How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in District of Columbia?
The cost to start an LLC (limited liability company) online in Washington D.C. is $99. This fee is paid to the Washington D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection when filing the LLC’s Articles of Organization.
We recommend Northwest ($29 + State Fees) to help form your LLC.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Washington D.C.?
Washington D.C. LLC Online Filing Fee: $99
The main cost to start an LLC in Washington DC is the $99 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the Washington D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.
For a look at LLC cost in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.
Basic Business License: Varies
All businesses that do business in Washington D.C. must obtain a Basic Business License (BBL) after obtaining an EIN. This can be done online or in person.
A list of applicable business licensing categories can be found on the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection website, as well as the fees and further licensing requirements for each industry. If your LLC doesn’t fall under one of these categories, it must register for a General Business License (GBL), which is a type of Basic Business License.
Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Washington D.C.
If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Washington D.C., you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Washington D.C.
The cost for registering a Washington D.C. foreign LLC is $220. You can register a foreign LLC in Washington D.C. by filing a Foreign Registration Statement (Form FN-1).
Optional LLC Formation Costs
There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:
LLC Name Reservation
Reserve your name for up to 60 days prior to LLC formation (with the option to renew) by filing Form GN-3 and paying the $50 filing fee.
Trade Name
Register for a trade name online and pay the $55 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.
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Washington D.C. Recurring LLC Fees
Operating a successful limited liability company (LLC) in Washington D.C. requires understanding and fulfilling the ongoing requirements to maintain compliance and legal standing.
Here are the primary ongoing requirements for a Washington D.C. LLC:
- Biennial Report: Washington D.C. LLCs are required to file a biennial report every two years. This report provides updated information about the LLC's ownership, management, and business address. The filing fee for the biennial report is $300.
- Registered Agent: All DC LLCs must appoint and maintain a registered agent. Though there generally is no required cost for agents, many LLCs choose to hire a third-party service to save time. Registered agent services cost $100–$200 per year on average.
By meeting these ongoing requirements and adhering to the applicable regulations, you can ensure the legal and financial well-being of your Washington D.C. LLC.
How to Register a Washington D.C. LLC Yourself
Forming an LLC in Washington D.C. is easy. Simply follow the steps outlined on this page.
Recommended: Using an LLC formation service like Northwest ($29 + State Fees) saves time and ensures compliance. Besides the low cost, we like their streamlined approach and excellent customer service
Washington D.C. LLC Cost FAQ
To form an LLC in Washington D.C., you need to file the Articles of Organization with the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. This can be done online, by mail, or in person. The filing fee is $99 for online and mail submissions, and $199 for in-person submissions.
A registered agent for an LLC in Washington D.C. acts as the primary point of contact for the company. They receive all official correspondence, including legal documents and notices, on behalf of the business.
Yes, an LLC in Washington D.C. can operate under a trade name. This is often referred to as a DBA (doing business as) name and allows the business to operate under a name different from the one officially registered.
LLCs in Washington D.C. are required to file a biennial report, which has a fee of $300. This report is submitted every two years and helps keep the district updated with current information about your business.
Utilizing an LLC formation service in Washington D.C. can simplify the formation process for your business. They can help you navigate the filing of your Articles of Organization and other required paperwork. Furthermore, many of these services also offer additional features, such as registered agent services and compliance alerts, which can be highly beneficial to your business operations.
You can use the Business Entity Search tool available on the Washington D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection's website to verify if a business name is available.
A Certificate of Good Standing in Washington D.C. is a document that verifies that your LLC is legally registered and in compliance with all district requirements. This certificate can be requested when dealing with banks, potential investors, or other entities that might need to verify the legal status of your business.
Article Sources
Washington D.C. CorpOnline:
https://corponline.dlcp.dc.gov/Home.aspx/Landing
IRS - Employer ID Numbers:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers
Washington D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection:
https://dlcp.dc.gov/
SBA - Apply for licenses and permits:
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits