How to File a DBA in Washington State
Getting aDBA, known in Washington Stateas atrade name, will go a long way in establishing your business’s branding. DBAs are a simple way to start growing your business.
We’ll show you how to register a WashingtonDBAbelow.
Or, you can save time and use a reputable DBA service.
Recommended:Register your DBA and establish your brand withLegalZoom. Packages start at $99 (plus state filing fees).
Register a DBA in Washington State
Registering a Washington trade name, also known as aDBA, is easy!
Step 1. Start with a Washington Trade Name Search
When you register your Washington trade name, you are essentially letting other business owners know that the name is in use.哟ur trade name isn’t protected from being used by others.The next step is to check to see if your Washington trade name is unique and also meets Washington’s business name requirements.
First, visit the洗ton Department of Revenue’s Business Lookup websiteand search for your new DBA name to make sure it isn’t already in use.
Next, review the Washington naming requirements. In Washington, trade names shouldNOTinclude:
- Any business entity suffix, such as LLC, Incorporated, Corp, etc., unless the business is actually an LLC, corporation, or etc.
- Any of the following words or phrases:bank, banking, banker, trust, cooperative, any combination of the words "industrial" and "loan," any combination of any two or more of the words "building," "savings," "loan," "home," "association," and "society," or any other words or phrases prohibited by any Washington state statute.
We recommend checking if your name is available as a网络域(URL). You might not plan on starting a business website today, but you may want to prevent others from acquiring your URL.
Need Help Creating a Brand Name and Logo?
If you need help coming up with a DBA name, try ourbusiness name generator. Then, create a unique logo for your brand with ourfree logo generator.
步骤2。注册你的华盛顿DBA
哟ur Washington trade name can be filed online or by mail with the Department of Revenue. You can file online with the洗ton Department of Revenue’s websiteor you can complete theBusiness License Application.
The application will ask for your new DBA name and information about your business, such as:
- Ownership structure
- Unified Business Identifier (UBI)
- Business opening date and place of incorporation
- Estimated gross annual income
- Date of first employment
Note, some states require NAICS codes. You can do aNAICS Code Lookupand find theNAICS Code for LLCthat matches your industry.
Recommended:Use a reputable service.LegalZoomoffers a hassle free DBA filing package starting at $99 + State Filing Fees.
Option 1:File Online on the Department of Revenue’s Website
- OR -
Option 2:File the Business License Application by Mail or In-Person
Cost:
$24Filing Fee ($19 Business License Application fee + $5 trade name fee)
In-Person Delivery Address:
Check theDepartment of Revenue’s websitefor in-person delivery locations
Mailing Address:
State of Washington
Business Licensing Service
P.O. Box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034
Manage Your Washington Trade Name
General Questions
Call the Washington Business Licensing Service: 1-800-451-7985
Renew Your Trade Name With the State
哟ur Washington trade name does not expire.
Change Your Trade Name
哟u can change the name of your DBAonlineor by using the registrationformand checking the box next to “change trade name.”
Withdraw Your Trade Name
哟u can cancel your trade nameonlineor by completing thebusiness information change form. You can also emailBLS@dor.wa.govor fax the Business Licensing Service at (360) 705-6699 to request cancellation.
After Filing Your Washington DBA
If filing a DBA marks the beginning of your business journey, then there are a few more steps that you should take before getting started:
- Create your Business’s Website- Every business needs awebsite. Luckily, drag-and-drop builders likeGoDaddyandWixmake the job quick and easy. Check out ourBest Website Builderarticle to find the tool that’s best for you.
- Get your Business Finances in Order- You’ll need to separate your business finances from your personal ones. This is accomplished by opening abusiness bank account. If your business has long lead times or other cash flow irregularities, you can also look into abusiness credit card.
- Protect Your Business- While an LLC will help to protect your personal assets in the case of a lawsuit, your business’s assets also need protection. Having the right商业保险will ensure that you’re covered if the worst happens. Most businesses start withgeneral liability insuranceas their base coverage.
DBA Washington FAQ
How many DBAs can I have?
哟u can have as many DBAs as you can afford to create and are able to keep track of. Each one comes with additional incremental expenses and paperwork, meaning more is not necessarily better.
Can a DBA get an EIN or Tax ID?
DBAs aren’t required to have a separate EIN because DBAs aren’t a business entity. The business entity that the DBA is under would have an EIN if an EIN is required.
To learn more about EINs and when you need one for your business, read ourWhat is an EINguide.
Can a DBA become an LLC?
No. An LLC is a businessentity, while a DBA is just anamefor a business.
Sole proprietorshipsare often confused with DBAs, but they are not the same: a sole proprietorship is a business entity, therefore it can choose to become an LLC.
To learn how to form an LLC, visit our金宝搏188是什么公司state guides.
Can a DBA have Inc. in the name?
A DBA can only have Inc. in the name if the business entity the DBA is attached to is a corporation.
How do I set up a DBA for a rental property?
Holding a rental property in your name and with a DBA will not afford you any protection. The best option is to form an LLC to protect your personal assets in the event of an issue with the rental property. In any case, it is always best to consult an attorney.
When would it be good to get a DBA versus a legal name change?
Getting a DBA is often a better choice than changing your business’s legal name. If you want to rebrand your company or focus on another line of business, filing for a DBA is a simpler process than filing for a legal name change.
Is my DBA protected from being used in other places?
Some state-level laws prevent DBAs that are too similar to existing ones from being used, but this varies from state to state. It is possible totrademark a DBA, which would offer stronger protection across state lines.