Washington D.C. LLC Name Search

Check LLC Name Availability in Washington D.C.

1. Do a Washington D.C. Business Name Search

You can use D.C.’s Business Entity Search to check the availability of your desired name. You will need to create an online account to perform this search.

To perform the most effective search, type in the name you would like to use, excluding identifiers like “LLC”, and leave all other boxes blank. This will return all entities using the same or similar names. If your business name is several words, you can even search just the first two words to ensure you pull up all possible similar names. 

Be sure to conduct a thorough search before completing your paperwork to avoid rejection.

2. Search Available Domain Names

Another important consideration to make when selecting a business name is whether or not your desired web domain name is available.

Having a URL that clearly matches your business name is important. This seemingly small step can make a big difference in how prospective customers find your business.

The best way to determine if your desired URL is available is to search for it online using your preferred domain registry, such as GoDaddy.

3. Follow Washington D.C. Naming Guidelines

When forming a limited liability company (LLC) in Washington D.C., it’s important to choose a name that meets the specific naming requirements. Here are the key guidelines you need to follow:

Including the Required Phrases

The name of your LLC must include one of the following phrases:

• “Limited Liability Company”
• “Limited Company”

Alternatively, you can use the abbreviations:

• “L.L.C.”
• “LLC”
• “L.C.”
• “LC”

You can abbreviate the word “Limited” as “Ltd.” in your LLC name, and the word “Company” can be abbreviated as “Co.”

Professional LLCs

If you’re establishing a professional limited liability company (PLLC), the name should include one of the following phrases:

• “Professional Limited Liability Company”
• “P.L.L.C.”
• “PLLC”

Distinguishability

To ensure that your LLC name is distinguishable from existing names, it’s important to avoid using names that are too similar to other entities registered in Washington D.C. This includes considering the following factors:

• Capitalization differences: Only the capitalization of letters or punctuation marks can differ from existing names.
• Plural or singular forms: Plural and singular forms of words are not considered distinguishable.
• Word separators and articles: The use of word separators (such as spaces, hyphens, or slashes) or articles like “The,” “A,” “And,” “&,” etc., is not taken into account when determining distinguishability.
• Apostrophes: The presence or absence of apostrophes does not make a name distinguishable.
• Variations of the same name: Combined or separated words of the same name are not distinguishable.

Remember, it is your responsibility as the filer to ensure that the name you choose is distinguishable. If you use a name that is not unique, additional paperwork and fees may be required.

By following these naming requirements, you can choose a suitable and distinguishable name for your LLC in Washington D.C.

Registering Your Washington D.C. Business Name

Whether you’re prepared to launch your LLC or still in the planning phase, we’re here to guide you through the process.

Register Your Washington D.C. LLC

Registering your LLC name in Washington D.C. is a relatively straightforward task. Your business name becomes officially registered when you file the Articles of Organization with the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). This critical document marks the formal establishment of your business in the District of Columbia.

The DLCP’s website provides detailed instructions on how to fill out the form and pay the necessary filing fee.

Reserve Your Washington D.C. Business Entity Name

D.C.’s Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection handles all LLC naming questions and requests. Business names can be reserved for 120 days. If you have yet to form your business entity using the reserved name when the business name reservation expires, you may renew the name reservation.

To reserve a business name, you must file an application online or by mail. When reserving your name, you will have to pay a filing fee. Cheques must be made out to the “Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.”

Washington D.C. Name Reservation Registration

OPTION 1: File Online With the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection

File Online

– OR –

OPTION 2: File by Mail

Download Form

Fee: $50

Mail to:
Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 92300
Washington D.C. 20090

Other Considerations

Washington D.C. requires that your LLC name be distinguishable from other registered business entities in the state. Before filing your paperwork it is a good idea to do some additional research. 

You’ll want to be sure your name or one very close to it is not being used by unregistered businesses such as sole proprietorships or partnerships, has not been trademarked by another business in your state or industry, and is otherwise available for use across the internet. This will help ensure you have full, unrestricted use of your business name.

Trademark Search

Conducting a trademark search of your business name and associated slogans or logos before registering can help prevent costly litigation in the future. Discovering that another entity has trademarked your business name does not automatically disqualify you from using it.

However, it is important to know who is using the name, what industry they operate in, and where they are located to be sure you do not inadvertently infringe upon anyone’s intellectual property rights. 

To complete this step:  

• Search D.C.’s trademark records to see if your business name or associated slogans, logos, or others are in use by another business in your state.
• Search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s electronic records to find any federally registered trademarks associated with your business name.

Social Media Search

Just as important, or more so, than finding a domain name that fits your business is ensuring that your business name is available for use across social media platforms. You can do this by simply searching your business name on each major site, or by using a tool such as Namecheckerr to search across all platforms at once.

Bottom Line

According to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Washington D.C. now processes over 14,000 new business applications per year.

While this can make finding a distinguishable name for your LLC seem daunting, it’s important that you do not rush the process or settle for the first available name you find. 

Take the time to choose something memorable that reflects your brand, works as a domain, and won’t limit you as your business grows.