Trade name registration

You must register a trade name, or “doing business as” name, for:

• a sole proprietor or partnership using a name other than the full legal name of the owner or owners.
• a corporation, limited partnership, or limited liability company operating under a name other than the name registered with the Office of the Secretary of State.

Note: 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 to find out if a trade name is available

Search in the following locations to make sure the name you have chosen isn’t already taken:

1. Master License Service Database
   • Online Business and Professional License Search. If your search result is “No matches were found for your search,” try spelling the name differently or leave out abbreviations or punctuation such as Inc, LLC, etc.
   • 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
2. Department of Revenue — All trade names may not be included.
3. Secretary of State — Corporation and limited liability company names.
4. U.S. Patent and Trademark Commission — Search for federally registered names.

How to register a trade name

• File a Master Business Application online using a credit card (not recommended for some businesses).
• OR
• Complete the Master Business Application form. Submit the application at any business licensing office or mail the completed application with the appropriate fee to:
  • Master License Service
    Department of Licensing
    PO Box 9034
    Olympia, WA 98507-9034

Fees

License fees	Fee
Registering your business name as a trade name	$5 per name
State tax registration	No fee
Master Business Application fee	$15

Contact information

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

Phone: (360) 664-1400
Email: MLS@dol.wa.gov
Fax: (360) 570-7875

Office hours

Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mailing information

Please remember to enclose all necessary documents and fees with your completed application. Incomplete submissions will result in a delay in your licensure.

It is important that you contact our office, in writing, with any changes in address.