the business name you would like to use.
We can take care of this at the same time we process your registration, or you can do it before hand by clicking here to order your business name report.
Corporation vs. DBA: what’s the difference?
Several important differences between a corporation and a DBA
Corporation
How its unique
- Distinct legal personality from its owners (called shareholders) so exists beyond the lifetime of any founder
- Limited liability protection for personal assets
- Best to raise capital from investors
- More flexibility regarding taxation
Drawbacks
- Higher starting and operating costs
- More compliance requirements i.e. more government filings and paperwork
DBAs - Doing Business As (Sole Proprietorship)
How its unique
- A sole proprietorship is owned by one individual and does not exist apart from the owner.
- Easiest and least expensive business to form.
- Little paperwork – business income included in personal tax returns
Drawbacks
- NO limited liability protection from personal assets
- Limited growth and investment potential
Ready to start your corporation?
File your incorporation with CorpCentre, Canada’s leading national filing service
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Sole Proprietorship?
How is “Doing Business As” (DBAs) registration different from a Sole Proprietorship Registration?
What are the Advantages of Sole Proprietorships?
What are the Drawbacks of Sole Proprietorships?
What are the differences between a DBA/Sole Proprietorship and a Corporation?
Do I need to Name Search before Registering a Sole Proprietorship?
Are Sole Proprietorship Registrations the same as Tax Registration?
What are the government fees with a Sole Proprietorship Registration, and how long does it take?
What is a Partnership Registration?
Are there Different Types of Partnerships?
We've Rebranded. Welcome to CorpCentre
Now with a modernized name, look and platform.