How to Form an LLC in Washington, DC

Standard Washington, DC LLC processing takes 10 to 12 business days. Here is what it costs, how long it takes, and what you get.

What it costs

Forming an LLC in Washington, DC costs $199 in total. That is one price covering both the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection's filing fee, which we pay on your behalf, and our service for preparing and filing the paperwork. There is nothing else to pay to get your LLC formed.

How long it takes

Standard Washington, DC LLC processing takes 10 to 12 business days. We track each filing and deliver your documents as soon as the District issues them. Expedited Washington, DC LLC processing takes 1 business day.

Where Washington, DC filings get tripped up

These are the things we have actually run into filing in Washington, DC, in plain English.

The District wants a specific business purpose

DC sends a filing back if the purpose reads like “any lawful business”. It wants a plain description of what the company actually does, such as “residential cleaning services”. A returned filing can be corrected and resubmitted at no charge, but it costs days, so we write a specific purpose the first time.

At least one owner's contact details go on the filing

DC asks for a beneficial owner with an email, a phone number, and both a business and a home address. Have these ready when you apply.

Plain letters only in the name

A name with accented characters can pass the availability check and still be refused by the filing form. We file the plain-letter version.

A biennial report is due every two years

DC LLCs file a Biennial Report by April 1 of the year after formation and every two years after that. Separately, most businesses in the District also need a Basic Business License, which forming the LLC does not provide.

What we need from you

Your business name, the address for the company, and the names of the members. That is the whole application, and it takes a few minutes. We prepare and file the Articles of Organization (Form DLC-1) for you, and handle the state's payment.

What you get

Your stamped Certificate of Organization from the state, delivered straight to your account as soon as Washington, DC issues it. From there you can add an EIN, an operating agreement, membership certificates, or registered agent service.

One price. The Washington, DC filing fee is included.

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Common questions

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Washington, DC?

$199 total for standard filing, with the Washington, DC filing fee included in that price. Expedited filing is $269. There are no other fees to get your LLC formed.

How long does it take to form an LLC in Washington, DC?

Standard Washington, DC LLC processing takes 10 to 12 business days. We track each filing and deliver your documents as soon as the District issues them.

What do I receive?

Your stamped Certificate of Organization from the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, delivered to your account. You can add an EIN, an operating agreement, and registered agent service at checkout or afterwards.

Do I need a registered agent in Washington, DC?

Yes. Every Washington, DC LLC must keep a registered agent with a street address in the District to receive legal mail. You can serve as your own, or use our service to keep your home address off the public record.