Some things to keep in mind as you choose your business name: • Choose a name for your business that is different enough from other businesses in your area so you don't confuse customers. • Some states have name search requirements before filing a DBA to prevent the unintentional use of the same business name by multiple companies. • Filing a DBA does not stop another company from using the same name you do, but it does record who was using it first. • The city or county clerk cannot tell you if someone else is using the same name. They are not being mean, in many states they law prohibits them from answering certain kinds of questions. • The city or county clerk can tell you where the resources /system to do a name search is, but they cannot help you do the search. It is your responsibility to do the name search. • Each city or county may keep a separate name list, and you may want to register your DBA name with each city or county you are doing business in. • If you submit a DBA with incorrect information the clerk will not check your work for accuracy. Please double check your work beforehand.