INSTRUCTIONS: WASHINGTON NAME RESERVATION

To reserve a name for your business in the state of Washington, you must submit a reservation form to the secretary of state. This article discusses the form to complete by hand or typed in black ink only. The form can be found on the website of the Washington secretary of state.

Washington Name Reservation Step 1: If you know the expiration date or registration number recorded by the office of the secretary of state, enter these in the top right hand section indicated for this purpose.

Washington Name Reservation Step 2: In section one, you may list up to three of names for your business in order of preference. An LLC must include either that abbreviation or "Limited Liability Corporation" in its name. A profit corporation must include the words "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Company," "Limited" or an abbreviation of any of these words. A Limited Partnership must include those words or "LP," while a Limited Liability Partnership must include those words or "LLP." A nonprofit corporation cannot include any corporate designation.

Washington Name Reservation Step 3: In section two, place a check mark next to the type of entity your business is. The options listed are limited liability company (LLC), profit corporation, non-profit corporation, limited partnership (LP), and limited liability partnership (LLP).

Washington Name Reservation Step 4: Section three asks for the name and address of the person completing the application. If you are filling this form out on behalf of a client, you should give your name and address under "applicant" and theirs under the space for "client."

Washington Name Reservation Step 5: The applicant should sign and date the form. Include their job title and phone number.

Washington Name Reservation Step 6: A filing fee must be submitted along with this document. For every entity except for nonprofit entities, the fee will be $30. The filing fee for a nonprofit entity is $20.

Washington Name Reservation Step 7: If you wish to have processing of your form expedited, include an additional $50 in your payment in order to pay for this. In addition, you should write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope when filing your application.

Washington Name Reservation Step 8: The name reservation will be valid 180 days after filing has taken place.