District Of Columbia § 29-103.01 - Permitted names.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 29-103.01 — Permitted names., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 29-103.01. Permitted names.
29-103.01Except as otherwise provided in subsections (b) and (d) of this section, the name of a domestic entity, and the name under which a foreign filing entity or foreign limited liability partnership may register to do business in the District, shall be distinguishable on the records of the Mayor from any:
Name of another domestic filing entity or limited liability partnership;
Name of a foreign entity that is registered to do business in the District under ;
Name that is reserved under ;
Name that is registered under ; or
Assumed name registered under .
An entity may consent in a record to the use of its name by another registered entity, but the consenting entity must, in a form satisfactory to the Mayor, change its name so that it is distinguishable from any name in any category of names in subsection (a) of this section.
Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d) of this section, in determining whether a name is the same as or not distinguishable on the records of the Mayor from the name of another entity, words, phrases, or abbreviations indicating the type of entity, such as “corporation”, “corp.”, “incorporated”, “Inc.”, “professional corporation”, “PC”, “professional association”, “PA”, “Limited”, “Ltd.”, “limited partnership”, “LP”, “limited liability partnership”, “LLP”, “registered limited liability partnership”, “RLLP”, “limited liability limited partnership”, “LLLP”, “registered limited liability limited partnership”, “RLLLP”, “limited liability company”, or “LLC”, shall not be taken into account.
An entity may consent in a record to the use of a name that is not distinguishable on the records of the Mayor from its name except for the addition of a word, phrase, or abbreviation indicating the type of entity described in subsection (c) of this section. In such a case, the entity need not change its name pursuant to subsection (b) of this section.
An entity name shall not contain the words “bank”, “banking”, “credit union”, “insurance”, or words of similar import, without the prior approval of the Mayor.
An entity name shall not be the same as, or so deceptively similar to, the name of any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States or the District of Columbia so as to mislead the public or cause confusion.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 29-103.01
What does D.C. Code § 29-103.01 cover?
Section 29-103.01 ("Permitted names.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 29-103.01?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 29-103.01" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 29-103.01 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.