How to file a DBA in District of Columbia
Filing a DBA (Doing Business As, also called a fictitious or trade name) in District of Columbia costs $55 in state fees, lasts 2 years, and is registered with the DC Department of Licensing. We file it for you at the state cost, no service fee.
District of Columbia DBA at a glance
| State filing fee | $55 |
|---|---|
| Filing authority | DC Department of Licensing |
| Term length | 2 years (renewable) |
| Renewal required | Yes, before expiration |
| File.Business fee | $0 |
When you need a DBA in District of Columbia
You need a DBA in District of Columbia when your business operates under a name different from its legal name. Common cases:
- A sole proprietor in District of Columbia doing business under a brand name instead of their legal name
- An LLC or corporation in District of Columbia marketing under a brand different from the registered entity name
- An out-of-state company doing business in District of Columbia under a different name
- Multiple brands operated under one parent LLC in District of Columbia
How to file a DBA in District of Columbia: 5 steps
- Choose your DBA name. Search the District of Columbia business name database to confirm the name is available. It must not be deceptively similar to existing registered names.
- Verify name compliance. District of Columbia prohibits names that imply a corporation (Inc., Corp.) unless your entity actually is one. Avoid restricted words.
- Prepare the DBA filing. The DC Department of Licensing requires the legal name of the owner, the DBA name, business address, and a description of business activities.
- Pay the $55 state fee and submit. File online with the DC Department of Licensing or use File.Business to handle it for you at the state cost.
- Track the 2-year renewal. District of Columbia DBAs expire and require renewal. We track this for you automatically with our compliance calendar.
File your District of Columbia DBA now
Our team prepares the filing, submits it to the DC Department of Licensing, and tracks renewal. You pay only the $55 state fee. No service charges.
Start my District of Columbia DBADBA vs LLC in District of Columbia: which do you need?
A DBA is a name registration, not a business structure. It does not provide liability protection, separate tax treatment, or formal recognition as a business entity. If you want personal liability protection while operating under a brand name in District of Columbia, you typically form an LLC and then optionally file a DBA for additional brands.
Compare your options: Form an LLC in District of Columbia or Form a Corporation in District of Columbia.
District of Columbia DBA frequently asked questions
How long does it take to file a DBA in District of Columbia?
Processing time with the DC Department of Licensing varies. Online filings are typically processed within 2 to 5 business days. We submit the filing the same day you order.
How long is a District of Columbia DBA valid?
2 years from filing date. You must renew before expiration to keep the name registration active.
Do I need an EIN if I file a DBA in District of Columbia?
Only if you have employees, file certain tax forms, or open a business bank account in the DBA name. Sole proprietors with no employees can use their SSN. Get an EIN.
Can I file a DBA in District of Columbia for an out-of-state LLC?
Yes. If your LLC is registered in another state and does business in District of Columbia, you typically need to foreign-qualify in District of Columbia first, then file the DBA.
Does a District of Columbia DBA protect my brand from others using the same name?
A DBA only reserves the name with the DC Department of Licensing. For broader brand protection, file a federal trademark with the USPTO.
On the $129/yr Compliance Annual Filings plan, we cover state late fees.
When you autofile your annual report through the $129/yr plan and we miss the deadline, we pay the state's late fee. The guarantee applies to that specific plan and the filings it includes. Other File.Business services are billed at the prices on this page.