Registering a DBA (Assumed Name) in District of Columbia
Where and how to file a DBA, trade name or assumed name in District of Columbia, and the fee.
Short answer: Trade names are registered with DLCP's Corporations Division. A trade name registration application costs $55.00; renewal is $55.00 (with a $55.00 late fee), and amendments and cancellations are $55.00 each. DLCP, Corporations Division Fees – Trade Name Filing; DC Office of Tax and Revenue, New Business Registration
| DBA / assumed name | Trade names are registered with DLCP's Corporations Division. A trade name registration application costs $55.00; renewal is $55.00 (with a $55.00 late fee), and amendments and cancellations are $55.00 each. The Office of Tax and Revenue asks businesses registering with a trade name to attach the Certificate of Trade Name Registration to Form FR-500. |
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| Name rules and reservation | An LLC name must contain "limited liability company" or "limited company" or the abbreviation "L.L.C.", "LLC", "L.C.", or "LC" ("Limited" may be abbreviated "Ltd." and "company" "Co."). A professional LLC uses "professional limited liability company," "P.L.L.C." or "PLLC." The name must be distinguishable on the District's records and may not use "bank," "banking," "credit union," "insurance" or similar words without approval. Reserving or transferring a name costs $50.00. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
Where to get help in District of Columbia
More District of Columbia starting an llc & small business
- What an LLC Costs in District of Columbia
- LLC Annual Report in District of Columbia
- All District of Columbia starting an llc & small business rules
FAQ
How do you register a DBA in District of Columbia?
Trade names are registered with DLCP's Corporations Division. A trade name registration application costs $55.00; renewal is $55.00 (with a $55.00 late fee), and amendments and cancellations are $55.00 each. The Office of Tax and Revenue asks businesses registering with a trade name to attach the Certificate of Trade Name Registration to Form FR-500.
What are the LLC name requirements in District of Columbia?
An LLC name must contain "limited liability company" or "limited company" or the abbreviation "L.L.C.", "LLC", "L.C.", or "LC" ("Limited" may be abbreviated "Ltd." and "company" "Co."). A professional LLC uses "professional limited liability company," "P.L.L.C." or "PLLC." The name must be distinguishable on the District's records and may not use "bank," "banking," "credit union," "insurance" or similar words without approval. Reserving or transferring a name costs $50.00.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.