You must file a DBA registration with the Washington Secretary of State if you conduct business under a name other than your given or legal name. However, you might not need to register a DBA if you are doing business as a corporation or limited liability company (LLC) because your legal name is already on file with the state.
A DBA is a name you use to represent your business and is not a legal organization. It is frequently used by lone owners and partnerships who want to conduct business under a name other than their own. An LLC, on the other hand, must be established by submitting articles of organization to the Washington Secretary of State. An LLC is a legal entity that provides liability protection to its owners. How Much Does it Cost in Washington State to Register a Business Name?
In the state of Washington, a DBA registration costs $15. The Washington Secretary of State must receive payment, and the charge is good for five years. Additionally, you could be required to pay extra fees to issue a notice of your DBA in a publication with broad distribution in the county where your company is located.
Although they are not exactly the same thing, a trade name and a DBA are comparable in that they both relate to the name that a business employs to conduct business. A DBA is a name that is used to represent a business that operates under a name other than the legal or personal name of the owner, whereas a trade name is a name that is used in commerce or trade.
In conclusion, obtaining a DBA in the state of Washington is a simple procedure that calls for registering with the Secretary of State and paying a $15 charge. Consult a business attorney or a reliable business counsel if you have any queries about whether you need to register a DBA or which name to use.