Registration Check for Washington DC Businesses
To check if a business is registered in Washington DC, visit the District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) website. Use the Corporations Division’s Business Entity Search tool. This search is free.
What is a DC certificate of registration? It identifies the business and tracks compliance with laws.
Business Licensing and Registration in DC
You can apply for a Basic Business License in-person at the DCRA. Payment options include cash, check, money order, or credit/debit cards. No appointment is needed.
Licensing and registration are required to operate a legitimate, compliant DC business. Most businesses register with the DCRA’s Corporations Division.
Maintaining Good Standing and Compliance
In order to keep your entity in good standing with the Corporation Division, a report must be filed within the first year of registration by April 1st and every two years thereafter. To file your biennial report, complete the Biennial Report Form (BRA-25) or submit report filing at CorpOnline.
Business Verification and Entity Search
5 ways to check US company registration:
- Visit State Business Department website
- Use National Corporation Directory
- Check Secretary of State website
- Review patent and trademark registries
- Search SEC databases
Businesses use their registration number instead of company name on product labels. To find a company’s US registration number, search state database(s) where registered.
Verifying a Business in DC
- Online: via the Business License Verification system
- By telephone: at (202) 442 4311 (Maximum of 3 requests per call)
- In Person: Business License Center, 1100 4th Street, SW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20024
Additional Considerations for DC Businesses
- Certificate of Occupancy for a commercial premise or Home Occupation Permit is required.
- Submission of a Clean Hands Self-Certification form is necessary.
DCRA’s Corporations Division acts as the Office of Corporate Registrar for the District of Columbia and registers both domestic and foreign entities.
Perform a free District of Columbia public professional license search including social work, engineering (PE), physician’s assistant (PA), physical therapy (PT), and accounting (CPA) licenses.
How to Find Out if a Business Name is Taken in DC
Use the online entity name check tool on your state’s website to see if another business is using your chosen name. Additionally, check governing bodies to ensure no other business is using that name for other purposes.