DBA stands for "Doing Business As." A DBA is a legal nickname. Some states call this an Assumed Name. A DBA isn't a kind of business entity and it offers no protection. An LLC can get a DBA. My company is Castle Media Group, LLC, but I have a DBA for "Author Media."  Most of the time, when you're interacting with me, you're seeing Author Media, and that is a legal name for the LLC is Castle Media Group, LLC.  You can even get a DBA as a sole proprietor. It doesn't provide any legal protection, but it can make you look a bit more professional.