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How to form an LLC in District of Columbia

File an Articles of Organization with the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Corporations Division. State filing fee $99.

Start my District of Columbia LLC → Search names on the state site ↗

Due to form

$99

State filing fee

How to file

Online or by mail

Online non-expedited: within 5 business days; 3-day and 1-day expedite available.

Keeping it active

Biennial Report

April 1 of the year after formation, then every two years · $300

The steps in District of Columbia

  1. 1

    Choose a name

    It must be distinguishable from other businesses on file and end with “Limited Liability Company”, “Limited Company”, “L.L.C.”, “LLC”, “L.C.”, “LC”. PLLC must use 'professional limited liability company', P.L.L.C. or PLLC and describe the professional service. You can reserve a name first for $50 (optional).

  2. 2

    Appoint a registered agent

    Physical street address in DC (no P.O. box or third-party mailbox); agents for more than 50 entities must file as commercial registered agent (RA-1).

  3. 3

    File the Articles of Organization

    File with the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Corporations Division (form DLC-1). You can file online or by mail. Fee: $99.

  4. 4

    Sign an operating agreement

    Not filed with the state, and not required by District of Columbia law, but banks and partners often ask for one. LLCPros prepares one from your answers.

  5. 5

    Get an EIN and keep up with reports

    Get a free Employer Identification Number from the IRS, open a business bank account, then file the Biennial Report (april 1 of the year after formation, then every two years).

Fees

Filing fee — Articles of Organization$99
Optional: 3-day expedite+$50
Optional: 1-day expedite+$100
Optional: name reservation$50
Later: Biennial Report$300

Expedite fees added to filing fee.

State taxes to know about

DC unincorporated business franchise tax may apply (Office of Tax and Revenue); Basic Business License required for most activities.

Questions about District of Columbia LLCs

›How much does it cost to form an LLC in District of Columbia?

The District of Columbia filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $99. Optional expedited processing costs more.

›What document forms an LLC in District of Columbia?

You file an Articles of Organization (form DLC-1) with the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Corporations Division.

›Does District of Columbia require a registered agent?

Yes. Physical street address in DC (no P.O. box or third-party mailbox); agents for more than 50 entities must file as commercial registered agent (RA-1).

›Does a District of Columbia LLC file an annual report?

Yes: the Biennial Report, april 1 of the year after formation, then every two years, fee $300.

Double-check with the state

We could not confirm these on an official District of Columbia page when we last checked (November 12, 2026). Your filing plan lists them too.

  • Whether District of Columbia accepts a formation document you prepare yourself — if not, use the state’s own form with your worksheet
  • The link to the state’s business name search
  • The state tax rules that apply to LLCs
  • The current filing fee and any service charge
Self-help, not legal or tax advice. LLCPros is not a law firm, does not give legal or tax advice, and is not affiliated with any state or federal agency. We prepare documents from your answers and your state’s published rules; you file them and pay the state’s fees directly. Rules and fees change — check the official state links before filing, and talk to a lawyer or accountant about your situation.