How long does it take to register a business in Washington?

Processing times vary: 3-5 business days. Online filings are typically faster than mail submissions. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.

Do I need a business license in Washington?

Yes, most cities in Washington require a general business license. Requirements vary by location and industry. Contact your local city or county clerk's office for specific requirements.

Can I use my personal name as my business name?

Yes, you can use your personal name as your business name. For an LLC, you'll need to add "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to the end. However, using a unique business name often provides better branding opportunities and legal protection.

What if my desired business name is already taken?

If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options: 1) Choose a different name, 2) Add descriptive words to make it unique, 3) Use a different LLC suffix (LLC, L.L.C., etc.), or 4) Consider filing a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name while keeping a different legal name.

How much does it cost to start a business in Washington?

The LLC filing fee is $200. Annual fees are $60. Additional costs include business licenses ($50-500), registered agent fees ($50-300/year if using a service), and other startup expenses. Total first-year costs typically range from $400.

Do I need a trademark for my business name?

While not required, trademark registration provides nationwide protection for your business name. Registering your LLC with the state only protects your name within Washington. If you plan to expand beyond the state or want stronger legal protection, consider applying for a federal trademark with the USPTO.

Can I change my business name later?

Yes, you can change your LLC name by filing an amendment with the Washington Secretary of State. This typically costs $20-100 and takes a few weeks to process. However, changing your name can be expensive when you consider updating all your marketing materials, domain, signage, and legal documents.

Washington Business Name Generator

Generate unique business names for your Washington LLC or startup. Get AI-powered suggestions tailored to Washington businesses and local market.

Generate Business Names for Washington

Describe your business idea

Choose naming style

Professional & corporate

Why Start a Business in Washington?

$200

Filing Fee

3-5

Processing (days)

680K

Total Businesses

95K/yr

New Businesses

No state income tax

Home to tech giants Microsoft and Amazon

Strong aerospace industry with Boeing

Access to Pacific Rim markets

Starting a Business in Washington

Top Cities for Business

Seattle749,256
Spokane229,071
Tacoma219,346
Vancouver190,915
Bellevue151,854

Popular Industries

Technology
Aerospace
Agriculture
Retail
Healthcare

Cost to Start a Business in Washington

LLC Filing Fee$200

Annual Report Fee$60/year

Name Reservation (optional)$30 for 180 days

Business License (varies by city)$50-500

Estimated Total First Year$400

Processing time: 3-5 business days

Washington Tax Overview

Washington has no state income tax. B&O tax ranges 0.13-3.3% on gross receipts. Sales tax is 6.5% state plus local.

Washington Business Name Requirements

Must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company"
Must be distinguishable from existing names

Restricted Words: The following words cannot be used without special approval:

Bank, Trust, Insurance

Business Name Ideas for Washington

Explore 30 pre-generated business name ideas across popular industries. Use these as inspiration or starting points for your own unique name.

restaurant

Emerald City Eats
Seattle Fresh Cuisine
Pacific Northwest Table
Farm-to-Fork Dining
Cascade Kitchen
Local Flavors

barbershop

Seattle Cuts
Premium Grooming
Emerald Barbers
Classic Style
Pacific Shave Co.
Expert Service

construction

Cascade Builders
Quality Construction
Seattle Build Group
Building Dreams
Evergreen Construction
Trusted Partners

consulting

Seattle Strategy
Business Growth
Pacific Advisors
Strategic Solutions
Cascade Consulting
Expert Guidance

retail

Seattle Mercantile
Local Goods
Evergreen Market
Quality Products
Pacific Supply Co.
Premium Retail

Home Services

Seattle Home Care
Complete Solutions
Evergreen Services
Professional Care
Pacific Home Pros
Expert Maintenance

technology

Seattle Tech Labs
Innovation Hub
Cascade Digital
Tech Solutions
Emerald Software
Custom Development

healthcare

Seattle Wellness
Quality Healthcare
Pacific Medical
Patient Care
Evergreen Health
Trusted Providers

Real Estate

Seattle Properties
Dream Homes
Pacific Realty
Expert Service
Emerald Living
Premium Properties

fitness

Seattle Fitness
Peak Performance
Cascade Strong
Community Fitness
Emerald Athletics
Elite Training

Official Washington Business Resources

Washington Secretary of State

Business registration and filing

Washington Department of Revenue

Tax registration and compliance

Washington SBDC

Business counseling services

How to Register a Business in Washington

Annual Compliance Requirements

After forming your Washington LLC, you'll need to maintain compliance with these ongoing requirements:

File Annual Report ($60)
Maintain registered agent
Pay Business & Occupation (B&O) tax
Renew local licenses

Check Domain Availability

Enter your business name to search for available domains

Business name

Opens GoDaddy search in a new tab

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Tools for Washington Business Owners

Self-Employment Tax

Calculate SE tax liability

Profit Margin Calculator

Calculate your profit margins

S-Corp Salary

Optimize salary vs distribution

Generate Names for Nearby States

Ready to Launch Your Washington Business?

Jupid AI Accountant handles everything from LLC formation to ongoing tax compliance. Focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Information is accurate as of 2026-01. Always verify current requirements with the Washington Secretary of State and consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions.