Key Takeaways

  • The District of Columbia Secretary of State business search lets you look up corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and trade names registered in D.C.
  • You can search using criteria like entity name, file number, registered agent, or trade name through the CorpOnline Web Portal.
  • The tool helps verify business name availability, review filings, check status, and access annual reports.
  • D.C. allows name reservations for 120 days with a $50 filing fee.
  • Trade names (DBAs) must also be registered if operating under a name different from the legal entity.
  • Business search is essential for compliance, due diligence, and avoiding name conflicts when forming a company.

When doing a D.C. Secretary of State business search, you can use the online search tool provided by the Secretary of State's office.

District of Columbia Business Search Tool

In addition to every state and Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia has a Secretary of State office that stores information related to every business entity in the state. You can access the records through an online search tool on the Secretary of State's website.

The registry found through the District of Columbia's office lets you look up information about the following types of businesses:

  • Corporations.
  • Limited companies.
  • Limited liability companies.
  • Limited liability partnerships.
  • Limited partnerships.

Why Use the District of Columbia Secretary of State Business Search

The District of Columbia Secretary of State business search is more than a lookup tool—it is a critical step for entrepreneurs and professionals. By using this resource, you can:

  • Check name availability: Ensure that your desired LLC or corporation name is unique before filing formation documents.
  • Confirm good standing: Determine whether an existing entity is active, dissolved, or delinquent.
  • Review filing history: Access public records, including annual reports and amendments.
  • Protect your brand: Identify possible conflicts with existing trade names (DBAs), which must be registered in D.C..

Performing a search also helps avoid delays in filing, as D.C. will reject Articles of Organization if the proposed name is not distinguishable from existing entities.

Step-By-Step Instructions

When searching a specific business from the Secretary of State's website, you must have at least one of the following:

  • Document tracking number.
  • Entity name.
  • File number.
  • Registered agent name.
  • Trade name.

From there, you can visit The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs page. You must have an SCRA CorpOnline Web Portal Account before you can proceed. Then you can begin to use the search tool provided by the District of Columbia's Secretary of State search tool. Log into your account and find the Business Filings Search.

When searching by the name of the business entity, enter the information into the correct field. For more accurate results, select Entity Status and complete the fields. You can also search for entities that start with or include specific words. Select the search button when you're done.

The results include a variety of information such as name, file number, and locale. You can peruse through the list, which shows the most accurate matches first.

The Secretary of the District of Columbia handles several divisions, so the results include information from the following:

  • Ceremonial Services Unit.
  • Office of Documents and Administrative Issuance.
  • Office of Notary Commission and Authentication.
  • Office of Protocol and International Affairs.
  • Office of Public Records and Archives.
  • Office of the Secretary.

Clicking on the search result name redirects you to its own page. On that page, you can view and download additional information. You can also have access to annual reports as well as register or renew certificates with the Secretary of State's Office in Washington D.C.

Business Name Reservation and Filing Options

If your chosen business name is available, you may want to reserve it while preparing your organizational documents. In D.C.:

  • The name reservation fee is $50, and the reservation holds the name for 120 days.
  • Reservation requests can be filed online through the CorpOnline portal.
  • Once reserved, no other entity can register with that name until your reservation expires.

You can also proceed directly to business formation through the portal. Many users complete filings such as Articles of Organization, annual reports, and trade name registrations online through the same system.

D.C. Secretary of State Information

There are several offices found in the District of Columbia, but the main one is the Secretary of the District of Columbia. This one completes numerous responsibilities and duties within the state, including safeguarding the Seal of the State.

It also establishes protocol, maintains public records, and manages the D.C. Corporation Search. Currently, Secretary Lauren C. Vaughan serves as the chief of office.

LLC and Business Naming Guidelines in D.C.

D.C. has specific naming rules for LLCs and other entities. Some key requirements include:

  • Required terms: LLC names must contain “Limited Liability Company,” “L.L.C.,” or “LLC.”
  • Restricted words: Words implying government affiliation (e.g., “FBI,” “Treasury”) or regulated industries (e.g., “Bank,” “Insurance”) require additional approvals.
  • Distinctiveness: Your name must be distinguishable from existing entities. Even small differences in punctuation or grammar may not meet this standard.

If the name you want is taken, you’ll need to choose a different one. It’s best to prepare multiple name options before starting your search.

Find a Business Entity in Another State

As mentioned, each state along with Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico has its own Secretary of State office where you can conduct a business entity search. Click on the information below to find out more about each state's business search.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why is the District of Columbia Secretary of State business search important?
    It ensures your business name is unique, helps confirm an entity’s legal status, and provides access to public filings needed for compliance.
  2. How do I reserve a business name in D.C.?
    You can reserve a name through the CorpOnline portal for $50. The reservation is valid for 120 days.
  3. Do I need to register a trade name (DBA) in D.C.?
    Yes. If your business operates under a name different from its legal entity, D.C. requires you to register that trade name to inform the public.
  4. What information can I find in a D.C. business search?
    Search results include entity name, file number, registered agent, status, and links to filings such as annual reports.
  5. What should I do if my desired name is already taken?
    You must select a new name. D.C. requires distinguishable names, so having backup options ready is recommended.

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