Before you form a limited liability company (LLC), register a trade name, or start a corporation, you’ll need to complete a business name search with the Washington D.C. Business Entity Search tool to see if your name is unique.
In our Washington D.C. Business Name Search guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in Washington D.C..
Find Your LLC Domain Name
With GoDaddy, you can make sure your LLC name has the perfect corresponding URL.
Search NowHow to Check if Your Washington D.C. LLC Name Is Available
Checking if your desired LLC name is available involves a few key steps, such as ensuring your business name follows state requirements and performing a domain name and state search. These are the steps you need to take to determine if your business name is available in Washington D.C.
1. Follow LLC Naming Rules
Before you perform an LLC name search, you need to make sure your business name follows Washington D.C.’s business name requirements.
Some key guidelines for Washington D.C. LLC names include:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or “limited company” or one of their abbreviations (e.g., “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “LC,” or “L.C.”).
- Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in the district. This includes Washington D.C. reserved names.
Keep an eye out for restricted words. These words, such as “FBI” or “Treasury,” are often restricted to keep your LLC from sounding like an official institution.
Additionally, Washington D.C. LLC names can’t contain the words “bank,” “banking,” “credit union,” “insurance,” or words of similar meaning without the prior approval of the mayor.
For more information, check out Washington D.C.’s official statutes on name requirements and permitted names.
Distinguishability
It’s important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In Washington D.C., a distinguishable name is one that’s substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the district.
Business entity type identifiers (e.g., “LLC” and “Corp.”) do NOT make a name distinguishable in Washington D.C.
Failure to use a distinguishable name could result in the rejection of your formation filing.
2. Search for LLC Names
The first search you’ll need to complete is to ensure there’s no existing business in the district already using your chosen business name. You can check your business name availability by searching the Washington D.C. Business Entity Search online database. Keep in mind, you’ll need an Access DC account to log into the CorpOnline system.
3. Check Available Domain Names
When choosing a business name you’ll need to find out whether or not a good web domain name is available. Having a URL that clearly matches your business name is important. This small step can make a big difference in how prospective customers find your business.
The best way to determine if your desired URL is available is to search for it using your preferred domain registry, such as GoDaddy.
What if my LLC name is already taken? Our free AI-powered LLC name generator will give you thousands of new ideas.
4. Reserve Your LLC Name
You may reserve your LLC name in Washington D.C. for up to 120 days before you officially register it with the district. This prevents other businesses from registering your name until you have the opportunity to register it yourself.
You can file a name reservation online or by mail with the Washington D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. The filing fee is $50.
5. Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search
Protect your brand by conducting a trademark search. Check the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to see if your desired business name or logo is already taken. Keep in mind that state-level LLC name availability doesn’t guarantee federal trademark clearance. For comprehensive protection, consider enlisting specialized trademark services tailored for new businesses.
6. Form Your Washington D.C. LLC
After confirming your LLC name’s availability through the above searches, forming an LLC in Washington D.C. involves filing Articles of Organization with the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.
You can do this online through the CorpOnline portal or by mail. You’ll need to provide basic information about your LLC, including its name, registered agent details, and the names of its members or managers.
Have a Professional Service Form Your LLC
Ready to form your Washington D.C. LLC? Tailor Brands will guide you through the LLC registration process to make your business official.
Start NowWashington D.C. LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in Washington D.C.?
You can use the Washington D.C. Business Entity Search tool to see if your business name is available. You’ll need an Access DC account.
Should I name my LLC after myself?
While there’s no rule against naming an LLC after yourself, most experts advise against doing this.
One of the benefits of starting an LLC is the ability to choose a different name for your business, which can make it sound more professional.
To explore other naming options, use our free AI-powered LLC name generator.
What words can’t be used in a Washington D.C. LLC name?
Business names generally can’t include words that imply the company is a banking or financial institution or that it’s affiliated with a local or federal government agency.
Additionally, Washington D.C. LLC names can’t contain the words “bank,” “banking,” “credit union,” “insurance,” or words of similar meaning without the prior approval of the mayor.
Should I use an LLC name generator?
If you’re having trouble choosing a name for your LLC, an LLC name generator can help you come up with some ideas.
What is a brand name?
A brand name is a name a company gives to a product or line of products. It can be the same as the company’s name or something different.
Learn more about branding with your business entity name with our How to Name Your LLC guide.
Do I have to include LLC in my name?
Yes. Washington D.C. requires that its LLCs use “Limited Liability Company” or “Limited Company” or one of their abbreviations (e.g., “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “LC,” or “L.C.”) in their legal name.
Do I need to renew my business name in Washington D.C.?
Washington D.C. doesn’t require LLCs to renew their legal name, but trade names must be renewed every two years.
You can renew online or by mail. The filing fee is $55.
Learn more about trade names with our Washington D.C. DBA guide.
Can my business name be different from my LLC name in Washington D.C.?
Some companies choose to operate under a name that’s different from their legal name. This can either be called a “doing business as” (DBA) name or a trade name in Washington D.C.
In Washington D.C., LLC trade names are filed with the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.
Learn more about trade names with our Washington D.C. DBA guide.
Does my LLC need a DBA name?
Your LLC doesn’t need a DBA name unless it plans to do business under a name other than its legal name. Learn more about Washington D.C. DBA names by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting District of Columbia from the drop-down menu.