However, for most desktop publishers operating as sole proprietors their business name is usually a DBA (doing business as) or assumed name. Our Small Business Resources by State include links to DBA/assumed name registration information for as many US states as I could locate. If you don't see an appropriate link, choose the link to State Agencies to try to find the information or a link to your county Web site (sites change frequently and the information may have been posted since I last updated this page). The process (and cost) varies from state to state so don't rely on the experiences of others in different locations -- find out about the procedure for your area. Are you in Canada? See Small Business: Cananda resources on Business Registration for all the Canadian provinces.
Your Assignment
Even if you don't have a name nailed down yet, find out what steps are necessary to registering a business name for where you live. Find out where to go, what forms you'll need to fill out, what process you need to go through to do a name search, costs for registering your business name, and how long the registration is good for. Get ready now for when you do have a name for your freelance design business. The procedures vary depending on your business structure as well as where you are doing business.
Freelance Design > Start a Business > Business Names > Naming Your Design Business
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