Short answer: Must include standard designators and be distinguishable.
We've pulled these figures from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Corporations Division's own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
District of Columbia naming rules
Must include standard designators and be distinguishable.
Open the official District of Columbia name search
Reserving a name
District of Columbia lets you reserve a name for $50, which holds it for Not specified in report.
Doing business under another name
District of Columbia DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $55.
How District of Columbia compares
District of Columbia's name reservation fee is $50. That's the 7th highest of 50 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $25, so District of Columbia runs $25 above it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $50 | 7 of 50 |
| Maryland | $25 | 18 of 50 |
| South Carolina | $25 | 18 of 50 |
| Delaware | $75 | 2 of 50 |
| Georgia | $35 | 12 of 50 |
| Virginia | $10 | 41 of 50 |
District of Columbia fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $99 | Base filing fee. |
| Name reservation (optional) | $50 | Not specified in report |
| Amendment | $220 | |
| DBA / assumed name | $55 | state |
Name search and rules: District of Columbia questions
How do I check if an LLC name is available in District of Columbia?
Use the official Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Corporations Division business search. A name that's distinguishable from existing records can usually be registered.
What words must a District of Columbia LLC name include?
Must include standard designators and be distinguishable.
Can I reserve an LLC name in District of Columbia?
Yes. Reservation costs $50 and holds the name for Not specified in report.
Do I need a DBA in District of Columbia?
Only if you'll do business under a name other than your exact LLC name. DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $55.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.
Still being confirmed with the state: name reservation.duration.