Cost and Process of Obtaining a DBA in Washington State
The base cost for a DBA in Washington State is $5. Additional costs include a $19 business license application fee.
Benefits of a DBA in Washington State
DBAs allow businesses to establish recognition for a particular brand while maintaining their formal legal business structure.
Requirements and Process for Registering a DBA in Washington State
A DBA allows businesses to operate under a different name than their legal name. Sole proprietors, partnerships, and various business entities can all register a DBA name in Washington.
To get a DBA in Washington, first choose and search for an available name. Then register the name by filing a form with the Department of Revenue website.
While a DBA provides branding and marketing benefits, it does not provide liability protection. Forming a legal business entity like an LLC or corporation is required to limit personal liability.
Other Information and Considerations
When a business uses a name other than its legal name, Washington state requires registering its business name. The fee to register a Trade Name is $5. For starting a business, this $5 DBA fee is in addition to the $19 business license application fee.
Officially referred to as a trade name in Washington, a DBA allows a business owner to use a different business name without creating a new business entity.
The state requires DBA names to be unique and distinguishable from existing names. To find out whether a DBA name is available, use the free business name search tool or the Department of Revenue database.
To register your trade name in Washington, complete the process online through the Department of Revenue website.
Virtually all businesses in Washington need to obtain a state business license by completing the Business License Application and paying a $19 fee online or by mail.
A Washington trade name registration allows a company to operate under a name other than its legal name, but does not provide liability protection. Consider forming an LLC or corporation for additional protection.