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Name availability · WA

Washington business name search

Washington splits name records between two agencies. The Secretary of State's Corporations and Charities Filing System (CCFS) Business Search covers LLCs and corporations, and the Department of Revenue's Business Lookup covers trade names. When you form online, CCFS also has a "Look Up" name check, but it's subject to final review and doesn't account for pending submissions.

How to check if a name is available in Washington

  1. 01

    Search CCFS by business name

    Open ccfs.sos.wa.gov and search Business Name. You can also filter by business type, status, UBI number or registered agent.

  2. 02

    Search DOR for trade names

    Use the Department of Revenue's Business Lookup and search by trade name. Washington trade names live there, not in CCFS.

  3. 03

    Screen Washington's restricted words

    LLC names can't use bank, banking, banker, trust or cooperative, or certain combinations of building, savings, loan, home, association and society.

  4. 04

    Check the USPTO

    Neither state database includes federal trademarks. Search tmsearch.uspto.gov for confusingly similar marks.

  5. 05

    Domain, socials and backups

    Confirm the domain and handles. Our free business name generator at /business-name-generator/ can help if both Washington databases show conflicts.

Washington business naming rules

  • An LLC name must include "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Liability Co.," "L.L.C." or "LLC."
  • A new name must be distinct from business names already registered with the Secretary of State.
  • LLC names can't include bank, banking, banker, trust or cooperative, "industrial" with "loan," or any two or more of building, savings, loan, home, association and society.
  • The online name check is subject to final review by the Secretary of State and doesn't account for pending submissions.

Reserving a name

A Washington name reservation gives you exclusive use of the name for 180 days. After that it expires and can't be renewed. Check the current fee on the Secretary of State's site.

DBAs and trade names

Trade names are registered with the Washington Department of Revenue's Business Licensing Service, not the Secretary of State, through a Business License Application in My DOR. DOR's Business Lookup lets you search existing trade names.

Still looking for the right name?

Brainstorm dozens of options with the free generator, then run your shortlist through the Washington search above.

Business name generatorName ideas by industryHow to name your business

Frequently asked questions

How do I search business names in Washington?

Use the Secretary of State's CCFS Business Search for entities, and the Department of Revenue's Business Lookup for trade names.

Where do I register a trade name (DBA) in Washington?

With the Department of Revenue's Business Licensing Service, by filing a Business License Application in My DOR. A business can register any number of trade names.

How long does a Washington name reservation last?

180 days, and it can't be renewed.

Does the CCFS name lookup guarantee my name?

No. It's subject to final review by the Secretary of State and doesn't account for filings still pending.

General information, not legal advice. Name approval is decided by the Washington Secretary of State, Corporations & Charities Division; a name showing as available in a search is not a guarantee it will be accepted.