A trade or fictitious name is any name used in business that does not include the full legal name of all the owners of the business. Your trade name is different from your corporate name; your business may have only one corporate name but as many trade names as you desire.

The legislation that created the Basic Business License Program also established a trade name registration program. The program keeps a public record of all the owners of a business. Businesses with registered trade names may undertake any legal action under the registered trade name.

For more information about trade name registration, call (202) 442-4432.

You can register your trade name at the same time you apply for your business license or after obtaining your business license.