Washington Trade Name Registration
Registration of a Washington Trade Name for Sole Proprietorship, according to the provisions of the Washington Statutes.
Individuals wishing to operate as sole proprietors in Washington are required under the Washington Statutes to register their trade name by filing a Trade Name Application with the Washington Corporations Division.
Before you begin your Washington online trade name registration there are a few things that you are going to need to know and/or have access to.
- A credit card
- Your proposed trade name
- At least one physical address in Washington for your business registered address
- The full name and residential addresse of the sole proprietor
- If you intend to apply for a tax ID number during the registration process, you will need the social security number of the proprietor.
- An active email address
- A computer that is installed with PDF reader software (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or above)
Sole proprietorships (one owner) operating in Washington or wishing to operate in Washington are not required to be registered if the business is carried on under the owner’s name. If the business uses a business name other than the owner’s name, they are required under the Washington Statutes to register their business name before start using it. Registration is done by filing a trade name application form with the Washington Corporations Divisions.
Registration places your business name in the public record maintained by the Corporations Division. This allows consumers and business people to find the owners or the principal behind a business name.
Registering a Washington trade name involves three main steps:
Step 1 Name Approval
All business entities require approval of proposed name prior to company registration in Washington. Washington corporations division is responsible for the approval of company names.
We will do this step as a part of our Washington trade name registration service.
When choosing your trade/business name, choose a distinctive name to stand out from your competitors. Make sure the name is not misleading or confusing in its description of the goods and services you will provide, also remember that certain words or expressions cannot be used:
• Words or expressions, in any language, that, are obscene
or objectionable in nature.
• Words that imply the business, is a different type of organization.
• The words “college”, “institute”, or “university” cannot be used without
the written consent of the Ministry of Education and training.
• You may not use the words “limited”, “corporation” or “incorporated”
• Words with restricted use under federal or provincial laws
• Words that imply the business is associated with the the Government
of the United States, any state of the United States or any municipal
government may not used without the written consent of the appropriate
authority.
Step 2 Filing an Application for a Trade Name Registration
Filing of an Application for a Trade Name Registration is required mainly to provide proof that the name is in use by a particular business. Filing of the registration form does not give any right of ownership of the name.
Registration Fees:
Name Search & Reservation: $0.00
Secretary of State:$20.00
Registration Service Fees: $39.99
Tax (6.5%):$2.59
Total:$62.58
Step 3 Your Documents
Once your business/trade name have been successfully registered, you will be emailed in PDF format your certificate of registration.