How to File a DBA in Washington DC

Getting a DBA in Washington, DC, gives you the freedom to operate under a name that better reflects your services, location, or brand identity. It’s a straightforward way to expand your presence without forming a new business entity. In this guide, we’ll explain what a DBA is, the benefits and drawbacks, and the exact steps to file one so you can stay compliant and build your business with confidence.

What is a DBA (“Doing Business As”)

When you register a DBA in Washington, DC, you get a tradingname you can use instead of your legal business name. In DC, it’s called a trade name. 

Once you have a DBA certificate of assumed or fictitious name, you use that name publicly—for signage, marketing, contracts, bank accounts—while your underlying legal business remains unchanged. That could be a:

• Sole proprietorship
• LLC
• Corporation
• Etc.

A DBA is not a separate business entity. It’s simply an alias for your legal entity.

Benefits of a DBA

First of all, you can operate as a business without creating an official business name. If you’re not ready to form an LLC in DC, a DBA gives you the flexibility to operate under a brand name first. You can test ideas and names without incurring the cost or legal commitments of forming a new entity.

Second, you won’t need a new EIN (most of the time). A DBA does not usually require a separate Employer Identification Number (EIN). If you’re a sole proprietor or a single-member LLC without employees, you can continue using your Social Security Number or your existing EIN.

And finally, a DBA allows you to better connect with your customers by using a name that more effectively communicates what you do. For example, if your legal name is “Janet Smith Enterprises LLC” but you want to sound small and innovative, you might market as “Smith Creative Studio.” That would become your assumed name, your DBA.

Disadvantages of a DBA Washington DC

For starters, you don’t have liability protections if you only have a DBA in Washington, DC. Unlike an LLC or corporation, the trade name is not a shield for your personal assets. If your business is sued, creditors or plaintiffs can still go after your personal assets (unless you have separate protections under an LLC, for example).

Additionally, keeping track of many DBAs, renewals, and branding may become challenging. You’ll need to ensure that you maintain individual books and records to measure each DBA’s performance and to address compliance requirements specific to each one.

Consequences for operating without registration

We won’t mince words. In DC, using a trade name without formally registering it can expose you to enforcement actions:

• Fines or penalties under DC Code § 47-2855.02 (which mandates registration of trade names)
• In theory, civil suits or challenges from other business owners or the district for name usage
• Administrative orders to cease using the name

Though “jail” is unlikely, noncompliance opens you to legal risk, financial costs, rebranding expense (which can be substantial) and damage to your reputation. You could lose the trust and loyalty of customers you’ve worked so hard to earn—almost overnight.

Tax considerations

We want to be clear: registering a DBA does not change your tax structure. In fact:

• The IRS treats the DBA name as an alias of your existing business.
• You still file taxes based on your underlying legal business (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, etc.).
• A DBA doesn’t affect deductions, tax rates, or required filings.

Bottom line: While you may track each DBA separately, this is one business with one tax filing.

Filing for a DBA in Washington DC

In DC, the “DBA” is called a Trade Name, and you register it through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) via CorpOnline or by mail.

We’ll walk you through the process.

Name requirements

First, you must come up with a name that is distinct and distinguishable from existing entity names, trade names, reserved names, or agency names. And you cannot include entity designators like “LLC,” “Corp,” “Inc.,” “Ltd.,” etc.

For consumer protection reasons, you may also be unable to use words that sound like a financial institution, such as bank, savings, trust, etc.

You can, however, use Company or Co. if you like, since these are not defined legal entities. 

Your trade name also cannot be the same as your legal entity name, with some limited exceptions, such as being the same name minus the designator in some instances.

Washington DC assumed business name search

Once you have an idea for a name, you’re ready to search for it in the database. This is a vital step because someone could have already registered the name you want, even if you couldn’t find it anywhere else online.

To be sure, use CorpOnline (DC’s online portal) to search existing entities and trade names. Also, check the USPTO’s trademark database to see if someone has federally registered your proposed name. This is optional but wise because if you were to expand out of DC in the future, you would not want to run into conflicts that require you to get a new DBA for other locations—although that’s also an option.

If you do find someone has your desired name, you’ll need a variation or something else. Or you could request consent (with documentation) from the existing name owner if they’re not using the name.

Steps to register your Washington DC DBA

Step 1: prepare the information

To fill out the trade name registration, collect:

• The legal name of the individual or entity registering
• The proposed trade name
• Business address
• Type of organization (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, etc.)
• Name, address, and signature of the authorized person (owner or agent)
• Registered agent name (the person who gets important notifications about the business) and address. These must be in DC.
• If the registering entity is an LLC or corporation, it must be in good standing (i.e., up-to-date with required filings)

Use the TN-1 Name Registration form for this if filing by mail.

Step 2: file the application

You can file your trade name in one of two ways:

• Online via CorpOnline (recommended for speed)
• By mail, using the TN-1 form, sent to DC’s Corporations Division (DLCP).

The Mailing address for DC applicants is:
Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 92300
Washington, DC 20090

Step 3: pay the fee & wait for approval

The DBA cost includes a $55 fee for new registration and a $55 annual fee to retain your DBA. Changing your trade name is also $55 (form TN-4), and there is a late fee of $55 if you do not renew your name by the deadline.

If you need to cancel your DBA for some reason, that is also $55 (form TN-3). Expedited options are available for $100 plus the standard fee. Please note that all walk-in requests are treated as expedited and are subject to the applicable fee. A less expensive 3-day service is available for an additional $50 when filing online.

These amounts and requirements are subject to change, so you should check the official website.

When filing by mail, send in your completed form with a check or money order (payable to “DC Treasurer”) and include all required supporting information.

Once you’re approved, you’ll get a Certificate of Trade Name Registration.

Filing Online vs. By Mail

Method	Pros	Cons / Notes
Online (CorpOnline)	Faster, convenient, immediate submission	Need to use the portal; online payment required
By Mail (TN-1 form)	Familiar if you prefer a paper trail	Slower; possible mailing delays; must ensure correct address; small chance of misdelivered mail.

Conclusion

Registering a DBA (trade name or assumed name) in Washington DC, is a relatively low-cost, straightforward way to use a public business name that’s different from your legal entity. Doing it sooner rather than later can save you potential hassle and ensure you’re compliant with DC regulations.