DBA, short for "doing business as," refers to a name that you use for business that's different than your actual name. In Minnesota, your DBA is called an assumed name. You must register your DBA unless your business name is both your first and last name. For example, if your name is Abby Mimms, you wouldn't have to register "Abby Mimms Grocery," but if you wanted to use just "Mimms Grocery," you have to register. You must renew your DBA annually in Minnesota.

Search the online records on the Minnesota Secretary of State's website to make sure your name isn't already taken.

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Complete the Minnesota Certificate of Assumed Name, available from the Minnesota Secretary of State's website.

Submit your registration along with the registration fee to the Minnesota Secretary of State, either in person or through the mail, at Minnesota Secretary of State -- Business Services, Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building, 60 Empire Drive, Suite 100, St. Paul, MN 55103. You can also submit your registration online for an additional fee.

Publish your new assumed name in a legal newspaper in the county in which you will do business for two consecutive issues. The newspaper will give your business an affidavit of publication that you do not need to submit, but do need to keep in your files. If you don't publish, your registration can be voided.