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A unique business name is important for branding, but it’s easy to get lost in all the Washington business name rules.
This page will teach you how to look up your LLC name and make sure it’s available to use.
Washington LLC name
If you file your Washington LLC paperwork with a name that is already used by another Washington business entity – or that doesn’t meet the Washington name rules – your filing may be rejected.
The first step to checking if your LLC name passes is to make sure your name is not already taken by another business.
You can do this using the Business Entity Search. And you need to do this because two business entities in the state can’t have the same name or be too similar.
The second step is to make sure your LLC name follows the Washington Secretary of State’s rules, which we’ve broken down below.
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How do I search the Washington business entity name database?
You can use the business entity search to search your business name against the existing business entities registered in Washington.
Note: This tool is sometimes called the Washington Advanced Business Search, Washington Business Name Search or the Washington Business Entity Search. They all refer to the same website and get you the same search records.
Visit the Washington Advanced Business Search page:
Washington Secretary of State: Advanced Business Search
It’s simple: enter your desired LLC name in the search bar. Click Search at the bottom of the page.
Leave the Search Type set to Contains. You don’t need to change anything else or enter any other information.
Search tips:
- Leave out “LLC”, “L.L.C.”, “Limited Liability Company”, etc., when doing your searches.
- Leave out any commas, periods, apostrophes, etc.
- You can search using uppercase or lowercase letters.
Why use “Contains”? If you select “Starts With” you might miss a similar name which adds a filler word. For example, if you searched “Glitter Guy” using the “Starts With” setting, you’d miss the existing business called The Glitter Guy Inc. You can’t name your company “Glitter Guy LLC” if The Glitter Guy Inc. already exists.
Tip: It’s best to enter only the main part of your desired Washington LLC name in the search bar. For example, if your desired LLC name is Riverwalk Studios LLC, first do a search for the words “Riverwalk Studio”. And then do a search for “Riverwalk”. This helps make sure that you see everything that is potentially similar.
How to interpret the Washington LLC search results
If the results show names that are not too similar to yours (meaning yours is distinguishable), then your Limited Liability Company name is available for use.
- Let’s keep using the example above. If your desired name is Riverwalk Studios LLC, and the only similar names you saw were “Riverwalk Rentals” and “Riverwalk Studio Starters”, then your name should be available.
If no results show up, that means your LLC name is unique and it should be available for use. To be safe, run your search again using only part of your LLC name (to double-check that there are no similar names).
- For example, search just the word “Riverwalk” instead of Riverwalk Studios.
If your exact LLC name appears in the list of search records, your LLC name is not available for use because another Washington business entity is already using it.
If the results show a name that is very similar to yours, your LLC name may not be available for use.
- If your desired name is Riverwalk Studios LLC, and the search results show a “Riverwalk Studio”, then your name is not available.
What if my desired LLC name isn’t available?
If your name is not unique, you’ll need to come up with a variation or a different name for your LLC.
Tip: Wait until your LLC is approved before you apply for your LLC EIN Number or purchase any other marketing materials. This way you don’t spend money on business supplies you can’t use because your business name isn’t available.
Washington Secretary of State Contact Information
You can call the Washington Secretary of State to ask questions about whether your LLC name is available.
Representatives at the Washington Secretary of State can help you use the Washington Business Name Search. They can’t guarantee that your LLC name will be available when you file, however.
The Corporations Division phone number is 360-725-0377. Their hours are 8am to 5pm Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
Washington Limited Liability Company Name Requirements
As per Section 23.95.305 of the Washington Business Organizations Act, there are a few rules and requirements for naming a Washington business entity that you need to know.
Do I have to use a comma in my LLC name?
No, you don’t have to. You can file your LLC name with or without a comma. Both versions are accepted by the Secretary of State.
For example: If your desired business name is Grandpa Joe’s, you can file it as:
- Grandpa Joe’s LLC
- Grandpa Joe’s, LLC
Or, instead of having “LLC” as your designator (ending), there are a few other options in Washington.
What designators (endings) can I use in my LLC name?
Your Washington LLC name must contain one of the following designators at the end:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Company
Note: Most people choose “LLC”.
The following designators are not allowed
Your Washington LLC can’t make itself sound like a Washington Corporation or any other business entity besides an LLC.
The following words and designators can’t be used anywhere in your LLC name:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Co-op.
- Incorporated
- Corporation
- Cooperative
- Partnership
What words are not allowed in my Washington LLC name?
Your Washington LLC name can’t contain words and abbreviations that are restricted by law.
For example, you can’t make your LLC name sound like it’s a bank, part of the government or a government agency, or anything else that misleads the public.
You also can’t use words that are reserved for licensed professionals. These vary by state, but some common examples are accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
For more information about restricted words for a Washington business entity, please see Washington Business Organizations Act, Section 23.95.305.
Your Washington business name must be distinguishable (unique)
When you search the Washington Secretary of State Business Entity Search, you will compare your desired LLC name to existing businesses in the state.
If your name is not unique, you’ll need to come up with a variation or a different business name.
Below are rules and examples of LLC names that are not distinguishable.
Designators
Differences in designators (endings) don’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is Rhodie Gardens LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found in the Washington Business Name Search results:
- Rhodie Gardens, Inc.
- Rhodie Gardens, Corp.
- Rhodie Gardens, L.L.C.
This also includes the use of “Co.” or “Company” in your LLC name.
We’ll keep using the example above. Let’s say you wanted to use Rhodie Gardens LLC, but there’s already a Washington corporation named Rhodie Gardens Inc. You can’t use “Rhodie Gardens Company LLC” instead.
Adding or removing “Co.” or “Company” to your LLC name won’t create distinguishability.
Filler Words
Adding non-meaningful or filler words (the, a, an, and, &, of, or) won’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is Apple Farms LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:
- The Apple Farms LLC
- An Apple Farm Inc.
- Of Apple Farms L.L.C.
- Apple & Farms Corp
Plural or Singular Words and Possessive Words
Adding a letter “s” to make a word plural or possessive doesn’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is Bagel Shop LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:
- Bagels Shop LLC
- Bagel Shops Inc.
- Bagel’s Shop, L.L.C.
Punctuation, Symbols, Spaces
Adding or removing punctuation, symbols and spaces doesn’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is Honeybee Soapstore LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:
- A.A.C. Construction LLC
- AAC! Construction LLC
- “AAC” Construction LLC
- AAC$ Construction LLC
- A-A-C Construction LLC
Abbreviation vs Complete Name or Word
Using an abbreviation instead of a complete word (or vice versa) doesn’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is New York Pizza Bros. LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:
- NY Pizza Bros, L.C.
- NY Pizza Brothers, Ltd. Liability Co.
- New York Pizza Brothers Inc.
Business Search Tips for Abbreviations
If you want to use an abbreviation, or a word that has a commonly-used abbreviation, make sure you search for the abbreviation and the complete word when you use the Business Entity Search to check availability.
For example: If you wanted to use the word “February” in your business name, make sure you also search for the business name using “Feb” instead. Or if you wanted to use the abbreviation “GA” for Georgia, make sure you also search for “Georgia”.
Capitalization
Differences in capitalization don’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is Spinning Studios LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:
- SPINNING STUDIOS Inc.
- spinning studios LP
- SPiNNiNG Studios LLC
Said another way, you’re allowed to use any capitalization you want. It just doesn’t make your name distinguishable from an existing company with the same name.
What if my Washington business name is rejected?
If you file your Washington Certificate of Formation (the document that creates your Washington LLC) and the business name is not available, don’t panic. The state will notify you and tell you why your filing was rejected.
You will just need to file again with a variation of your LLC name or a different LLC name.
Washington Business Name FAQs
Do I need a name reservation in Washington?
No, a name reservation isn’t required to form an LLC in Washington. It’s an unnecessary step and a waste of money.
You can just file your LLC’s Certificate of Formation with your desired LLC name.
Does Washington require LLC in the name?
Yes. Your Washington LLC name must contain one of the allowable designators at the end. The most commonly used designators are:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my Washington LLC need a DBA?
No, you’re not required to file a DBA (“Doing Business As”) for your business entity in Washington.
A DBA (known as a Trade Name in Washington) lets your LLC conduct business under a name which is different from its true and legal name (the name on your Certificate of Formation).
If you want your LLC to do business under a name that’s different from its true and legal name, you must register the Trade Name during your Washington Business License Application. Each Trade Name costs an additional $5. Check out the Department of Revenue Trade Name Guide for more information on this process.
If you are going to file a Trade Name for your Washington LLC, it must also be distinguishable from existing business names in the state.
There is no limit to the number of Trade Names an LLC can have.
For more information, please see Does my LLC need a DBA?
When would my LLC use a DBA?
Let’s say you form an LLC called Palouse Falls Tours LLC, but you also want to use a friendlier, catchy name, like Palouse Tours. In this case, your LLC would need to file a Trade Name registration to use the name Palouse Tours.
If you don’t file for a Trade Name for a different name, you can only use your legal entity name of Palouse Falls Tours LLC. That’s because your Washington Business License will only be issued for the legal entity name. You must do business under the same name that’s on the License.
How do I get a business domain name?
Once you’ve found a business name that you like, it’s a good idea to check if your domain name is available before forming your LLC.
You can search for available domain names with GoDaddy:
Find a domain name
What does “distinguishability” mean?
Each business entity name must be “distinguishable upon the records” of the Secretary of State.
This means that no two businesses can operate with the same exact name. Said another way, if a business already exists with your desired LLC name, you can’t register your LLC with that name.
For example, let’s say you want to form an LLC called Walla Walla Landscapers LLC. But there is already a business in another town called Walla Walla Landscapers, Inc. Because your desired LLC name is the same as that existing Washington Corporation, it is not distinguishable. You can’t use it and must choose another name.
How do I come up with a business name?
Business names are important for branding and recognition. The name of your Washington LLC can be your company’s brand name, but it doesn’t have to be (please see the FAQ about DBAs above). Either way, picking a good LLC name is an important decision.
Here are some quick tips for coming up with business names:
- First, write down the features of your company and things that you want to be associated with.
- Then list out as many business names as you can think of. Don’t edit or analyze them. Just get as many names on the page as you can.
- Now go back and read through them. Write down any variations that come to mind.
- Next, set the list aside. Do something else, like go for a walk or get groceries, or sleep on it for the night. Then come back and review the list of names. As you go through it, write down additional ideas and variations.
- Read the whole list out loud. If you want, get input from friends, business partners, and family.
- Repeat the process: sleep on the ideas, write down new variations, read them out loud again.
- The best business name will often “rise off the page” and present itself. If it doesn’t, you can try this trick: Close your eyes and count to 10. When you get to 10, you must choose a name. When you open your eyes, force yourself to make a decision. Sometimes we know the best name deep in our subconscious, and this trick can help it come out. Trust yourself and go with what feels best.
For more tips, please see How to Choose a Business Name or check out TRUIC’s Business Name Generator.
Can I use the name of another Washington entity?
No. You can’t use the same name as another Washington business.
And it doesn’t matter what entity type it is – your LLC can’t have the same entity name as another corporation, LLC, or any other entity type.
You can’t use another business’s name even if the entity is in “delinquent” status on the Washington Secretary of State website.
But if a business is “Inactive,” “Voluntarily Dissolved,” or “Administratively Dissolved,” they no longer have rights to that name. This means you can form an LLC with the same name.
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC’s name later by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State.
We have step-by-step instructions on how to change an LLC name in Washington.
How to start an LLC in Washington?
Here are the steps to starting an LLC in Washington:
- Choose an LLC name and make sure it’s available
- Choose who will be your Washington Registered Agent
- File the Washington LLC Certificate of Formation
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement
- Get a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS
- Open an LLC bank account
- Check whether you need a business or sales tax license in Washington
References
Washington Secretary of State – Glossary
Washington Secretary of State – Filing FAQs
Washington Small Business Guidance – Starting a Business
Washington Business Organization Law – Section 23.95.300 (Permitted Names)
Washington Business Organization Law – Section 23.95.305 (Name Requirements)
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
Washington LLC Guide
Looking for an overview? See Washington LLC
Can my LLC name be different from the actual business name? In other words, can I set up my LLC now and use that to set up my business but then open the business under a different name (owned and operated by the LLC)? Thanks
Hi Wes, since it’s one legal entity (the LLC) doing the business, your LLC will need to register a DBA/Doing Business As (called Trade Name in Washington) if it wishes to operate under a name that is different than its true, legal name. Your LLC can register for a Trade Name in Washington after the LLC is approved. This Trade Name registration is a part of the Washington LLC Business License application. Hope that helps.
If the name of the LLC we would like has been used in the past but it is expired and/or administratively dissolved, is it possible to file for an LLC with that name?
Thank you
Hi Bill, it is, but it’s not always recommended. We updated the Washington LLC name lesson explaining the different statuses and what they mean for your LLC. Hope that helps.