How to File a DBA in Washington DC
Registering aDBA, known in Washington D.C. as a trade name, will establish your business’s branding. DBAs are a simple way to start growing your business.
We’ll show you how to register aWashington D.C. DBAbelow.
Or, you can save time and use a trusted DBA service.
Recommended:Register your DBA and establish your brand withLegalZoom. Packages start at $99 (plus state filing fees).
Register a Trade Name in DC
Registering a Washington D.C. trade name, also known as aDBA, is easy!
Step 1. Start with a Washington D.C. Trade Name Search
Washington D.C. trade names must be unique and must also meet Washington D.C.'s business name requirements.
First, visit theLink to CorpOnlineand search for your new DBA name to make sure it isn’t already in use.
Next, review the Washington D.C. naming requirements. In Washington D.C., trade names shouldNOTinclude:
- Any business entity suffix, such as LLC, Incorporated, Corp, etc., unless the business is actually an LLC, corporation, etc.
- The words “bank,” “banking,” “credit union,” “insurance,” or words of similar meaning without theprior approval of the Mayor.
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.
Step 2. Register Your Washington D.C. DBA
Your Washington D.C. trade name can be filed online or by mail with the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. You can file online with theCorpOnline web portalor you can complete theTN-1 Trade Name Registrationform.
Some important sections of the form include:
- Section 1:Name of individual or entity registering the trade name
- Section 3:Type of Organization
- Section 6:Registered agent name and address
Recommended:Use a reputable service.LegalZoomoffers a hassle free DBA filing package starting at $99 + State Filing Fees.
OPTION 1:File Online With DC CorpOnline
- OR -
OPTION 2:File the TN-1 Trade Name Registration Form by Mail
成本:
$55Filing Fee
Mailing Address:
Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 92300
Washington, DC 20090
Manage Your Washington D.C. Trade Name
General Questions
Call the Washington D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection:202-442-4432
Renew Your Trade Name With the State
Your Washington D.C. trade name needs to be renewed every two years. The renewal due date is April 1, with the first renewal due by April 1 of the second year from the year of registration. The filing fee is$55. You can renewonlineor by filling out theTN-2 Trade Name Renewalform and mailing it to the address below:
Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
Corporations Division
PO Box 92300
Washington, DC 20090
Change Your Trade Name
You can change your trade name by filling out theTN-4 Trade Name Amendmentform. Mail the completed form and the$55filing fee to the address below:
Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 92300
Washington, DC 20090
Withdraw Your Trade Name
To cancel your trade name, complete the trade nameTN-3商号Cancellationform and mail it, along with the$55fee, to the address below:
Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 92300
Washington, DC 20090
After Filing Your Washington D.C. 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 rightbusiness insurancewill ensure that you’re covered if the worst happens. Most businesses start withgeneral liability insuranceas their base coverage.
DBA Washington D.C. FAQ
How many DBAs can I have?
你可以尽可能多的dba可以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.