A trade name, commonly referred to as a “doing business as” (DBA) name, is the name under which a company conducts its operations in the market. Operating under many trade names is a typical practice for businesses for a variety of reasons, including corporate expansion, consumer segmentation, and the introduction of new goods or services. How many trade names is a firm allowed to have? The state’s rules and regulations in which the business operates determine the response to this query.
A business may use different trade names or DBAs in the District of Columbia as long as each one is authorized by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). Each trade name registration requires a separate application and a $55 charge. It’s crucial to remember that a business cannot use a trade name that is the same as or very similar to one that is already registered in the District of Columbia.
A firm must submit an update to the DCRA if it wants to change its name. The new name, the modification date, and the signature of an authorized party must all be included in the amendment. It costs $220 to file a modification, and it takes around 15 business days to process the adjustment. The company must update its corporate records, including its articles of incorporation and business permits, after the revision is accepted.
The DCRA offers a free online search tool called “Access DC” to see if a business name is already registered in DC. The District of Columbia’s registered trade names, corporations, and limited liability companies (LLCs) can all be searched for using this service. The name, registration number, and status of the entity are displayed in the search results. Before registering a trade name or changing a company name, it is crucial to do a search to rule out any potential conflicts.
Any individual or organization conducting business in the District of Columbia must register with the DCRA. Corporations, LLCs, partnerships, sole proprietorships, and foreign companies are included in this. Depending on the form of entity and the type of business, different registration procedures apply. Penalties and fines may apply if you don’t register.
So long as each name is registered with the DCRA, a business can use numerous trade names in the District of Columbia. The company must submit an amendment or a separate application to the DCRA in order to modify the company name or register a new trade name. Before registering a trade name or changing a company name, it’s crucial to use Access DC to check for any potential conflicts. In order to avoid potential fines and penalties, everyone conducting business in the District of Columbia must register with the DCRA.