Start A Business

Whether you’re 6 months into your business or fresh out of the starting gate, it’s a good idea to reserve your business name to protect your assets, and prevent fraudulent activities.

Furthermore, by reserving a business name you’re able to open a checking account with your local bank, without having a business license; then you’re able to receive payments by check in your new business name.

Note: a reserved business name is also referred to as a Trade Name or DBA (Do Business As), which means your company is able to operate under this alias, as if you and the reserved business name were one.

You may be thinking — why would I want to do that?

Well… this allows you to expand your market coverage without starting another business.

For instance, if you owned a Landscaping Company, your business name could be Flowers Forever and your DBA could be Sod For Less; this allows you target to totally different markets with one umbrella.

Another benefit of having a Trade Name is the ability brand your business prior to buying a business license or getting incorporated.

Trust me… don’t spend the next 6 months promoting someone else’s business, or better yet, have some squatter leverage a full time income from your efforts.

O.k… now that you understand the importance of a Trade Name/DBA — here’s how to reserve a business name in Decatur, GA.

First, go to the Clerk of Superior Court at the Dekalb County Courthouse:

Oops… I almost forgot you’ll need to get a money order for $40, $2 in cash, and $27 which can be in the form of a money order or cash. (Reminder: The $40 must be a money order.)

After entering the Courthouse, take the elevator to the ground level; this is where you’ll pick up the form to reserve your business name.

The form will read “Georgia, Dekalb County Affidavit For Registration Of Trade Name”.

Note: Use BLUE INK and don’t make any errors, scratch outs, or mistakes on this form.

One of the clerks will review your form, and if done properly, you’ll take the form to the basement of the courthouse, and proceed to room B-110.

Here’s where you’ll get the form notarized, and use the $2 cash.

Then, you’ll return to the ground level with notarized form, and turn it in to the clerk for review.

If everything checks out, you’ll give the clerk the $40 money order for publication of your Trade Name in the local paper called the Champion Newspaper.

The clerk will then direct you to the cashier, who’s located a couple windows or stalls down from the clerk, where you’ll pay the $27 cash or money order for your Trade Name.

Finally, you’ll receive a receipt for the $27 and the original copy of your Affidavit For Registration Of Trade Name; however your receipt for the $40 money order will be sent to you in the mail.

Remember to make several copies of the form for easy reference, and put the original in a safe place.

Now, you’re ready to Do Business As whomever you reserved.