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Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Washington State’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 a Washington State LLC 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 Washington State
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in doing a Washington State LLC name search. To learn more, check out LLC Naming Guidelines or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.
- Check Name Availability
Search the Business Entity Records in Washington State’s Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try typing your trademark, business, or domain name on any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark is unique and meets the state’s requirements.
Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names. - Check Domain Availability
If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. So customers can easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.
- File Name Reservation
A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name online, by mail, or in person with a $30 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Washington State. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to Secretary of State Corporation Division 801 Capitol Way S P.O. Box 40234 Olympia, Washington 98504-0234.
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 Washington LLC Online Name Search
Business names are equally important. You are required to select a name that is appealing as well as that follows certain guidelines. To check for the name availability, you can try the Washington LLC name search option. Following are the ways in which you can search for any business entity.
By Business Name
To search by the business name, you need to provide the details like business type, business status, and expiration date along with the name of the business in the fields provided. For more refined results, you can also provide a start and end date of registration. Once you press enter, you will get the details of the business entity.
By Registered Agent
Another way to try a business search is by the agent’s name. You need to provide the name of the agent in the search field. You can also provide an address in the search tab. Once you click or press enter, you will get the information about the business registered with the agent’s name provided.
By Governor Name
You can also search for the business entity name by the governor’s name. You have to enter the name in the field provided and press enter.
By Trademark
One more method to search for a business entity name is the trademark search. You have to provide the details like trademark owner name, trademark status, trademark text, etc., and click on the search button. The results displayed will help you in selecting the business name.
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 Washington
To reserve an LLC name in Washington you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Washington Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $30. It can be expedited by paying an additional amount.
First and foremost, it is important to understand the importance of choosing a unique and distinctive name for your LLC. A name that is closely similar to an existing business could lead to legal complications and potential confusion in the market. Therefore, before beginning the process of reserving a name, it is essential to conduct a thorough search to ensure the availability of your desired name. The Washington Secretary of State’s website provides a search tool that allows individuals to check the availability of a name for their LLC. It is recommended to conduct a search not only for an exact match but also for similar variations to prevent any conflicts in the future.
To reserve a name for your LLC in Washington, you must file a Name Reservation Request with the Washington Secretary of State. This can be done online through the state’s Corporations and Charities Filing System (CCFS) or by mail. When submitting the reservation request, you will need to provide the desired name for your LLC, along with your contact information and a $30 fee. The reservation is valid for 180 days and can be renewed for an additional fee if needed.
It is important to note that once your LLC name is reserved, it does not automatically irtually protection from others using a similar name. This reservation simply holds the name for your use and does not grant any exclusive rights to it. To fully protect your LLC name, it is recommended to register the name as a trademark through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
In conclusion, reserving a name for your LLC in Washington is a critical step in the process of starting your business. By choosing a unique and distinctive name and securing it through the proper channels, you can protect your business and establish a strong identity in the market. With a straightforward process and affordable fee, reserving an LLC name in Washington is a simple way to lay the foundation for your business’s success.
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
How do I obtain an entity name? I was an LLC before at one time and it had a chosen name by my business partner and I under entity and DBA was the business name for example..
Entity: Fafo
DBA: Day and night glass