Washington Business Name Search – (Updated: Mar. 2026)

The state of Washington provides the “Washington Business Entity Name Database” tool for you to check your desired LLC name. While the layout looks complicated, it requires three simple steps to perform a reliable search. I’ve discussed these below to help you choose a suitable LLC name.

Your Washington LLC application may be rejected if you don’t check your name availability before filing. Your LLC name can’t be the same or too similar to an existing Washington business.

This article gives you a detailed overview of how to perform a Washington Business Name Search correctly and effectively. I’ve looked at the search function, the main rules to follow, and how to ensure your LLC name is unique.

Using The Washington Business Entity Name Database

I found that the name search process was really easy to use overall. After navigating to the Washington Filing System, the input process was self-explanatory.

You should complete these 3 steps when picking a suitable LLC name:

1. Navigate to the Washington Corporations and Charities Filing System: Advanced Business Search.
2. Enter your desired LLC name in the “Business Name” box.
3. Click “Search” at the bottom of the page.

Tip: You should leave out legal suffixes (Like LLC) and punctuation when searching for a business name. Don’t worry about lowercase vs. uppercase letters.

Avoid missing similar names with extra words by using “Contains” instead of “Starts With”.

How To Interpret Your Washington LLC Search Results

Knowing how to interpret your LLC search results ensures you perform the right action to create distinguishability. I’ve discussed four possible results, using examples below:

1. Result 1: Your Name is Unique

Your Washington LLC name is distinguishable and available if no similar results are found.

Example: Your desired LLC name is “GOLDEN RIVER AUTO.” If the only similar names are “GOLDEN RIVER INVESTMENTS” and “GOLDEN RIVER VENTURES,” your LLC is likely available.

2. Result 2: No Value Found

Your LLC name is likely available if your search returns “No Value Found.” Check for similar matches by searching again using part of the name.

Example: Try searching for “BIZREPORT” instead of “BIZREPORT MEDIA.”

3. Result 3: The Exact LLC Business Name Exists

A Washington business is already using your desired LLC name if your search results show the exact LLC name existing. Your name is unavailable, so you must choose another.

Example: Your desired LLC name is “GOLDER RIVER.”

Your name isn’t available as the search results have shown that the exact name exists.

4. Result 4: Several Similar Names are Shown

Your LLC name is likely unavailable if your search results show several similar names. However, this depends on the nature of the business.

Example: Your desired business name is “RIVER FALL GOLDEN.”

Your search results return a similar name, “RIVER FALLS GOLDENS.” However, they’re both car-selling companies, so you need to choose a different name.

If “RIVER FALL GOLDEN” is a tech company and “RIVER FALLS GOLDENS, LLC” is a real estate company, your name will be approved as they’re entirely different businesses.

5. What Steps Should You Take If Your Desired LLC Name Is Unavailable?

You must choose a different name or a suitable variation if your desired LLC name isn’t unique. Use the guidance above as a reference and call the Secretary of State if you need help.

Tip: Wait until your LLC name is approved before buying marketing materials or applying for an EIN. You’ll waste time and money if your name isn’t approved.

Name Requirements For Washington LLCs

Rules for naming a business entity are set by Washington law. There are four main ones to be aware of, with each determining if your LLC name is distinguishable by the state.

• You can file your LLC name with or without commas (Both versions are accepted).
• Use an appropriate designator from the list (LLC).
• Your LLC name can’t use incorrect designators (Inc., Corp).
• Don’t use inappropriate words (Suggesting a government bank, doctor, or licensed accountant).

1. Using Commas

The Secretary of State allows you to file your LLC name with or without a comma. Both versions will be accepted.

For example, you can file the LLC name “Garden David’s” as:

• Garden David’s LLC.
• Garden David’s, LLC.

The state of Washington allows you to use several other designators instead of “LLC.”

2. Appropriate Designators (Endings)

Use one of the following designators at the end of your Washington LLC:

• LC.
• L.C.
• Limited Company.
• LLC.
• L.L.C.
• Limited Liability Company.
• Ltd. Liability Company.
• Limited Liability Co.

Note: “LLC” is the most commonly chosen designator.

3. Inappropriate Designators

Your Washington LLC must not sound like a Washington Corporation or any other business entity other than an LLC.

The following designators cannot be used in your LLC name:

• Corp.
• Corporation.
• Cooperative.
• Inc.
• Incorporated.

4. Inappropriate Words

You cannot include abbreviations or words restricted by law in your Washington LLC name.

They cannot suggest that your LLC business is a government entity, a bank, or anything misleading.

Words reserved for licensed professionals, such as attorneys or accountants, are not allowed.

See the Washington LLC Act Section 29-3112(E) for more details on inappropriate words.

Ensuring Your Washington Business Name Is Distinguishable

Compare your desired LLC name to existing state businesses when searching the Washington Corporations and Charities Filing System.

You must come up with a different business name or a unique variation if your LLC name is not unique.

Following these rules ensures that your LLC name is distinguishable.

• Rule 1: The use of different designators.
• Rule 2: Using numerals or spelled-out numbers.
• Rule 3: Capitalization.
• Rule 4: Using filler words between sentences.

1. Designators

Using different designators (Endings) doesn’t create distinguishability.

Example: Your desired LLC name is “Bizreport LLC.” You cannot use it if these similar names appear in the Washington Business Name Search:

• Bizreport, L.L.C.
• Bizreport, Corp.
• Bizreport, Inc.

2. Numerals Or Spelled-Out Numbers

You cannot create distinguishability by using numerals (like “8” or “300”) instead of spelled-out numbers (like “eight” or “three hundred”).

Example: Your desired LLC name is “47 Beans LLC.” The following variations cannot be used:

• Forty Seven Beans LLC.
• Four Seven Beans Inc.

Special rule: Roman numerals do create distinguishability in Washington. This means that you can use them instead of numbers.

Example: Your desired name, “12 Parks LLC,” isn’t available. You could create distinguishability by using “XXI Parks LLC” instead. In this case, “XXI” is the Roman numeral for “12”, making it distinguishable under Washington law.

3. Capitalization

Different capitalizations (Lowercase or uppercase letters) don’t make your LLC name unique. This rule applies to all parts of the LLC name, including the designator.

Example: Your desired LLC name is “Blue Horizon LLC.” You cannot create distinguishability in the following examples:

• BLUE HORIZON INC.
• Blue HORIZON Limited Liability COMPANY.
• blue horizion llc.
• Blue HorizoN, Inc.

4. Filler Words

You can’t use filler words to create distinguishability in your LLC name.

Example: Your desired LLC name is “Ocean Wave LLC.” It’s still unavailable when using the following filler words:

• Ocean Wave Inc.
• The Ocean Wave LLC.
• Ocean & Wave L.L.C.

5. Possessive, Singular, And Plural Words

Making a word plural or possessive by adding an “s” doesn’t create distinguishability.

Example: Your desired LLC name is “Sunny Valley Farms LLC.” You cannot use it in the following examples:

• Sunny Valley Farming Inc.
• Sunny Valley Farm L.L.C.
• Sunny Valleys Farm LLC.

What To Do If Your Washington Business Name Is Rejected

The state of Washington will explain why your Articles of Organization have been rejected due to name unavailability.

You must re-file using a different LLC name or a suitable variation.

Frequently Asked Questions