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Maryland · DBA · updated

How to file a DBA in Maryland

An LLC in Maryland that trades under a name other than its legal one registers that name as a DBA (Maryland's fee is $25). The LLC stays the legal owner; a DBA does not create a new company or protect assets. As of October 2026.

Maryland state fee$25per the state's fee schedule
Our filing service$200we prepare and file it
State fee + ours$225card processing is added at checkout
File my Maryland DBA Search the name first

Questions first? Ray or Vinny picks up at (954) 470-8356.

The 5 steps to file a DBA in Maryland

Search before you file; a DBA does not stop someone else using a similar name.

  1. 1

    Decide whether you need one

    Before you file

    You need a DBA when the LLC uses a name on signs, invoices or a website that is not its exact legal name. If the old name should disappear entirely, change the legal name instead.

  2. 2

    Search the name

    Free to search

    Check the Maryland business register and a trademark search before you print anything. Maryland name search.

  3. 3

    File the DBA with the state

    We file this one

    You file it with Maryland's business filing office; Maryland's fee is $25 (Maryland fee schedule). The current form is on Maryland's official site. We file it for $200 plus the state fee.

  4. 4

    Check for city or county filings

    Where people get stuck

    Some states also have counties or cities register trade names, and some require publishing a notice. The state filing office can tell you what applies where you operate.

  5. 5

    Open the bank account in the DBA

    After it is filed

    Banks usually ask for the filed DBA before they let the LLC take payments in that name.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a DBA cost in Maryland?

Maryland's fee for the trade name filing is $25 per the state's fee schedule. If we file it, our fee is $200 on top; checkout shows the full total before you pay.

Does a DBA protect my personal assets?

No. The LLC provides the liability protection; the DBA is only a registered name the LLC uses.

Can one LLC have several DBAs?

Yes. An LLC can register more than one trade name, one filing each.

Does a DBA need its own EIN?

No. The DBA belongs to the LLC and uses the LLC's EIN.

Is this page legal advice?

No. It explains the filing in general terms. For your situation, talk to a licensed attorney, or book a free call with us.

More Maryland business guides

Start an LLC LLC cost Registered agent Annual report Good standing Name search Sales tax permit Dissolve an LLC Change agent Amend an LLC Change the name Foreign LLC Withdraw a foreign LLC

Nearby states

Pennsylvania West Virginia District of Columbia All states

Trading under a new name

Have us file your Maryland DBA

$200 plus Maryland's $25 state fee. Checkout shows the full total before you pay.

File my Maryland DBA

Rather talk first? Call Ray or Vinny at (954) 470-8356.