How To Register A Business In Wa

Step 1: Choose a Concern Structure

Recommended: We typically recommend forming an LLC for near entrepreneurs because this structure comes with personal nugget protection, has no double taxation, and is pretty like shooting fish in a barrel to maintain.

If you would like to utilize a service, read our guide on the best LLC formation services.

Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships

By default, sole proprietorships operate as the same name as the owner while full general partnerships must include the surnames of all the partners.

Stride 2: Check Proper name Availability

When registering a business proper noun, it's of import to make sure it's unique and no one else in your land formed a company with information technology or has control of it online every bit a domain proper noun.

Domain Name Search

We strongly recommend that you also check to encounter if your business name is bachelor as a web domain (URL). Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may desire to purchase the web address to foreclose others from acquiring that domain proper noun. If the web domain is available and then information technology's probable the name volition also be available in a business search.

Detect a Domain Now

Washington D.C. Business Proper name Search

Next, search the Washington D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs business name search tool. This is an important step in the process considering your filing will exist denied if yous try to file for a name already in use.

Search requirements can vary depending on your business needs. For example, a unique and available proper name is required to:

File for formal business structures similar LLCs and corporations.
File a DBA name for any business construction.

A district-level proper name search isn't required for informal business structures like sole proprietorships or full general partnerships in Washington D.C. Just, if you decide to annals a merchandise name or DBA name, you'll need to search the database to meet if your desired name is unique and available.

Pace three: Form Your Business organization With Washington D.C.

One time you have selected your business structure and name, yous volition need to file your germination documents with the district, which will register your business with Washington D.C.

To register your Washington D.C. LLC, you'll need to file the Articles of Organization with the Washington D.C. Section of Consumer and Regulatory Diplomacy. You tin can apply online, by post, or in person. Read our Grade an LLC in Washington D.C. guide for details.

Or utilize a professional service like ZenBusiness or LegalZoom to form your LLC for you.

To register your Washington D.C. corporation, you'll demand to file the Articles of Incorporation with the Washington D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. Read our Form a Washington D.C. Corporation guide to learn more.

Boosted Considerations

Protect Your Business Proper noun With a Trademark (Optional)

Once you ostend the availability of your business name and secure it, you lot can cull to apply for a trademark for your business. This typically costs around $225 to $400 plus whatsoever attorney fees as well as a renewal fee every 10 years.

While this cost tin can be high for a commencement-up or fledgling business, it volition give your company brand nationwide protection backed by federal law. That means if others endeavour to exercise business concern with the same — or a like — name equally yours, you'll accept legal precedent on your side. For about small businesses, this actually isn't necessary unless they are thinking of going national.

How to Change the Name of a Washington D.C. Business

Changing the proper name of a business in Washington D.C. can be done in two means: by filing for a merchandise name or past submitting an amendment to the legal name of an existing business.

The start method, filing for a merchandise proper noun (also known every bit a DBA proper noun), is the easiest style to operate your business using a different proper name without needing to change its legal proper name.

A DBA name is the only manner for sole proprietorships and full general partnerships to have a different business proper noun. It'south besides the easiest method for LLCs and corporations to follow because information technology allows them to avoid filing an amendment or complicating their business organization operations while enabling them to operate with make names that don't include the necessary LLC or Inc. suffix required in a legal name.

If you desire to change the legal proper noun of your LLC or corporation, still, filing an amendment to the legal proper noun of an existing business is your best option. Here are links to forms for both options:

Certificate of Subpoena for domestic LLCs
Articles of Amendment of domestic for-profit corporations

Y'all may submit both online or by mail forth with the $220 filing fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How exercise I get a business concern license in Washington D.C.?

Obtaining a business license in Washington D.C. is as easy every bit following these iv steps:

Complete corporate registration and merchandise name registration, if applicable.
Register your business with the IRS and DC Role of Tax and Acquirement.
Complete registration with the Role of the Zoning Administrator.
Submit your basic business license (BBL) application via the My DC Business Center.

Practice I need a Washington D.C. business organization license?

Yep, you lot demand a basic business license (BBL) to operate a business in Washington D.C.

How practise I get a tax ID in Washington D.C.?

To get a tax ID for your Washington D.C. business, y'all must first obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Y'all can then consummate tax registration for your business organisation by filing Grade FR-500.

Do I need a trade name or DBA in Washington D.C.?

No, you don't need to file a trade name or DBA proper name in order to operate a business in Washington D.C. Some business entities may, however, do good from filing a DBA name like those planning to operate in multiple states without reserving their business proper name in each location.

How exercise I file a Washington D.C. trade proper name or DBA?

You can file a trade name — otherwise known equally a doing business as (DBA) proper noun — online through your CorpOnline business relationship.