How to Cancel a DBA / Fictitious Business Name

What is a DBA?

A DBA is a registered alternate name that a person or business uses for commercial purposes. It doesn't create a separate legal entity — it just lets your existing business operate under a different name. Examples:

• A sole proprietor named John Smith operating as "Smith Plumbing Services."
• "Acme Corporation" operating a retail location as "The Corner Shop."
• An LLC formed as "ABC Investments LLC" doing business as "ABC Real Estate."

Why cancel a DBA?

• You stopped using the name — the business pivoted, rebranded, or you're using only the legal name now.
• You dissolved the underlying business — if the LLC or corporation behind the DBA was dissolved, you should also cancel the DBA.
• To make the name available — formally cancelling allows someone else to register the name.
• To stop renewal obligations — many states require DBA renewal every few years with a fee.

Where DBAs are filed

DBA registration jurisdiction varies by state. Common patterns:

• State-level filing — Florida, Texas, Georgia, and many others file DBAs at the state Secretary of State or Division of Corporations.
• County-level filing — California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and others file DBAs at the county clerk's office.
• Both — some states require both state and county filings depending on the business type.

Cancellation is filed in the same jurisdiction as the original registration.

The DBA cancellation process

1. Identify where the DBA was filed — state agency, county clerk, or both.
2. Obtain the cancellation form — usually called Cancellation of Fictitious Business Name, Statement of Abandonment, or Cancellation of Assumed Name.
3. Complete and sign the form — signed by an authorized person (the individual owner or an officer of the business).
4. File with the appropriate office — pay any filing fees.
5. Publish (if required) — some states (California, for example) require publication of the cancellation notice.
6. Update any bank accounts, licenses, etc. — that referenced the DBA.

What you'll need to file

• The exact DBA / fictitious name as originally registered.
• The legal name of the business or individual that owns the DBA.
• The original filing number or registration date (if available).
• The county where it was filed (for county-level DBAs).
• Signature of an authorized person.