How do I check if a business name is available?

How to Check Business Name Availability in Washington

Before registering your business in Washington, confirming that your desired business name is available is a crucial step. This ensures your chosen name is unique and compliant with state naming rules.

Steps to Check Business Name Availability

• Visit the Washington Secretary of State Website: Use the Corporations and Charities Filing System (CCFS) online portal to search existing business names.
• Conduct a Name Search: Enter your proposed business name to see if it is already in use or reserved by another entity.
• Review Naming Rules: Ensure your name complies with Washington’s naming guidelines, such as avoiding restricted words and including appropriate entity designators (e.g., LLC, Inc.).
• Reserve the Name (Optional): If available, you can reserve the name for up to 180 days by filing a Name Reservation form and paying the associated fee.

Additional Operational Considerations

• Trademark Search: Check the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to avoid infringing on federally registered trademarks.
• Domain Name Availability: Verify if a matching domain is available to maintain consistent branding online.
• Business Registration: After confirming name availability, proceed with registering your business entity with the Washington Secretary of State.
• Recordkeeping: Keep documentation of your name search and reservation for your business records and compliance.

As of 2026, using the official Washington Secretary of State online tools provides the most accurate and up-to-date information for business name availability.