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Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adhere to the guidelines. The great thing is DC’s Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out LLC Name Search to learn more.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting an LLC in DC or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
How to Name an LLC in DC
Time needed: 5 minutes
Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC
- Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
- Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
- Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
- Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.
Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.
How to do a DC LLC Online Name Search
As a part of the registration process, it is important to have a suitable name for your LLC in accordance with the guidelines of the State. When you are selecting a name for your LLC, you need to search on the DC State website if the chosen name is unique and available for registration or not. Look at the following points and know about them.
Register your Account
Visit the official page of the District of Columbia Secretary of State. Register your account on the DCRA CorpOnline Web Portal by selecting the “sign-up” option. Or click on “Sign-in with Access DC” if you have already registered your account with DC.gov.
After clicking on the “Sign-up” option, the page for registration of your account will look like this. Fill in your details for user registration such as your name and address and confirm your username and password and submit the form.
Enter the name
After you navigate to the search page, type your proposed name in the “Inquiry” box. You can also choose among the different available filters and conduct a broad search or narrow down your search entry by applying filters by choosing radio buttons.
Perform the Search
Search the availability of the chosen name on the website. If the proposed business name is already in use, the page will display the relevant details of the competing business. Upon performing any name search on the given page, a list of entities with the relevant name, their file number, effective date, status, locale, and qualifier shall pop up on the screen. Conduct thorough research of the name by using the provided filters such as entity name, business ID, etc. before filing it with the Authorities.
You can also visit the D.C. Trademark records or the USPTO’s Federal Electronic Records to search if your business name is already in use by some other trademark slogans or logos in the DC.
After selecting a name, you can file an application for reservation of your LLC Name for 120 days with the DCRA.
F.A.Qs
A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.
Having a domain isn’t necessary, but it is recommended. If you have a domain name, customers will find you more accessible through online means with your online website.
For domestic LLC, you can simply brainstorm for another name if the one you pick is no longer available. For foreign LLC, you must think up a “fictitious name,” which you’ll use only in the state.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in District of Columbia
To reserve an LLC name in District of Columbia you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $50.
The first step in reserving an LLC name in the District of Columbia is to conduct a thorough search to verify that the name you have chosen is available. The District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs provides an online tool where you can search for registered business names to ensure that your desired name is not already in use. It is essential to conduct a comprehensive search to avoid any potential conflicts in the future.
Once you have confirmed that the name you have chosen is available, you can proceed to reserve it with the District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. The reservation can be made online through the Department’s website or in person at their office. When reserving a name, you will need to provide the desired name, your name and address, and the purpose of your LLC. There is a fee associated with reserving a name, which varies depending on the method of submission.
Reserving a name for your LLC in the District of Columbia is essential because it allows you to secure the name for a specified period. This gives you the time needed to complete the necessary paperwork to officially register your business. It also prevents other businesses from using the same name while you are in the process of establishing your LLC.
It is worth noting that reserving a name does not give you exclusive rights to use that name in the District of Columbia. To secure exclusive rights to your business name, you will need to register your LLC with the District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. This will require filing Articles of Organization and paying the associated registration fee. By registering your LLC, you will officially establish your business entity and gain legal protection for your business name.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in the District of Columbia is a vital step in the process of starting your business. By ensuring that the name you choose is unique and available, you can avoid potential conflicts with other businesses and establish a strong brand identity for your LLC. Taking the time to reserve your LLC name sets the foundation for building a successful business and provides peace of mind knowing that your business name is secure.
In Conclusion
LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name