How to Start an LLC in Washington DC (2025 Guide)

How to Form an LLC in Washington DC in 5 Steps

In order to form your LLC in Washington DC, there are certain steps you’ll need to complete:

1. Name Your Washington DC LLC
2. Choose a Registered Agent
3. File Your Articles of Organization
4. Create an LLC Operating Agreement
5. Obtain an EIN

Step 1: Name Your Washington D.C. LLC

Before you get started, you will need to pick a suitable name for your Washington DC LLC. 

Your business name should be memorable, easily searchable, and comply with LLC naming requirements.

1. Important Naming Guidelines for Washington DC LLCs:

• Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company,” “limited company,” “professional limited liability company” or any accepted abbreviation: “PLLC, LLC, L.L.C., LC, or L.C.” 
• Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency; examples of such words include “Treasury,” “FBI,” and “State.” 
• Your name cannot include certain words and/or phrases (e.g., Architect, Lawyer, Doctor, etc.) without written approval from the relevant governing board.

For more information, we recommend having a look at the Council of the District of Columbia’s Business Name Requirements page. 

2. Conduct a Business Name Search in Washington DC

To check whether your desired name has already been taken by another business entity in Washington DC, you can perform a business entity search on the DC website.

If you’re not going to start your LLC right away, it might be a good idea to consider reserving your name for up to 120 days ($50 processing fee).

For more information, you can have a look at our DC LLC Name Search guide.

3. Conduct a Domain Name Search

We recommend that you check to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don’t plan to start a business website right away, this is an extremely important step as it will prevent others from acquiring it, potentially saving you both time and money in the long term.

Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.

FAQ: Naming a Washington D.C. LLC

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Washington DC

After you find the right name for your LLC, you will need to nominate a Washington DC registered agent. This is a requirement for all LLCs in Washington DC.

What is a registered agent? A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important tax forms, legal documents, notice of lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business. You can think of your registered agent as your business’s primary point of contact with the district.

Who can be a registered agent? A registered agent must be a resident of Washington DC or a corporation authorized to transact business in the district. This can be a registered agent service, an LLC member (such as yourself), or a business attorney.

FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent

Step 3: File the Washington DC LLC Articles of Organization

To register your LLC, you’ll need to file Form DLC-1: Articles of Organization with the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (previously the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs). You can do this online, by mail, or in person.

Before filing, make sure you have completed your Articles of Organization correctly. You will need to have filled in the following sections:

• Your LLC’s company name
• The business address of your LLC’s initial principal office
• The name and address of your registered agent in the District of Columbia
• The effective date of this form
• The names and addresses of your LLC’s members and managers
• The organizer’s name and address
• The organizer’s signature and date
• A cover letter (if filing by mail) 

File the Articles of Organization

OPTION 1: File Online With DC CorpOnline

File Online

– OR –

OPTION 2: File Form DLC-1 by Mail or In Person

Download Form

Filing Cost: $99, payable to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (Nonrefundable)

Mailing Address:
Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 92300
Washington, DC 20090

Office Address:
Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
1100 4th St. SW
Washington, DC 20024

For help with completing the form, visit our Washington DC Articles of Organization guide.

Note: If you’re expanding your existing business  in Washington DC, you’ll need to register as a foreign limited liability company (LLC).

FAQ: Filing Washington D.C. LLC Documents

Step 4: Create a Washington DC LLC Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is not required in Washington DC, but it’s a good practice to have one.

An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

You can use the free tool in our Business Center to create a custom operating agreement in minutes — or download our free templates:

• Washington DC Multi-Member LLC Operating Agreement
• Washington DC Single-Member LLC Operating Agreement

FAQ: Creating a Washington DC LLC Operating Agreement

Step 5: Get an EIN for Your Washington DC LLC

You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. It is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN is required for the following:

• To open a business bank account for the company
• For federal and district tax purposes
• To hire employees for the company
• To obtain a Washington DC business license 

Where do I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: You do not need an SSN to get an EIN. Learn more here.

Get an EIN

Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS

Apply Online

– OR –

Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax

Download Form

Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

Fax: (855) 641-6935

Fee: Free

FAQ: Getting an EIN

Best LLC Services in Washington DC Compared

For a comprehensive comparison, read our Best LLC Services review. We reviewed and ranked the top LLC formation services to help you determine the best fit for your new business.

Important Next Steps to Protect Your District of Columbia LLC

After you’ve formed your LLC, you’ll need to complete key steps in order to:

• Separate your personal and business assets
• Stay compliant with state and federal laws

Get a Business Bank Account & Credit Card

Using a dedicated business banking account and business credit card is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your LLC is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

You can protect your business with these two steps:

1. Opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

2. Getting a business credit card:

• Helps you separate personal and business expenses.
• Builds your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise capital later on.

Get Insurance

Even though an LLC offers limited liability, you’ll still likely need to purchase some form of business insurance to protect your LLC’s assets. The most common types are:

• General Liability Insurance: A broad insurance policy that protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses get general liability insurance.
• Professional Liability Insurance: A business insurance for professional service providers (consultants, accountants, etc.) that covers against claims of malpractice and other business errors.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: A type of insurance that provides coverage for employees’ job-related illnesses, injuries, or deaths. In DC, businesses with one or more employees, including LLC members and corporate officers, are required by law to have workers compensation insurance.

Want to learn exactly what coverage your DC business may need? Read our full DC Business Insurance Guide.

Obtain Business Licenses

All LLCs in Washington, DC must obtain a Basic Business License (BBL) before operating. The required license type depends on your business activity. If none of the listed categories apply, you’ll need a General Business License (GBL).

To apply, ensure your business meets zoning requirements with either a Home Occupation Permit or Certificate of Occupancy, and that you’re in compliance with the Clean Hands Law.

You can submit your BBL application online or in person. Fees typically range from $70–$140, plus a 10% tech fee.

Additional licenses you may require include: 

• Local Licenses: Check with your city or county clerk’s office to identify any local licensing requirements, such as zoning permits or health department approvals.
• Federal Licenses: If your business activities are regulated by a federal agency (e.g., selling alcohol, firearms, or operating in transportation), consult the U.S. Small Business Administration’s guide to determine necessary federal licenses or permits.

For a comprehensive overview and step-by-step instructions, refer to our Washington DC Business License Guide.

Pay Washington DC LLC Taxes

Your Washington DC LLC will have several tax obligations: 

Federal LLC Tax Requirements

As a pass-through entity, profits typically flow to your personal tax return. LLC members pay self-employment tax (15.3%) on their earnings.

Sales and Use Tax

If you’re selling a physical product, you will need to obtain a Washington DC sales tax license online through the MyTaxDC website. 

This license allows a business to collect sales tax on taxable sales. 

Sales tax, also called “Sales and Use Tax,” is a tax levied by states, counties, and municipalities on business transactions involving the exchange of certain taxable goods or services.

Read our sales tax guide to find out more.

Franchise Tax

There are two types of franchise taxes for businesses based in the District of Columbia:

• Corporate Franchise Tax: LLCs treated as C or S corps for tax purposes must pay corporate franchise tax on all income from business activity within DC as well as file Form D-20 with the District of Columbia Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR). This tax is levied at a flat rate of 8.25% with the following minimums:
  • $250 Minimum Tax: For businesses with gross receipts of $1 million or less.
  • $1,000 Minimum Tax: For businesses with gross receipts exceeding $1 million.
• Unincorporated Business Franchise Tax: This tax is levied on the net income of Washington DC LLCs with a default structure and is separate from the personal income tax obligations of the individual members. It is also applied at a flat rate of 8.25% with the same minimums as corporate franchise tax. LLCs earning more than $12,000 in gross revenue will need to file Form D-30 with the OTR to submit its tax returns.

Income Taxes

In addition to your federal income tax responsibilities, LLCs based in Washington DC are also required to pay the district’s income tax.

This is a gradual individual income tax, with rates ranging between 4% and 10.75% depending on the total taxable income.

Keep in mind that this needs to be paid in addition to your annual franchise tax (if your LLC makes over $12,000 per annum). Most Washington DC LLCs must file their state tax returns by April 15. For help understanding your full tax obligations — and making sure nothing gets missed — check out our full District of Columbia LLC Tax Guide.

File Your LLC Biennial Report

LLCs in Washington DC are required to file a biennial report on the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection website every two years. This report keeps the District up-to-date on your LLC’s important information, such as its principal address and details on its members and registered agent.

Biennial reports are due by April 1st of every odd-numbered year, alongside a $300 filing fee.

Failing to submit your biennial report by this deadline will incur a $100 late fee or administrative dissolution if you continue to ignore it.

To stay on top of this deadline and other important compliance tasks, we recommend hiring a professional registered agent service — they can help ensure you never miss a filing.

Washington D.C. Business Resources

• TRUiC Business Center
• Washington DC Small Business Development Center
• Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
• Washington DC Small Business Resources
• District of Columbia LLC Statutes