DC LLC Name Search – How to Name Your LLC


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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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.

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

What is a Trade Name?

A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.

Is having a domain name necessary?

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.

What if my name is unavailable?

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.

One of the first steps in starting a business in the District of Columbia is choosing and reserving a name for your LLC. This name serves as the official title under which your business will operate and be recognized by the state. To reserve a name, there are a few key steps that must be followed to ensure compliance with the state’s regulations.

First and foremost, it is important to conduct a thorough search to ensure that the name you have chosen is unique and not already in use by another entity in the District of Columbia. This can be done by searching the state’s online business entity database or contacting the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) to confirm the availability of the name.

Once you have confirmed that the name is available, you can proceed with reserving it through the DCRA. The reservation can be completed online through the CorpOnline portal, where you will need to create an account and file the necessary paperwork to officially reserve the name for your LLC. The filing fee for reserving a name is typically modest, making it an affordable and necessary step in the business registration process.

It is important to note that name reservations in the District of Columbia are valid for a period of 120 days, during which time you should proceed with completing the necessary steps to formally register your LLC with the state. Failure to do so within the designated timeframe may result in the name reservation expiring, requiring you to repeat the process and potentially choose a new name for your business.

Reserving a name for your LLC is a crucial step in establishing your business and creating a strong foundation for future growth and success. By following the proper procedures and ensuring compliance with state regulations, you can secure your chosen name and begin the process of officially registering your business in the District of Columbia.

In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in the District of Columbia is a necessary and relatively simple step in the business registration process. By conducting a name search, filing the necessary paperwork, and adhering to state regulations, you can secure your chosen name and pave the way for a successful and thriving business in the nation’s capital.

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

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