How to Verify a DC Business License and Check for Business Name Availability

Checking to see if your company license is still in effect is one of the first things you should do if you want to launch a new enterprise in Washington, DC. To operate lawfully, it is crucial to confirm that your company has the appropriate licenses and registrations with the DC government. We will walk you through the process of confirming your DC business license and looking up the availability of business names in this article.

A DC business license’s veracity

In DC, business licenses are granted by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). Take the following actions to confirm your DC business license:

Visit the DCRA website in step one.

Click the “Business Licensing” tab on the DCRA website. Select “Verify a License” from there, then type the name of your company or your license number into the search bar.

Step 2: Verify the status of the license The website will provide the license status when you submit your company name or license number. Your license will display as “Active” if it is current. It will display as “Expired” or “Revoked” if it is invalid.

Step 3: Search for any infractions or grievances Any infractions or grievances lodged against your company are also listed on the DCRA website. To avoid any penalties or fines, it is crucial to handle any violations or complaints very away.

Verifying the Availability of the Business Name

You must confirm that your proposed business name is available before registering it in DC. To verify if a business name is available in Washington, DC, follow these steps:

Visit the DCRA website in step one. Select the “Corporate Registration” tab on the DCRA website. Select “Name Availability” and then type the name of the company you want to use in the search field.

Step 2: Verify the name’s availabilty

The website will show whether the desired business name is accessible when you enter it. You can continue with registering your business name if it is accessible. If it’s not available, you’ll have to pick another name for your company.

Register your business name in step three.

You can proceed with registering your business name with the DCRA if your intended business name is already taken. This can be done in person or online.

Summary

Start-up procedures for a new company in Washington, DC, should include confirming your DC business license and determining whether the desired business name is available. You may make sure that your firm has the appropriate licenses and registrations with the DC government by following the instructions provided in this article.