How to Register a DBA in Washington (Step-by-Step Guide)

In Washington, DBAs are referred to as trade names. You must file for a Washington business license to use a trade name. The chances are that you may need a business license anyway, as one is required if:

• You plan to hire employees within 90 days
• You offer products or services that generate taxable sales
• You have an annual gross income of $12,000
• You require city and state endorsements.

First, you need to choose a name for your business. It’s important to stay compliant with the state-level naming rules and regulations. A list of rules can be found here. The rules state:

• Trade names should not use any business entity suffixes like LLC, Inc, etc., unless that is that type of business.
• Certain words are prohibited, such as “bank,” “banker,” “industrial,” and “loan.” If you wish to use these terms, you must receive prior approval.

When you register a trade name in Washington, you let other business owners know that the name is in use.

Your trade name isn’t protected from being used by others, and there is no need for your name to be unique. However, there are many benefits to having a unique name, and we recommend that you create a unique name. 

The Department of Revenue handles business license applications. You can apply online through the My DOR portal or by completing the form.

The Department of Revenue provides a useful web page on how to apply for a new license that can help aid your application, as the form is particularly in-depth.

The form will ask for the following information:

• Ownership structure
• Unified business identifier (UBI)
• Business opening date and place of incorporation
• Business address and contact information
• Estimated gross income
• Date of first employment

If you submit the form physically, you can walk it into any local office. If you are mailing the form, you need to send it to the following address:

• Trade names do not expire in Washington, so renewing is unnecessary.
• You can make changes to your trade name by filling in the registration form and checking the box next to “change trade name.”
• If you want to withdraw your trade name, you can withdraw it online or by emailing [email protected] and requesting a cancellation of your new name.

• Washington Department of Revenue’s Business Lookup website
• Washington Department of Revenue’s website
• Department of Revenue how to apply for a new business license page
• My DOR portal
• Business License Application
• Business Information Change Form
• Washington naming rules
• EIN application

There are many advantages to registering a DBA: 

• Customizable name: A DBA can be altered more quickly than a legal business name, allowing business owners to change their name according to their evolving products and services or market conditions. It also allows multiple names to target different products and markets, increasing the scope and customer base.
• Clear financial separation: Filing for a DBA allows business owners to establish a business bank account under the company name instead of a personal account. This separation allows for more transparent financial records, prevents confusion, and protects personal assets. It also makes it easier to receive cheques and card payments.
• Brand recognition: A well-crafted DBA name is often more descriptive and memorable than a legal name. It helps in brand recognition, business promotion, and marketing and advertising the products or services easier.
• Cost-effective: DBA registration is usually less expensive than other business structures, such as limited liability companies (LLCs). It is a more affordable option for small business owners and entrepreneurs that want to create a unique identity without spending too much money.

However, there are a few downsides to registering a DBA:

• Personal liability: DBAs do not provide legal protection or personal liability protection, meaning that the business owner is personally responsible for all debts, obligations, and lawsuits related to the business. It exposes the owner to the risk of personal bankruptcy, as the owner is solely responsible.
• Legal and administrative burden: Using a DBA name requires registering the name with the relevant government agency, which can be time-consuming. The legal and administrative burden increases with multiple DBAs, requiring the owner to maintain and update legal documents periodically.

The following groups may benefit from filing a DBA:

• Sole Proprietors: Business owners who operate without creating a separate legal entity. A DBA allows them to use a different name for marketing their products or services, allowing them to adapt to market changes more effectively.
• Partnerships: Joint ventures between two or more individuals who want to operate under a name other than their partners’ names. Filing a DBA can help partners represent their partnership and increase brand recognition.
• Corporations: Companies that wish to use a name different from their legal name or diversify their business activities under multiple names. For example, suppose a corporation has a subsidiary that sells software named “Tech Solutions LLC” but also wants to sell hardware. In that case, it can file a DBA for “Tech Hardware” to differentiate between the two business activities.

You would need a DBA if:

• Operating under a different name: If you plan to use a name that differs from your legal or company name, then a DBA may be necessary.
• Multiple business names: Corporations, LLCs, sole proprietorships, and partnerships that operate under numerous business names may need a DBA to keep their branding and legal structures distinct.
• Test new products or markets: A DBA can be useful for testing or entering new markets without changing your legal name.

A DBA may not be necessary if:

• Operating under legal or personal name: A DBA may not be necessary if you operate under your or your company’s legal name.