Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
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.
To reserve an LLC name in the District of Columbia, there are certain steps that need to be followed to ensure a smooth and successful process. The first step is to conduct a thorough name search to make sure that your desired business name is available and not already claimed by another entity. This can be done online through the District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) website, where you can search the database of existing business names to check for availability.
Once you have confirmed that your desired business name is available, you can then proceed to reserve it by submitting an application to the DCRA. The application form can be obtained online from the DCRA website and will require information such as your business name, contact information, and the length of time you wish to reserve the name for.
There is a small fee associated with reserving an LLC name in the District of Columbia, but this is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your business name is secure. By reserving your desired name, you can take the necessary time to register your LLC and complete any other necessary paperwork without the risk of someone else registering under the same name in the meantime.
It is important to note that reserving an LLC name is not the same as registering your business. Once you have reserved your LLC name, you must still complete the process of registering your business with the DCRA and obtaining any necessary licenses and permits. However, reserving your desired name can provide you with a sense of security and allow you to move forward with the registration process without the fear of losing your chosen business name.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in the District of Columbia is a crucial step for entrepreneurs looking to establish a business in the nation’s capital. By taking the time to conduct a name search and submit an application to the DCRA, you can secure your desired business name and avoid any potential conflicts with other entities. While there is a small fee associated with reserving an LLC name, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your name is secure is well worth the investment. So, if you’re ready to take the next steps towards starting your business, don’t forget to reserve your LLC name first.
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