Something else crossed my mind...If you don't have a business license with the name of the business registered, would you still need to file a DBA with the state if you're using a name that's not yours for your business? I think that my DBA was listed on my business license or included in the process, so if you don't have a license you might need to file that paperwork, does anyone have experience with that?

You have to register a name with the state and file the llc/sole proprietorship/whatever application. Then most ppl have to contact their cities/counties for further paperwork.