What is the term for the legal name under which a business operates?

The correct term for the legal name under which a business operates is "business name." This designation refers to the name that is registered with the state or governing body when a business is formed. It is the official name that will appear on legal documents and contracts, and it’s also the name associated with banking and taxation.

Using the "business name" ensures that all legal and financial transactions are recognized under that specific title, which helps in maintaining a clear identity in the business world. It is important for liability purposes as well, as any legal issues that arise will be linked to the registered business name.

While "trade name" is often used informally to describe a business's brand or the name it uses in commerce, it doesn't necessarily equate to the legal name under which the business operates, which is why "business name" is the more accurate choice in this context. Other terms listed, like "operating name" and "service name," do not formally represent the legal name of a business and are typically used in specific contexts that may not encompass the entire scope of the business’s identity.