Before selecting a DBA, a business should ensure that the name is available by checking with which entity?

Choosing a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name is a significant step for any business, as it affects branding and legal requirements. The correct approach to ensure the availability of a DBA name involves checking with the county clerk's office or an online system designated for this purpose.

The county clerk's office is responsible for maintaining records of DBAs at the local level, making it a primary source to verify if the desired name is already in use or if it complies with local regulations. Many counties offer online systems that allow businesses to search for existing DBAs conveniently. This prevents potential legal issues that may arise from selecting a name that is already registered by another business entity in your locality.

While other options, like checking an online trademark database or the state business registry, can be useful for broader evaluations—such as ensuring that no trademarks conflict with the chosen name—these sources may not capture all DBA registrations, particularly those that are only filed at the county level. Thus, checking with the county clerk's office is a crucial first step before proceeding with the registration of a DBA.