In Washington, a DBA is officially called a trade name, registered through the Washington Department of Revenue (DOR) for $5 per name under RCW 19.80.010. That terminology gap is where most searches begin: business owners hear "DBA" from a bank or accountant, then can't figure out which agency handles the filing, what it costs, or whether their LLC even needs one.
This guide covers the full process, from searching name availability to post-filing compliance, including what a trade name registration does not protect.
DBA Washington at a glance
- Washington does not use the term "DBA." The legal term is trade name, registered with the Washington Department of Revenue (DOR), not the Secretary of State.
- Any sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or corporation doing business under a name other than its legal name must register a trade name under RCW 19.80.010.
- The filing fee is $5 per trade name.
- Before filing, check name availability using the DOR's Business Lookup tool and the USPTO's federal trademark database.
- Trade name registration does not create a separate legal entity, provide trademark protection, or replace the requirement to obtain a Washington state business license.
What is a DBA in Washington state?
A DBA or "doing business as," is any name a business uses that differs from its legal name. Washington officially calls this a trade name, registered through the Department of Revenue, not the Secretary of State.
If you're a sole proprietor named Jane Smith running "Cascade Cleaning Co.," you're operating under a trade name. The same applies to any LLC or corporation operating under a name different from its formation documents. Under RCW 19.80.010, any business using a name other than its legal name must register that name with the DOR. Without a trade name, your personal name appears on all transactions. A trade name lets you separate your legal name from your business name.
A trade name registration identifies the name you conduct business under. It does not protect that name from use by others, create a new legal entity, or replace a Washington state business license.
DBA vs. trade name vs. fictitious business name: Washington's terminology explained
Different states, banks, and accountants use different words for the same concept. In Washington, all of them point to the same filing, and it always goes to the DOR.
| Common term | Used in | Washington's official term | Filed with |
|---|---|---|---|
| DBA ("doing business as") | General usage, most states | Trade name | Washington DOR |
| Fictitious business name | California, and general usage | Trade name | Washington DOR |
| Assumed name | Texas, and general usage | Trade name | Washington DOR |
| Trade name | Washington State | Trade name | Washington DOR |
The Secretary of State handles business entity formation separately. Mixing up these two processes is one of the most common missteps when searching for where to file a Washington DBA.
Who needs a Washington DBA (trade name)?
Under RCW 19.80.010, any individual or business entity operating under a name other than its legal name must register a trade name with the DOR.
- Sole proprietor: If your legal name is David Park and you operate as "Olympic Peninsula Web Design," you must register that name.
- General partnership: A partnership between Torres and Walsh operating as "Sound City Builders" needs a trade name registration.
- LLC: If your LLC is registered as "Rainier Retail LLC" but you sell under "Rainier Home Goods," you need a trade name for that brand.
- Corporation: A corporation formed as "Pacific NW Enterprises Inc." marketing as "Pacific Consulting Group" must register the shorter version separately.
Any time the name on your storefront, invoices, or website differs from your legal business name, registration is required.
When you do not need a trade name in Washington
If you operate exclusively under your exact legal name, with no additions or variations, no registration is needed. An LLC called "Cascade Cleaning LLC" doing business as "Cascade Cleaning LLC" has no filing obligation. The moment you shorten, stylize, or add a descriptor to that name, the requirement kicks in.
How to get a DBA in Washington state
Registering a trade name in Washington involves a structured series of steps to ensure legal compliance and proper filing. Follow the process outlined below to search for availability, prepare your required information, and submit your application correctly to the Department of Revenue.
Step 1: Search for name availability
Three separate searches are required before you file.
- Washington DOR trade name search: Use the DOR's Business Lookup tool to search registered trade names currently operating in the state.
- Secretary of State entity search: The DOR's Business Lookup shows trade names; the Washington Secretary of State's Corporations and Charities search shows registered LLCs and corporations. A name might clear the trade name database but still conflict with a registered entity name.
- Federal trademark check: Search the USPTO's Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) for federally registered marks that match or closely resemble your intended name. A registered trade name in Washington gives you no protection against a federal trademark holder.
If your preferred name is already in use, choose a different one. Washington does not block name conflicts automatically.
Step 2: Gather the information you need before filing
Before you begin the registration process, ensure you have the following details ready to complete your application accurately.
- Your legal business name. For a sole proprietor, your full personal name; for an LLC or corporation, the name on your formation documents.
- Your UBI number (if you already have one). Washington's Unified Business Identifier is a nine-digit number assigned when you first register with the state. If you're filing for the first time, leave this blank—it will be assigned after you complete the application.
- The trade name you want to register, exactly as you intend to use it on signage, invoices, and marketing.
- Your business mailing address. The application cannot accept a PO Box or PMB for a physical location address.
- Owner or applicant contact information.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Choosing a name already in use by another Washington business.
- Selecting a name that implies a different entity type (adding "LLC" or "Inc." when your business isn't structured that way).
- Forgetting that each trade name on an application carries its own $5 fee.
Step 3: Submit your trade name application to the Washington DOR
Once you have gathered all necessary information and verified your desired trade name, you can proceed with the formal filing process to register with the state. You can do this in two ways.
- Online: File a Business License Application through My DOR and pay the $5 fee per trade name plus the non-refundable Business License Application processing fee. The online route is faster and lets you track your application's status.
- By mail: Complete the Business Information Change form, include your UBI number, sign and date it, and mail it to the DOR's Business Licensing Service in Olympia.
If you haven't filed for a business license yet, one application handles both.
Step 4: Receive confirmation and begin using your trade name
Online applications take approximately 10 business days to process. If you have city or state endorsements, allow an additional 2–3 weeks for your business license.
After processing, the Business Licensing Service sends your business license and UBI number, along with a letter from the DOR confirming your account ID and filing frequency. Once confirmed, you can legally use your trade name on contracts, invoices, signage, and marketing. Keep your confirmation document—your bank will likely ask for it when you open a business bank account under the trade name.
To file through LegalZoom instead of directly through the DOR, you can file a DBA in Washington through LegalZoom.
How much does a DBA cost in Washington?
A Washington trade name registration costs $5 per name, paid to the DOR. But that $5 is only part of what most businesses will actually pay. The DOR also charges a non-refundable Business License Application processing fee, separate from the trade name fee.
| Fee type | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Trade name registration fee | $5 per name | Washington DOR |
| Business License Application processing fee (new business) | $50 | Washington DOR |
| Business License Application processing fee (existing business adding a trade name) | $10 | Washington DOR |
| Annual license renewal processing fee | $5 | Washington DOR |
| City or county endorsement fees | Varies by location | Washington DOR (collected on behalf of local jurisdiction) |
| LegalZoom service fee (optional filing assistance) | See current pricing at legalzoom.com | LegalZoom |
A brand-new sole proprietor registering a trade name for the first time pays $55 total: $50 processing fee plus $5 for the name. An existing business adding a trade name pays $15: $10 processing fee plus $5. Each additional trade name costs $5 and can be listed on the same application.
What about city and county endorsement fees?
Endorsement fees apply when a city or county requires local registration. Seattle requires most businesses to have a business license tax certificate; Spokane requires a general business license endorsement for any business operating within city limits. The endorsement fee is separate from both the trade name fee and the processing fee, collected by the DOR on the local jurisdiction's behalf. Find your city's specific requirements on the DOR's city endorsements webpage.
What the $5 fee does not cover
The trade name fee registers the name you operate under, nothing more. It does not provide trademark protection, replace your business license, or cover local endorsements your city or county may require.
Washington DBA vs. LLC vs. trademark: What's the difference?
A trade name, an LLC, and a federal trademark each serve a different purpose, and none substitutes for the others.
A trade name (DBA) registers the name you operate under. It does not create a legal entity, shield personal assets, or stop another business from using a similar name. To understand the full distinction between these naming concepts, see Trade Name vs. Business Name: What's the Difference?
An LLC is a legal business structure that separates your personal finances from your business debts. An LLC can also hold a trade name if it wants to operate under a different brand. The same principle applies when forming a Washington corporation: entity formation and trade name registration are two separate steps.
A federal trademark registered with the USPTO gives you the exclusive right to use a name, logo, or slogan in connection with specific goods or services, enforceable against others who use a confusingly similar mark. A Washington trade name registration gives you none of that protection.
| Trade name (DBA) | LLC | Federal trademark | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creates a legal entity | No | Yes | No |
| Protects personal assets | No | Yes (generally) | No |
| Prevents others from using the name | No | No | Yes |
| Filed with | Washington DOR | Washington Secretary of State | USPTO |
| Approximate cost | $5 + fees | $200 filing fee | $250–$350+ per class |
A trade name is the simplest and least expensive option, and the one with the fewest protections. If brand exclusivity or personal liability protection matters to your business, a trade name alone won't get you there.
What to do after registering your Washington trade name
With your trade name successfully registered, you can now focus on formally integrating it into your daily business activities.
Open a business bank account
Most banks will ask for your trade name registration confirmation from the DOR to open a business bank account under the trade name. Bring that confirmation along with your personal identification and, if applicable, your business formation documents. You'll also need your UBI number for tax filings and any future changes.
Update contracts, invoices, and marketing materials
Once registered, use your trade name on contracts, invoices, signage, and marketing. List both your trade name and your legal business name on contracts—for example, "Cascade Cleaning Co., a trade name of Jane Smith." This removes ambiguity about who is party to the agreement and helps prevent disputes. Use your trade name consistently; mixing it with your legal name without context can confuse customers and complicate contract enforcement.
Obtain any required business licenses or endorsements
A trade name registration and a business license are separate requirements. If you haven't secured a Washington state business license, that's your next step. Many Washington cities also require local endorsements beyond what the DOR collects at the state level. The DOR's city endorsements page lists requirements by municipality.
How to change, cancel, or update a Washington trade name
Whether your business needs to adjust its branding or cease operations, understanding the administrative requirements for modifying your registration ensures continued compliance.
1. Canceling a trade name you no longer use
A trade name stays registered until you cancel it. There is no charge for cancellation.
To cancel online, log in to My DOR, navigate to "Manage Business Names and Address," click "Add/Cancel Trade Names," select cancel, choose the names to remove, and submit. To cancel by mail, submit the Business Information Change Form to the DOR.
Washington requires you to cancel a trade name when you stop using it—this is an administrative obligation under RCW 19.80, not just housekeeping.
2. Changing or amending a trade name
Washington does not allow direct edits to an existing trade name registration. To change your trade name, register the new name ($5 per name) and cancel the old one. Alternatively, complete the Business License Application and check the change trade name box—Washington does not charge a processing fee for changes made through this path.
3. Closing your business entirely
If your business closes, canceling your trade name is part of the broader closure process. Use the Business Information Change Form. If you are dissolving a corporation registered in Washington, you must also contact the Secretary of State. Canceling a trade name alone does not close your DOR account or satisfy remaining tax obligations.
If your situation involves a name dispute, a business structure change, or a multi-name rebranding, consult a business attorney before making changes.
Washington DBA FAQs
How do I get a DBA in Washington state?
Search name availability using the DOR's Business Lookup tool and the USPTO trademark database, then submit a Business License Application online through My DOR or by mail, paying $5 per trade name plus the applicable processing fee.
How much does a DBA cost in Washington?
The DOR charges $5 per trade name. New businesses also pay a $50 Business License Application processing fee, bringing the typical first-time total to $55. Existing businesses adding a trade name pay $15. City and county endorsement fees vary by location.
Does a Washington trade name registration expire?
A trade name does not expire or require renewal on its own. If your business holds state or city endorsements, that license requires annual renewal—the expiration date is printed on your license under your UBI number. The trade name stays active until you cancel it.
Does registering a Washington trade name protect my business name from being used by others?
No. A Washington trade name registration is a public record identifying what name your business operates under. It does not prevent others from using the same or a similar name. For name exclusivity, file for a federal trademark with the USPTO.
Is a Washington trade name the same as a business license?
No. A trade name registration identifies the name you conduct business under; a business license authorizes you to legally operate in Washington. Most businesses need both, and registering a trade name does not satisfy the business license requirement.
What happens if someone else is already using the name I want in Washington?
Choose a different name. Washington does not automatically block duplicate trade name registrations, so identifying conflicts is your responsibility before filing. If the existing user holds a federal trademark, using a confusingly similar name could expose you to legal action regardless of your state registration. If you're unsure, consult a trademark attorney before moving forward.
What is the difference between a Washington business entity search and a trade name search?
The DOR's Business Lookup shows registered trade names; the Secretary of State's Corporations and Charities Filing System shows registered LLCs and corporations. A name can clear one database and still conflict with a record in the other. Run both searches, plus the USPTO trademark database, before filing.
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