Washington DC Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Washington DC LLC Name Is Available
A unique business name is key for branding, but it can be difficult to navigate the various rules for business names in Washington DC.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Washington DC LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Washington DC, your filing could be rejected if the name you choose is already in use or does not adhere to state naming regulations.
How to Search the Washington DC Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Washington DC.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Washington DC Business Name Search or the Washington DC Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the DLCP Business Search Page:
Washington DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection: CorpOnline
✎ Note:
This tool requires a free Access DC login.
From your CorpOnline dashboard, scroll down to find the Business Filings Search tab.
To use the Business Filings Search:
- Enter your desired LLC name in the "Search by Entity Name" field.
- Click "Search".
No need to adjust any of the Search Options; you can simply ignore that button.
Search Tips:
- Exclude terms like "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company", and punctuation marks (commas, periods, apostrophes) from your search.
- You can use either uppercase or lowercase letters in your search.
★ Tip:
To ensure thoroughness, start with a search for the main part of your desired name. For instance, if you want "Sunset Ventures LLC", first search for "Sunset Ventures" and then "Sunset" to cover all possible variations.
How to Understand Washington DC LLC Search Results
If your search results show names that do not match yours exactly, your LLC name is likely available.
For example, if "Sunset Ventures LLC" yields results like "Sunset Management" and "Sunset LLC", your name should be available.
What If My Desired Name Is Not Available?
If the name you want is already in use, you will need to choose an alternative name or modify your desired name.
Need to save time?
Consider hiring a professional to set up your LLC: Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services starting at $39 plus the state fee.
(Find out why Northwest is the top choice for LLC formation)
Washington DC DLCP Contact Information
You can contact the Washington DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Washington DC representatives can guide you through the process of using the Washington DC Business Name Search to see if your name is free. They can not guarantee that your name will be approved, but they can provide useful information.
Call the Corporations Division at 202-671-4500, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Eastern Time (except Thursdays, when they open late at 9:30 am)
Washington DC LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 29-103.01 and 29-103.02 of the DC Business Organizations Code, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a Washington DC business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Lakeside Coffee LLC
- Lakeside Coffee, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LC
- L.C.
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Company
- Limited Liability Company
✎ Note:
The term "LLC" is the most commonly used.
Restricted Designators
Your LLC name cannot include terms that imply it is another type of business entity, such as:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Incorporated
- Corporation
- Non Profit
- Non-Profit Corporation
Restricted Words in Washington DC LLC Names
Your Washington DC LLC name cannot include words or abbreviations that are legally restricted.
For instance, you cannot name your LLC in a way that suggests it is a bank, a government agency, or any other entity that might mislead the public.
Additionally, you cannot use terms reserved for licensed professionals. These terms can differ by state but often include accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
English Language or Alphabet Requirement
According to DC Regulation 17-709.1, if your desired LLC name is in a foreign language, you must use the English translation when registering. Your DC Articles of Organization must include the English version of the name.
For example: If your desired DC business name is 未来科技 LLC, you must file it as Future Tech LLC.
Ensuring Your Washington DC Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the DLCP CorpOnline Business Filings Search.
If your name is not unique, you will need to come up with a different or modified name.
Rules for Distinguishability
Designators
Merely changing the designator (the suffix of the name) does not make a name unique. For example, if "Capitol Arts LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Washington DC Business Name Search:
- Capitol Arts, Inc.
- Capitol Arts, Corp.
- Capitol Arts, L.L.C.
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Capital View LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Capital View LLC
- A Capital View Inc.
- Capital and View L.L.C.
- Capital & View Corp
Plural or Singular Words and Possessive Words
Changing a word to its plural or possessive form does not make a name unique.
If your desired LLC name is "Sunsets Garden LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- Sunsets Garden LLC
- Sunset Gardens Inc.
- Sunset Garden's L.L.C.
Numerals or Spelled Out Numbers
Using numerals (like 5 or 101) instead of spelling out the number (like "five" or "one hundred and one") does create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is "45 Creations LLC", you could use that name even if any of the following are found:
- Forty-Five Creations LLC
- Forty 5 Creations Inc.
Punctuation and Special Characters
Using punctuation and special characters can make a name distinguishable, but the DLCP notes that these characters are ignored in the Business Entity Search. This means your business could be confused with one that has the same name but without the punctuation or symbols.
For example, if your desired LLC name is "Girl$ Salon LLC", you could still use it if any of the following are found:
- Girls * Salon Inc.
- Girl’s Salon LLC
- Girls "Salon" L.L.C.
- Girls-Salon Inc.
Need to save time?
Consider hiring a professional to set up your LLC: Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services starting at $39 plus the state fee.
(Find out why Northwest is the top choice for LLC formation)
What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Washington DC Articles of Organization and your chosen business name is not available, do not worry.
The state will inform you of the rejection and provide reasons. You will then need to resubmit with a new or adjusted name.
Do I need a name reservation in Washington DC?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in DC. It’s an unnecessary step and a waste of money.
You can file your LLC’s Articles of Organization with your desired LLC name directly.
Does the District of Columbia require an LLC in the name?
Yes, your District of Columbia LLC name must include one of the following designators at the end:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
Does my DC LLC need a DBA?
No, you're not required to file a DBA ("Doing Business As") for your DC LLC.
A DBA, known as a Trade Name in DC, allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization).
If you wish to use a different name, you must file a Trade Name Registration Application and pay an additional fee of $55 to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). For more details, refer to the DLCP Trade Name Guide.
There is no limit to the number of Trade Names an LLC can have, but each must be distinguishable from existing names in the District.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
If you form an LLC named Robin River Cruise Lines LLC but want to use a catchier name like Robin Cruises, you would need to file a Trade Name Registration Application for Robin Cruises.
Without a Trade Name Registration Application, your LLC can only use its legal name, Robin River Cruise Lines LLC. Similarly, if you wish to operate under the name Robin River Cruise Lines without “LLC,” a Trade Name Registration Application is required.
How do I get a business domain name?
Before finalizing your LLC formation, check if your preferred domain name is available.
You can search for available domain names through GoDaddy:
What does "distinguishability" mean?
"Distinguishability" means that each business name must be unique and not identical to any other name on the DLCP's records.
For instance, if you want to form an LLC called Anacostia Landscapers LLC but there's already a business named Anacostia Landscapers, Inc., you cannot use that name as it is not distinguishable from the existing DC Corporation.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is essential for branding. Here's a method to help you:
- Note down your company's features and values.
- Brainstorm as many names as possible without evaluating them initially.
- Review your list and note any variations or new ideas.
- Set the list aside, then revisit it after some time. Add any new ideas that come to mind.
- Read the names aloud and seek feedback from others.
- Repeat the process if necessary to refine your choices.
- If you're still undecided, use a decision-making technique like choosing after counting to 10 to finalize your choice.
Can I use the name of another DC entity?
No, you cannot use the same name as another DC business, regardless of entity type.
Even if an entity is listed as "delinquent", you cannot use its name. However, if a business is dissolved, it no longer holds rights to that name, which means it may become available for your LLC.
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC’s name by filing an Amendment form with the DLCP. Detailed instructions for changing an LLC name in DC are available from the DLCP.
How do I start an LLC in Washington DC?
To start an LLC in the District of Columbia, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC business name and ensure its availability.
- Select a DC Registered Agent.
- File the District of Columbia LLC Articles of Organization.
- Complete and sign an Operating Agreement.
- Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- File your DC LLC Tax Registration.
- Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy or Home Occupation Permit if needed.
- Get the DC Basic Business License.
- Open an LLC bank account.