File a DBA in Washington, D.C.

Government fees sourced directly from DLCP's Corporations Division fee schedule at dlcp.dc.gov. These fees are separate from any third-party filing service fees.

How the renewal cycle works

A D.C. trade name registration is valid for two years. You must renew by April 1 of every second year from the year of registration. The deadline is tied to the year of registration, not the exact filing date. Register in March 2025 or November 2025 — your first renewal deadline is still April 1, 2027.

What happens if you miss the April 1 deadline

You can still renew after April 1 but no later than September 1. Late renewal costs $110 total: $55 for the renewal plus $55 for the late fee.

Miss the September 1 window entirely and DLCP cancels the registration. The name is no longer protected, reinstatement is not available, and re-registration requires the full $55 with no guarantee the name hasn't been claimed by someone else.

How to renew

Renew on CorpOnline under "Filings > Trade Name Services" using the "Trade Name Renewal" tile, or by mail using Form TN-2. If an entity owns the trade name, it must be in good standing before filing.

Amending or canceling a trade name

To change your business name or transfer ownership, file a trade name amendment on CorpOnline under "Filings > Trade Name Services" using the "Trade Name Amendment" tile. The fee is $55.

To close your business or stop using the name, file a voluntary cancellation using Form TN-3. Cancellation takes effect on the date of filing. If the owning entity is no longer in active status, DLCP automatically cancels the trade name.

Common reasons a D.C. trade name application gets rejected

Nearly all rejections are avoidable if you know what to check before you submit.

• The name is identical to an existing registration. DLCP will reject the application outright. Avoid it: Run a thorough CorpOnline search before filing, not just for the exact name, but for all active registrations and entities.
• The name is deceptively similar to an existing registration. A name differing only by punctuation, spacing, or a filler word like "the" may still fail DLCP's distinguishability standard. Certain characters are ignored by the business entity search, so a name you think is unique may not clear the bar. Avoid it: Search the core distinctive word, not the full phrase, to surface close variations.
• The name contains a restricted or regulated word without authorization. Words like "Bank," "Trust," "University," "Medical," "Engineering," and terms suggesting a government connection such as "Federal" or "Treasury" generally require a professional license or special regulatory approval. Avoid it: Confirm with the relevant D.C. regulatory board that you're authorized to use the word before you file.
• The name contains an incompatible corporate suffix. A sole proprietor cannot register a trade name ending in "LLC" or "Inc." Avoid it: Drop any entity-type designator unless it accurately reflects your registered structure.
• The name is the same as the owner's individual legal name. DLCP will reject it. Avoid it: Your trade name must differ meaningfully from your personal legal name or your entity's formation name.
• The application is incomplete or contains errors. Missing fields, mismatched information, or a payment issue can stall or kill an application. Avoid it: Review every field before submitting. For mail filings, confirm your check is made out to the D.C. Treasurer and that Form TN-1 is the current version.
• The entity owning the trade name is not in good standing. An LLC or corporation with expired reports, outstanding fees, or revoked status will have its application rejected regardless of the name. Avoid it: Verify your entity's standing through CorpOnline before filing.

Under D.C. Municipal Regulations Title 17, Chapter 708.1, refund requests must be submitted within sixty calendar days of DLCP's rejection notification. If your application is rejected, act quickly.

What to do after you register your D.C. trade name

After receiving your certificate from the DLCP, you can take the following steps to finalize your business setup and maintain compliance in the District.

1. Open or update your business bank account. Most banks require your DLCP registration certificate to open a business checking account under the trade name. Without it, you generally can't deposit checks made out to that name or separate business finances from personal accounts.
2. Update contracts, invoices, and agreements. You can now legally sign contracts and issue invoices under your trade name. All client-facing documents should reflect the registered name exactly as it appears on your DLCP certificate.
3. Update your marketing materials. Your registered trade name can now appear on your website, signage, business cards, and advertising.
4. Determine whether you need a D.C. Basic Business License. A trade name registration and a Basic Business License (BBL) are two entirely separate filings. Almost every business operating in the District needs a BBL from the DLCP Business Licensing Division, applied for through DLCP's My D.C. Business Center portal. Check your industry's requirements before assuming your trade name registration alone authorizes you to operate.
5. Consider federal trademark protection. A D.C. trade name registration does not give you exclusive rights to the name outside D.C. If your brand has value beyond the District, filing a trademark application with the USPTO is worth exploring separately. LegalZoom’s trademark registration service can help you navigate the process.
6. Consider whether your business structure still fits your needs. A trade name gives you a branded identity but doesn't change your underlying legal structure. Sole proprietors have no liability separation between personal and business assets. If that matters to you, starting an LLC in Washington, D.C. is worth evaluating.
7. Set a renewal reminder for your biennial deadline before the day-to-day of running your business crowds it out.

If your situation involves multiple trade names, a foreign entity operating in D.C., trademark interactions, or uncertainty about your business structure, connecting with a D.C. business attorney before a problem arises is almost always less expensive than addressing one after the fact.