Frequently asked questions: Trade name registration

What is a trade name?

A trade name is any name used in the course of business that does not include the full legal name of all the owners of the business. In the case of a limited partnership, corporation, or LLC, it is any name that differs in any respect from the name registered with the Secretary of State.

When should I register a trade name?

The following are examples of when you need to register a trade name.

Possible business names: Corporation
Name registered with Secretary of State	DON’T need to register	DO need to register
Ginger’s Sweet Emporium, Inc.	Ginger’s Sweet Emporium, Inc.	Ginger’s Sweets Emporium Ginger’s Sweets Ginger’s Emporium Ginger’s Sweets Emporium

If you are using your personal name in your business name, you may or may not have to register. For example:

Possible business names: Sole proprietor using personal name
Full legal name	DON’T need to register	DO need to register
John J. Jones	John J. Jones John J. Jones CPA John J. Jones Construction John J. Jones Enterprises	John Jones Johnny’s Johnny Jones J.J.’s J.J. Jones Jones John J. Jones Company
Johnny Jones	Johnny Jones Johnny Jones CPA Johnny Jones Construction Johnny Jones Enterprises	John Jone, Johnny’s John J. Jones J.J.’s J.J. Jones Jones’ Johnny Jones Company
J.J. Jones	J.J. Jones J.J. Jones CPA J.J. Jones Construction J.J. Jones Enterprises	John Jones Johnny’s John J. Jones J.J.’s Johnny Jones Jones’ J. J. Jones Company

Possible business names: Partners using personal name
Full legal name	DON’T need to register	DO need to register
Michael Smith John Jones	Michael Smith John Jones Michael Smith John Jones, CPAs Michael Smith John Jones Construction Michael Smith John Jones Enterprises	Mike Smith John Jones M. Smith J. Jones Smith Jones M J S J Michael Smith, John Jones Company Michael Smith, John Jones Associates

If you have questions on whether or not you need to register your business name, please call the Master License Service at (360) 664-1400.

Why do I need to register a trade name?

The purpose of trade name registration is to provide a record of all owners of a business. You must register your trade name in order to file a lawsuit on behalf of your business. This means a lawsuit for any purpose, not just lawsuits related to use of the business name. Registering your trade name does not protect the name from use by others. The right to use a trade name belongs to the one who first uses it in connection with their business.

How do I register my trade name?

Trade names are registered using the Master Business Application. Simply list each name you want to register on the Master Business Application. In addition to the $15 processing fee, there is a $5 fee for each name you register.

How can I add a trade name to my existing business?

Trade names are registered using the Master Business Application. Add your UBI number and list each name you want to register on the Master Business Application. In addition to the $15 processing fee, there is a $5 fee for each name you register.

How can I change the trade name of my business?

Fill out the Master Business Application:
- In section 1, Purpose of Application, mark the box labeled “Change Trade Name.”
- In section 2, Licenses and Fees, mark the box labeled “New Trade Name” and write the new trade name you are changing to.
Pay the $15 processing fee, and a $5 fee for each name you register.

Note: You may register as many names as you wish on the paper application. The online application limits the number of names to a total of 5 per application.

Can I find out if a trade name I want to use has already been registered?

Yes, you can search our database:

online with the Business and Professional License Search.
by mail. Send us a letter with your return address, a list of the names you want to research, and a check or money order to pay the search fee. The cost is $4 to search up to 3 names. Send your letter to:

Master License Service
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034

Note: If the search result is “No matches were found for your search,” it doesn’t guarantee that the name is not being used, only that it has not been registered.

You can also look up business information online at:

Washington State Department of Revenue — This online database search is intended for use by the general public as a consumer protection program, and includes some trade names.
Secretary of State — Corporation and limited liability company names.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Commission — Search for federally registered names.

What do I do if I’m no longer using a trade name?

A trade name will remain registered indefinitely until the owner requests that it be cancelled. If you are no longer using a trade name and wish to have it removed from your license:

mail or fax a letter to the Master License Service (see address below) requesting the cancellation of the trade name(s)
OR
use the Business Information Change form. Be sure to note your Unified Business Identifier number (UBI), sign and date your request. There is no charge for canceling a trade name.

Who can I contact for more information?

Master License Service
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034

Phone: (360) 664-1400
Fax: (360) 570-7875