Do I need to file a fictitious business name statement (DBA)?

Companies and individuals create fictitious business names (DBAs) so that they can operate under a name other than their legal name or use more than one name for business purposes. Using alternate names for business is acceptable as long as a fictitious business name statement is filed with the county, city, or state depending on local requirements. A DBA allows corporations and individuals to receive and process checks in the fictitious business name, in addition to the corporate name or individual name.  Because DBAs must  be filed in multiple locations (e.g., each County where a company is doing business in California) and renewed regularly (every 5 years in California), the better approach is to avoid the need to file a DBA by incorporating using a corporate name that the company will actually use in conducting its business