Registration and DBA

You don't need Dba for apportioned plates. Your personal info will work. you will need to list the carrier you are leasing to as carrier responsible for safety on the application.

 

A dba justs allows you to market the business as a company.

 

I know NY doesn't recognize a DBA for title and registration so it goes in your name. I still needed one for banking and it is registered with my federal EIN,

 

Different states have different rules for DBA's. Some require you to register your DBA, some don't. I wouldn't think you would need one to get a Plate. I know you don't here in MS

 

A dba (doing business as) is used when you want to have a separate name for a business other than your primary name. For instance, I own a corporation. That corporation has a name. All the businesses I own under the umbrella of the parent corporation all have their own names (Steady Trucking, etc.), which are considered DBAs. So, I have to fill out my paperwork with the brokers as XXXX Corp., dba Steady Trucking.

Since I own other companies, it is a good option for me. The parent corporation has the FEIN and all the tax and L&I accounts. It makes it easier to use that one number for all the subsidiary businesses. Less paperwork and accounts to keep track of.

If you are not going to incorporate or own other businesses, KISS theory applies. It is much less a hassle to get a simple business license in the name of your trucking company. To be honest with you, I don't see much advantage to incorporating. They will still come after you personally, and the business accounts will still be guaranteed by your personal signature and credit.

Speaking of which, to answer another of your questions, I believe you should register the company vehicle to the company. Speak to an accountant about that. I don't know the advantages either way.

Good luck to you.

 

Live a Little. Wait till dark and run the back roads, Outlaw Style.

 

Seriously. I have driven several trucks home over the years without a plate. (Had insurance just no plate) went around the scales and never had a problem.