Can an individual DBA be exempted? The TIN being used is his social security number.

Yes, a sole proprietor can be exempted. You want to be very careful about your documentation and exemption process. You can search the threads to view prior discussions about sole proprietor exemptions.

Thank you Brenda. Though this is a sole proprietorship, it does not have a separate TIN, that does that make a difference? All other sole proprietorships and DBA's exempted have their own business TIN.

The sole proprietor does not necessarily need a TIN (only if they have payroll tax responsibilities, I believe).

You'll want to make certain that the SP is registered or licensed to do business in accordance with your state's laws.

John, How do you verify the business is registered? Illinois.

John is from Massachusetts, so he's not likely to know how it's done in Illinois. If he were going to do the research for you, he would likely:
*look for a manual from a recent (particularly since 10/03) Illinois deposit seminar, or
*post the question in the Illinois forum, or
*review the Illinois Secretary of State's website, or
*search Illinois statutes using key phrases like "assumed name" or
*call your bank's attorney and ask.