Washington Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Washington 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.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Washington LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Washington, 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 Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Washington.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Washington Business Name Search or the Washington Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Washington Advanced Business Search page
Washington Secretary of State: Advanced Business Search
It’s straightforward: enter your desired LLC name in the search bar and click "Search" at the bottom of the page.
Keep the Search Type set to "Contains" and don’t adjust any other settings or enter additional information.
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 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.
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Washington Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Washington Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Washington representatives can guide you through the process of using the Washington 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 360-725-0377, Monday through Friday, between 8 am to 5 pm Pacific Time.
Washington LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 23.95.305 of the Washington LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a Washington business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Emerald City Landscaping LLC
- Emerald City Landscaping, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Co.
- 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.
- Co-op.
- Corporation
- Cooperative
- Incorporated
- Partnership
Restricted Words in Washington LLC Names
Your Washington 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.
Ensuring Your Washington Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Washington Secretary of State Business Entity 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 "Cascade Adventures LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Washington Business Name Search:
- Cascade Adventures, Inc.
- Cascade Adventures, Corp.
- Cascade Adventures, L.L.C.
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Silver Lake Crafts LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Silver Lake Crafts LLC
- A Silver Lake Craft Inc.
- Of Silver Lake Crafts L.L.C.
- Silver Lake & Crafts 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 "Mountain Peaks Coffee LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- Mountain Peaks Coffee LLC
- Mountain Peak Coffees Inc.
- Mountain Peak's Coffee, L.L.C.
Punctuation, Symbols, Spaces
Adding or removing punctuation, symbols, and spaces doesn’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is "Sunnybrook Bakery LLC", it's not available to use if any of the following are found:
- Sunnybrook-Bakery LLC
- Sunnybrook_Bakery LLC
- "Sunnybrook" Bakery LLC
- Sunnybrook Bakery! LLC
- Sunnybrook + Bakery LLC
Abbreviation vs Complete Name or Word
Using an abbreviation instead of a complete word (or vice versa) doesn't create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is "Cascade Outdoor Gear LLC", it's not available to use if any of the following are found:
- CAS Outdoor Gear, L.C.
- Cascade Outdoor Gears, Ltd. Liability Co.
- Cascade Outdoor Equipment Inc.
Business Search Tips for Abbreviations
If you want to use an abbreviation or a word with a commonly used abbreviation, make sure to search for both the abbreviation and the complete word when checking name availability.
For example: If you want to use the word "Washington" in your business name, also search for names using "WA." Similarly, if you want to use "Mountain" in your name, search for both "Mountain" and "Mtn".
Capitalization
Differences in capitalization don't create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is "Evergreen Fitness LLC", it's not available to use if any of the following are found:
- EVERGREEN FITNESS Inc.
- evergreen fitness LP
- EvErGrEeN FiTnEsS LLC
In other words, you can use any capitalization you prefer, but it doesn't make your name distinguishable from an existing company with the same name.
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What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Washington Certificate of Formation 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?
No, a name reservation isn’t required to form an LLC in Washington. It’s an unnecessary step and a waste of money.
You can file your LLC’s Certificate of Formation with your desired LLC name directly.
Does Washington require an LLC in the name?
Yes, your Washington LLC name must include one of the following designators at the end:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my Washington LLC need a DBA?
No, you're not required to file a DBA ("Doing Business As") for your Washington LLC.
A DBA, known as a Trade Name in Washington, allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its legal name (the name on your Certificate of Formation).
If you wish to use a different name, you must register the Trade Name during your Washington Business License Application. Each Trade Name registration costs an additional $5. For more details, refer to the Department of Revenue 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 state.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
If you form an LLC named Palouse Falls Tours LLC but want to use a catchier name like Palouse Tours, you would need to file a Trade Name registration for Palouse Tours.
Without filing for a Trade Name, your LLC can only use its legal name, Palouse Falls Tours LLC, as your Washington Business License will be issued for the legal name only.
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 Secretary of State's records.
For example, if you want to form an LLC named Walla Walla Landscapers LLC but there’s already a business named Walla Walla Landscapers, Inc., your name cannot be used because it is not distinguishable.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a compelling business name is crucial. Here's a process to help you:
- Write down the features and values of your company.
- List as many potential names as you can without evaluating them initially.
- Review the list, noting variations and new ideas.
- Set the list aside, then return later to refine your options.
- Read the names aloud and seek feedback from others.
- Repeat the process as needed to narrow down 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 Washington entity?
No, you cannot use the same name as another Washington business, regardless of entity type.
Even if an entity is listed as "delinquent", you cannot use its name. However, if a business is "Inactive", "Voluntarily Dissolved", or "Administratively Dissolved", the name may become available for use.
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC's name by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State. Detailed instructions on how to change an LLC name in Washington are available from the Secretary of State’s office.
How to start an LLC in Washington?
To start an LLC in Washington, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure its availability.
- Select a Washington Registered Agent.
- File the Washington LLC Certificate of Formation.
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Open an LLC bank account.
- Check if you need a business or sales tax license in Washington.