Name search
District of Columbia LLC Name Search
Before you file, make sure your business name is actually available in District of Columbia. Only the state's own database can tell you that — here's exactly where to check and what the rules mean.
Not legal advice. Open Legal Aid is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or representation. Our guides and tools offer general legal information and self-help documents only, and using them does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws vary by state and change over time — for advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
Search the District of Columbia business registry
This is the District of Columbia official business entity search, run by the state — the only authoritative source for whether a name is taken. We don't mirror or interpret its results: search there directly.
Open the official District of Columbia name search →Opens the state's own site in a new tab. If the link has moved (states migrate these systems), search for "District of Columbia business entity search" and use the official government result.
What the naming rules generally require
Exact requirements are set by District of Columbia law, but LLC naming rules across states follow the same pattern:
- A required designator. The name must generally include "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Limited Liability Company" (some states allow variants like "Limited Company").
- Distinguishable from existing names. Your name must be distinguishable from entities already on file. Tiny differences — punctuation, "and" vs "&", singular vs plural, or a different designator — usually do not make a name distinguishable.
- Restricted words. Terms implying you're a bank, insurer, university, or government agency typically require extra approval or are prohibited.
- No implied false purpose. The name can't suggest the company does something it legally can't.
A name appearing available in the search doesn't guarantee the state will accept it — the filing examiner makes the final call when you submit your Articles of Organization.
Step 2 · Check trademarks
State availability and trademark rights are separate. A name can be free to register in District of Columbia and still infringe someone's federal trademark. Run a free search of the USPTO trademark database before committing.
Step 3 · Check the domain and handles
Not a legal requirement, but check that a usable domain name and social handles are available before you fall in love with a name — any domain registrar's search works for this.
Name's available? Here's what's next
District of Columbia charges about $99 to file, with typical processing of ~3–5 business days (or expedited). If you're not ready to file yet, most states let you reserve a name for a limited period for a small fee.
Ready to form your District of Columbia LLC?
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Build my District of Columbia checklist →More on District of Columbia: the full formation guide · what it really costs · plain-English glossary.