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District of Columbia . Name Reservation

Reserve a District of Columbia business name before you form.

If your formation is not ready but you need to lock in a name, District of Columbia lets you reserve it. This guide explains the DC DLCP Corporations Division reservation process, fee, duration, and how to convert a reservation into a finished entity.

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Why reserve a name in District of Columbia

  • Lock the name while raising capital.
  • Hold the name while building the business plan.
  • Protect the name during a trademark search.
  • Coordinate domain + name + branding.
  • Block competitors from filing the same name.

How District of Columbia name reservation works

  1. 1Check name availability. Run a District of Columbia business search to confirm the name is not in use.
  2. 2File Application for Reservation of Name.
  3. 3Receive certificate. Typical reservation: 120 days (varies by state).
  4. 4Convert to formation. File Articles of Organization or Incorporation referencing the reserved name.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How long can I reserve a name in District of Columbia?
Most states allow 120 days. Some allow renewal.
How much does District of Columbia name reservation cost?
State fees vary. Typically $10-$50. File.Business handles the filing for $49.
Can I extend a District of Columbia name reservation?
Some District of Columbia reservations are renewable; others are not. Check current DC DLCP Corporations Division rules.
What if my reserved name is challenged after I form?
Reservation only blocks identical filings. Trademark and DBA rights are separate.
Does a District of Columbia name reservation work for an out-of-state entity?
Yes. Foreign entities can reserve a name in {s["name"]} before foreign-qualifying.
Can File.Business reserve my District of Columbia name?
Yes. Or skip the reservation and form directly through our flow.
What if I find my desired name is taken in District of Columbia?
Consider a variation, an assumed name (DBA), or a different state.

Ready to handle this the easy way?

Five minutes per filing. State fee passed through at cost. Audit trail and deadline tracking included.

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Disclosure. File.Business is a private business filing and compliance service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with the DC DLCP Corporations Division or any Secretary of State office. You may file directly with the DC DLCP Corporations Division. Information on this page is for general guidance only and is not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Fees and deadlines verified against the DC DLCP Corporations Division as of June 2026 and may change. For entity-specific guidance, consult a licensed District of Columbia attorney or CPA.

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File.Business is a private business filing and compliance service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with any Secretary of State office. You may file directly with the appropriate state agency. SOC 2 Type II audited. 220,000+ businesses formed since 2017.