DC LLC Name Search – How to Name Your LLC


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein 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.

To reserve an LLC name in the District of Columbia, you must submit the appropriate form to the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). The form for reserving a name is known as the “Application for Reservation of Name for a Limited Liability Company.” This form can be downloaded directly from the DCRA website or can be obtained in person at their office. It is essential to ensure that the name you are reserving follows the naming guidelines set forth by the state. The name must end with “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation of it, such as “LLC” or “L.L.C.”

When submitting the application, you will need to provide the desired name for your LLC, as well as your contact information. You will also need to pay a fee for reserving the name. The fee can typically be paid either by credit card or by mailing a check with the application. Once the application is processed and approved by the DCRA, the name will be reserved for a set period of time, usually 120 days. During this time, you can begin the process of formally registering your LLC, knowing that the name you have chosen is secure and cannot be used by another business.

Reserving an LLC name in the District of Columbia is an important step in establishing your business identity. A name is often one of the first things potential customers or clients will learn about your company, so it is crucial to choose a name that reflects your brand and communicates the essence of your business. By reserving your LLC name, you can begin the process of building a strong brand identity from the start.

Not only does reserving an LLC name protect your business identity, but it also gives you the peace of mind that your chosen name is safe from being used by someone else. In today’s competitive business landscape, having a distinct and memorable name is essential for standing out from the crowd. By reserving your name early on in the process, you can save yourself the potential headache of having to rebrand later on if your desired name is already taken.

In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in the District of Columbia is a crucial step in starting a business. By taking the time to reserve your desired name, you can ensure that your business identity is protected and can begin building a strong brand identity from the very beginning. Don’t delay in reserving your LLC name – take the necessary steps today to secure your business’s future 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

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