Changing Your Business Name in Washington | A Step-by-Step Guide

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Change Washington Business Name

In Washington, change is inevitable in today’s dynamic business environment. One such change that a business may undergo is a change in its name. A business owner might change their name for numerous reasons, even when starting an LLC in Washington. Whatever the reason, changing a business name in Washington can be a complicated process. Still, it’s essential to do it right to avoid potential legal issues and ensure a smooth transition. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to successfully Change a Business Name in Washington.

Webinarcare Editorial Team will help you change your business name when necessary. You must be guided by all the factors gathered in this article.

How to Change a Business Name in Washington

Before Changing Your Business Name in Washington

Before you embark on the process of changing your business name, there are several considerations to keep in mind:

  • Research: Ensure that your new business name in Washington is unique and not already in use by another company in Washington. To avoid potential trademark infringement, you can conduct a preliminary search using the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database.
  • Notify Stakeholders: Inform your employees, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders about the upcoming name change to avoid confusion and ensure a smooth transition.
  • Update Marketing Materials: Revise your marketing materials, such as your website, business cards, signage, and social media profiles, to reflect the new Washington business name.
  • Consider the Impact on Existing Contracts and Agreements: Review your existing contracts and agreements to determine if they will be affected by the name change. You may need to renegotiate these contracts or obtain new ones under the new Washington business name.

You should also amend the Washington Certificate of Formation and the operating agreement once you have changed your business name. The information should be up to date so your Washington business won’t have any legal problems in the future. Check out the Best Trademark Services in Washington to know whether your desired business name is available.

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How to Change a Business Name in Washington

Depending on the kind of business entity you have, several processes may be involved in changing your business name in the Washington. Here is a detailed explanation of each business structure:

Changing your company name in Washington is relatively easy. Before we go into the steps, you should know that some rules must be followed when naming a business in Washington. The name conventions may change depending on the type of corporate structure. The business must adhere to the following rules while changing the company name:

  • It should be possible to utilize the name.
  • Any other businesses do not use the name.
  • If the new entity is a limited liability company, the name must include “LLC.“
  • The name should be distinct from any governmental agency or institution, including banks and treasuries.

If you decide to start an LLC, read about the Washington Business Name Search to check if your desired business name is available. Let’s now examine the procedures for changing the company name:

It is suggested that you speak with a legal professional before you begin changing your business name. They’ll understand what’s best for you and your company. To have an easy process for naming your LLC, you can alwasy hire the Best LLC Services for your business.

– WEBINARCARE EDITORIAL TEAM

Step 1: Choose a New Name For Your Business

You must decide on a new name before officially changing your business name in Washington. Conduct thorough research to ensure the new name is unique, memorable, and represents your company’s values and services. You should also ensure that another business in Washington does not already use the new name to avoid legal issues and customer confusion.

Some tips for choosing a new business name include:

  • Brainstorm a list of potential names and ask for feedback from friends, family, employees, and customers.
  • Consider the potential impact of the new name on your existing customers, partners, and vendors.
  • Research the availability of relevant domain names and social media handles to ensure a consistent online presence.

Before proceeding with the name change process, ensuring your chosen name is available in Washington is essential. You must conduct a name search through the Washington Secretary of State Corporations and Charities Filing System to do this.

If your desired name is already in use or too similar to an existing business name in Washington, you must choose another name and repeat the search process. However, you can register your business under a different legal name if your preferred name isn’t available.  Once you have chosen a name, you can submit an application for a DBA (doing business as) in Washington. In this manner, you can choose any name you desire for your business. A DBA allows a company to operate under the name of the person or entity who owns it. If you have decided to file for a DBA, you can file it in three methods, online, by mail, and in person filing.

However, before filing a DBA, you should know that you need to renew your DBA for up to Indefinite, which costs $24.

In Washington, if you do not wish to file your LLC right away but want to hold the name that you have decided on, then you can reserve your LLC name for 180 days. You must file a name reservation application with the Washington Secretary of State to keep the name. 

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Step 2: Prepare Documents to File the Amended Certificate of Formation

After choosing a new business name in Washington, you must begin putting together the Amended Certificate of Formation as soon as you are prepared with the new Washington business name. You must send the following information with the name change form: 

  • Current company name
  • New company name
  • Members’ (LLC) or Shareholders’ signatures (Corporation)
  • Washington filing fee for amendments
  • The business’s entity number, as provided by the state of Washington
  • Board of Directors expression of approval (for corporations)
  • Details about shares (if applicable)

When registering a new business name with the Washington Secretary of State, you must provide the list of information indicated above. Ensure the information you offer for the Amendment corresponds to the initial filing materials. Please do so to avoid the registration being canceled.

Step 3: File the Amended Certificate of Formation

Once you’ve confirmed that your new business name is available, you must file the necessary paperwork with the Washington Secretary of State’s office to change your business name officially. This process typically involves filing an amendment to your company’s Articles of Incorporation for a corporation or Certificate of Formation for an LLC, depending on your business structure.

To file the amendment, you’ll need to:

  1. Obtain the appropriate amendment form from the Washington Secretary of State.
  2. Fill out the form with the required information, including your current business name, new business name, and any other required details.
  3. Pay the filing fee, which may vary depending on your business structure and Washington regulations. In Washington, amendment cost is $30.
  4. Submit the completed form and payment to the Washington Secretary of State’s office, either by mail or online, depending on your Washington’s filing options.

Once your amendment has been processed and approved, your business name will officially be changed in Washington.

Things to do After Filing the Amended Certificate of Formation

Additional considerations in filing the Amended Certificate of Formation in Washington.

After changing your business name, there are a few additional steps you may need to take:

  • Update your EIN: If your business has an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you may need to notify the IRS of the name change. You can do this by writing a letter to the IRS or completing and submitting Form 8822-B.
  • Update your Business License: If your business operates with a business license, you must update the license with the new business name. You can do this by filing Washington business license and paying an application fee ranging from $50 – $300.
  • Notify the Washington Department of Labor and Workforce Development: If your business has employees, you will need to notify the Washington Department of Labor and Workforce Development of the name change.
  • Update your Local Tax and Business Registrations: Depending on your local jurisdiction, you may need to update your local tax and business registrations with the new business name.

Why Change Your Business Name?

There are various reasons why a  business owner might want to change their business name. These can include:

  • Rebranding: If your current Washington business name no longer reflects your products or services, rebranding can help revitalize your company’s image and attract new customers.
  • Expanding or Refocusing: Your business may have evolved over time, and the original name may no longer accurately represent the scope of your operations.
  • Merger or Acquisition: If your business merges with another company or is acquired, a name change might be necessary to reflect the new owner or combined services.
  • Legal Issues: If your business name infringes on a trademark or is too similar to another company’s name, you may need to change it to avoid legal disputes.
  • Improved Marketability: A new business name in Washington can be more memorable, easier to pronounce, or better suited to your target audience.

How Long Does Changing The Business Name Take?

The time it takes to change a business name can vary depending on factors such as the Washington’s processing times, the method of submission (online or by mail), and whether all necessary information and fees have been submitted correctly. Generally, once you have submitted the required paperwork and fees to the Washington Secretary of State, it can take a few days to several weeks for the name change to be processed and approved.

What Happens If I Don’t Update the Website or Stationery?

If you change your business name in Washington but do not update your website, stationery, or other marketing materials, you may face several potential issues:

  • Customer Confusion: Your customers may need clarification about the change in the business name and may not recognize that your company is the same one they have previously done business with. This confusion could lead to a loss of trust and potentially a loss of customers.
  • Inconsistency in Branding: When your business name is inconsistent across all platforms, including your website and stationery, it can negatively impact your brand image. Not updating your marketing materials may make your company appear unprofessional or disorganized, which could harm your reputation.
  • Legal Issues: Depending on Washington regulations, you may be legally required to update your marketing materials with your new business name. Failure to do so could result in penalties or fines. Additionally, if you use a trading name or DBA (Doing Business As) name, you may need to register that name separately with the appropriate government authority to avoid legal issues.
  • Communication Problems: Please update your website and stationery with your new Washington business name to avoid issues. Clients, vendors, and other partners may not recognize the new name and may not associate it with your company, leading to missed opportunities and potential misunderstandings.

To avoid these potential issues, updating your website, stationery, and all other marketing materials as soon as possible after changing your Washington business name is essential. This ensures that your customers know the change, maintains consistency in your branding, and helps prevent legal or communication.

If I Have a Foreign LLC, Can I Change the Name Aside from the Original Name?

Yes, if you have a foreign LLC in Washington (a limited liability company formed in one state but doing business in another state), you can change the name of the foreign LLC. 

FAQs

Can I change the name of my business in Washington?
Yes, you can change the name of your business in Washington.
Are there fees to change the name of my business in Washington?
Yes, there is a fee for changing the name of your business in Washington. The fee varies depending on the type of business entity and the filing method.
Do I need to file any documents to change my business name in Washington?
Yes, you will need to file a Certificate of Amendment with the Washington Secretary of State to change your business name.
Can I reserve the new name for my business before filing the Certificate of Amendment in Washington?
Yes, you can reserve the new name for your business by filing an Application for Reservation of Name with the Washington Secretary of State.
How long does it take to process a Certificate of Amendment in Washington?
It usually takes about 3-5 business days to process a Certificate of Amendment in Washington.
Can I change the name of my LLC in Washington online?
Yes, you can file a Certificate of Amendment to change the name of your LLC in Washington online.
Can I change the name of my corporation in Washington online?
Yes, you can file a Certificate of Amendment to change the name of your corporation in Washington online.
Can I change the name of my partnership in Washington online?
No, you cannot change the name of your partnership in Washington online. You must file the Certificate of Amendment by mail.
Is there a deadline to change the name of my business in Washington?
No, there is no deadline to change the name of your business in Washington.
Can I change the name of my business to anything I want in Washington?
Yes, as long as the name is not already in use and is not misleading or violates any state or federal laws.
Do I need to update my business licenses and permits after changing the name of my business in Washington?
Yes, you will need to update your business licenses and permits with the new name once your Certificate of Amendment is approved.
Will changing the name of my business affect my taxes in Washington?
No, changing the name of your business will not affect your taxes in Washington.
Do I need to notify customers and vendors of my name change in Washington?
Yes, it is recommended that you notify your customers and vendors of your name change to avoid confusion.
Do I need to have my business entity’s registered agent sign the Certificate of Amendment in Washington?
Yes, the registered agent of your business entity must sign the Certificate of Amendment in Washington.
What happens if my Certificate of Amendment to change the name of my business is rejected in Washington?
If your Certificate of Amendment is rejected in Washington, you will be notified why it was rejected so that you can correct the errors and resubmit.
Can I change the name of my business as part of a merger or acquisition in Washington?
Yes, you can change the name of your business as part of a merger or acquisition in Washington.
Can I change the name of my non-profit organization in Washington?
Yes, you can change the name of your non-profit organization in Washington by filing a Certificate of Amendment.
Can I change the name of my professional corporation in Washington?
Yes, you can change the name of your professional corporation in Washington by filing a Certificate of Amendment.
Can I change the name of my limited partnership in Washington?
Yes, you can change the name of your limited partnership in Washington by filing a Certificate of Amendment.
Can I change the name of my sole proprietorship in Washington?
Yes, you can change the name of your sole proprietorship in Washington.
Can I change the name of my General Partnerships (GP) in Washington?
Yes, you can change the name of your General Partnership in Washington by filing a Certificate of Amendment.
Can I change the name of my Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) in Washington?
Yes, you can change the name of your Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) in Washington.
Can I change the name of my Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Washington?
Yes, you can change the name of your Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Washington by filing a Certificate of Amendment.
Can I change the name of my Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) in Washington?
Yes, you can change the name of your Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) in Washington by filing a Certificate of Amendment.
Can I change the name of my business without obtaining a new EIN in Washington?
No, if you have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your business, it cannot change without applying for a new one from the IRS.
Can I use a different name for tax purposes than the name I use to transact business in Washington?
No, you cannot use a different name for tax purposes than the name you use to transact business in Washington.
Can I change the name of my business more than once in Washington?
Yes, you can change the name of your business as many times as you want in Washington.
Can I file a Certificate of Amendment for a name change for a foreign corporation doing business in Washington?
Yes, a foreign corporation can file a Certificate of Amendment to change its name in Washington.
Can I change the name of my business if it’s in the middle of a lawsuit in Washington?
You should consult with an attorney to determine if changing your business name would have any impact on the lawsuit before proceeding.
How do I change my business name in Washington state?
You will need to file an amendment to your Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization with the Washington Secretary of State’s Corporations Division.
What is the fee for changing my business name in Washington state?
The fee for a name change amendment in Washington state is $30.
What does the name change amendment need to include?
The name change amendment needs to include the old name, the new name, and an indication that it is a name change amendment.
Do I need to register my new business name with the state of Washington?
If you are doing business under a new name, you will need to register that business name with the state of Washington.
How do I register my new business name in Washington state?
You will need to file a Business License Application with the Washington Department of Revenue.
Is there a fee to register a new business name in Washington state?
Yes, the fee for registering a trade name in Washington state is $5.
Can I change the name of my LLC in Washington state?
Yes, you can change the name of your LLC in Washington state by filing a name change amendment with the Secretary of State’s Corporations Division.
Can I change the name of my corporation in Washington state?
Yes, you can change the name of your corporation in Washington state by filing a name change amendment with the Washington Secretary of State’s Corporations Division.
How long does it take to change my business name in Washington state?
It takes about 2-3 weeks for your name change amendment to be processed by the Washington Secretary of State’s Corporations Division.
Can I expedite the processing of my name change amendment in Washington state?
Yes, you can request expedited service for an additional fee.
What happens to my old business name if I change it in Washington state?
Your old business name will no longer be the legal name of your business. You can keep using it as a trade name if you want.
Do I need to update my business name with the IRS after changing it in Washington state?
No, you are not required to update your business name with the IRS.
Do I need to update my business name with the Washington Department of Revenue?
Yes, if you are doing business under a new name, you will need to register that name with the Washington Department of Revenue.
Can I change the name of my sole proprietorship in Washington state?
Yes, you can change the name of your sole proprietorship in Washington state by registering a trade name with the Washington Department of Revenue.
How do I register a trade name in Washington state?
You will need to submit a Trade Name Registration form and pay a $5 fee to the Washington Department of Revenue.
Do I need to update my business license after changing my business name in Washington state?
Yes, you will need to update your business license with the Washington Department of Revenue.
Do I need to update any other documents or licenses after changing my business name in Washington state?
Yes, you will need to update any contracts, permits, or licenses that reflect your business’s old name.
Can I trademark my new business name in Washington state?
Yes, you can apply for a trademark for your new business name with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Will changing my business name in Washington state affect my business’s credit history?
No, changing your business’s name will not affect your credit history, but you should inform your creditors and lenders of the name change.
Can I change my business name to anything I want in Washington state?
No, your new business name cannot be identical or similar to another business name in Washington state.
Can I change my business name to include a popular brand name in Washington state?
No, including a popular brand name in your business name could be considered trademark infringement.
Is a new EIN required when changing my business name in Washington state?
No, you do not need a new employer identification number (EIN) when changing your business name in Washington state.
If I have multiple businesses under my LLC, do I have to change all of their names at once in Washington state?
No, you can change the name of one business under your LLC without needing to change the names of the others.
Do I have to publish a notice of my new business name in Washington state?
No, there is no requirement to publish a notice of your new business name in Washington state.
Can I change my business name to a name that is still available, but not registered in Washington state?
Washington state has specific rules regarding business names, and your new business name cannot conflict with registered or active business names in Washington state.
Can I change my business name remotely if my business is located in another state?
Yes, you can change your Washington business name remotely if your business is located in another state.
Can I file a name change amendment online in Washington state?
Yes, you can file a name change amendment online through the Washington Secretary of State’s Corporations Division.
What happens if I forget to update my business name in Washington state?
If you forget to update your business name in Washington state, you could face legal penalties or be unable to conduct certain business activities.

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Conclusion

Changing your business name in Washington can be a strategic decision that helps your company evolve and remain competitive. By following the steps outlined in this guide and conducting thorough research, you can ensure that your business name change is completed legally and efficiently. Remember to notify all relevant stakeholders, update your marketing materials, and revise any contracts or agreements to reflect the new business name.

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