How To Get a DBA in Washington in Four Steps

By Kathy Burns | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq. | Last reviewed October 04, 2024

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When you decide to start your own business in Washington State, one of the first steps is to register a “Doing Business As” (DBA) name. A DBA, also known as a trade name, allows you to operate your new business under a name different from your legal name or the official name of your LLC or corporation.

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Table of Contents

The DBA filing process is the same for small and large businesses. DBA registration is required for entrepreneurs, sole proprietors, general partnerships, and corporations that want to use an assumed company name.

Do I Need a DBA in Washington?

Yes, it is a legal requirement in the state of Washington to register a DBA name if you are operating with a business name that is different from your personal name or the legal business name of your LLC or corporation. This ensures transparency and allows the state to keep track of businesses operating within its jurisdiction. Failure to properly register a DBA can result in penalties and legal complications. This requirement also applies to sole proprietors who are operating their business under a name different from their legal name. If you are conducting business under your personal name, you do not need to register a DBA. However, if you choose a business name that differs from your personal name, you must register it with the Washington Department of Revenue.

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4 Steps to Get a DBA Name in Washington State

1

Conduct a Trade Name Search 

Pick a unique name that reflects your business. Ensure the name is available by searching the business lookup database online, the Secretary of State website, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to make sure the name is not already trademarked. Consider registering your business name as a domain name to secure your online presence. You can also trademark your business name with the USPTO to ensure you legally own the name and protect it from being used by others.

2

Choose a Business Structure

Before you can file for a DBA, you need to decide on the legal structure of your business. Your options include sole proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), or corporation. Each structure has its own advantages and disadvantages regarding liability, taxes, and management.

  • Sole Proprietorship: Easy to set up and manage but offers no personal liability protection.

  • Partnership: Similar to a sole proprietorship but involves two or more people. Personal liability protection is limited.

  • Limited Liability Company (LLC): Provides liability protection for personal assets and has flexible tax options.

  • Corporation: Incorporation offers the strongest liability protection but is more complex and expensive to set up and maintain.

If your want your company structured as a Corporation, Partnership, LLC, or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), you’ll need to first file with the Washington Secretary of State before completing the next step.

3

File Business License Application

To file for a DBA, you will need to provide basic information about your business, including your own name, business mailing address, and the chosen DBA name. Note that the structure of your company changes the process slightly.

You can file your Business License Application with the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR). You can do this either online with the Business Licensing Wizard or by mailing the completed form to their office.

Each trade name registration has specific processing fees, which vary depending on the type of business you operate.

4

Wait for Approval

The approval process takes up to 10 business days. Once approved, you will receive a certificate confirming your DBA name, and a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number. A UBI is like your business’s fingerprint—unique and essential. You’ll need it for tax filings and any changes you make to your business. Your bank may also require it when you add a fictitious name to your business bank account.

If you’re not comfortable taking these steps on your own, you might consider using a registered agent or a Washington business licensing service.

After You Register Your DBA

Once your application is approved, you may receive information from one or all of these agencies:

  • Department of Revenue

  • Department of Labor and Industries

  • Employment Security Department

Depending on the endorsements added to your license, you may also need to register with federal, state, and local agencies.

An endorsement is an additional authorization that allows a business to engage in specific activities that require special permits or approvals. Examples of endorsements include:

  • City endorsements for operating within a particular city

  • Specialty endorsements allowing liquor sales, operating as a contractor, or providing childcare services

  • Industry-specific endorsements such as food service, auto repair, or health care services

Managing and Maintaining Your DBA

In addition to the steps outlined above, there are a few other state requirements and considerations to keep in mind:

Add the Trade Name to Insurance Licenses

If your business involves insurance, you may need to add your assumed name to your insurance licenses. Contact the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner for specific requirements and procedures.

Renew Your DBA Annually

Washington requires you to renew your business license endorsements annually, either online or by mail. Be sure to keep track of your renewal date to avoid any lapses in your registration.

Report All Changes

If your business information changes, such as your address or ownership, you must update your DBA registration with the DOR via the My DOR website portal or postal mail.

Pay State Taxes

As a business owner in Washington State, you must pay state taxes. The types required depend on the business you operate and can include Business and Occupation (B&O), sales and use, and retail tax. These taxes are filed and paid electronically unless your business has a waiver.

Cancelling or Changing Your DBA

You can cancel or change trade names online, or via postal mail. The online process is simply a matter of logging into the My DOR website, and selecting the Renew Business License option. Step through the pages by clicking the Next button, until you arrive at the Trade Names page. You will have the option to cancel the DBA on that page.

If you prefer to cancel by mail, print and fill out the Business Information Change Form (Form BLS 700 160). Be sure to provide your UBI number and signature, then mail the completed form to:

Business Licensing Service

PO Box 9034

Olympia WA 98507-9034

You can use that same form to change your DBA.

Washington Trade Name FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Washington DOR offers an online filing wizard that is quick and convenient and walks you through the process step-by-step.

You can have multiple DBAs under one business entity. You must register each trade name separately, and you must comply with the state’s requirements for each name.

No, the only way to protect your personal assets is to form a legal business entity such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), corporation, or limited partnership. These structures provide liability protection for your personal assets.

No. A DBA does not require its own Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID number. If your business already has an EIN, you will use that same number for your DBA. If you do not have one and your business requires it, you can apply for an EIN through the IRS website.

Yes, it is a legal requirement to register a DBA in Washington State if you operate your business under a name other than your personal name or the official name of your LLC or corporation. 

To add a DBA to your business license in Washington State, you need to file a Business Information Change Form with the Washington State Department of Revenue. You can do this online via My DOR or by mailing the completed form to their office.

Yes, a trade name is the same as a DBA. Both terms refer to a business name that is different from your personal name or the official name of your LLC or corporation.

DBA stands for “Doing Business As.” It is a pseudonym for your business when you are not operating a sole proprietorship with your legal personal name or when you are operating under a different name than that of your LLC, partnership, or corporation.

To insure your Washington DBA, contact your insurance provider to add the DBA name to your existing business insurance policy. Check that the policy covers all business activities under the DBA.

Yes, you can cancel your trade name online via the My DOR system or by completing the Business Information Change Form and submitting it by mail.

No. A DBA does not get its own EIN or Tax ID number. The business entity that owns the DBA will use its existing EIN or Tax ID.

To determine if a business name is available, search the Washington State business name database, the Secretary of State website, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database.

If you need further assistance or want to ensure all legal aspects are covered, consider seeking advice from an attorney for personalized guidance; you can find one in our attorney directory. Alternatively, you can let our trusted partner LegalZoom handle your name search and DBA application filing for $99 plus filing fees.

Disclaimer: The information presented here does not constitute legal advice or representation. It is general and educational in nature, may not reflect all recent legal developments, and may not apply to your unique facts and circumstances. Consider consulting with a qualified business attorney if you have legal questions.

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