How to Start an LLC in Washington D.C.
Bizee helps entrepreneurs form an LLC in Washington D.C. for $0 + the $99 state fee. Learn the steps, costs, and requirements to get your D.C. LLC up and running.
Bizee Editorial Staff
Editorial Team
D.C. LLC at a glance
Filing fee: $99
Processing time: 3 Weeks
State agency: District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)
How to start an LLC in Washington D.C.
Forming an LLC in Washington D.C. means filing Articles of Organization with the District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), paying the $99 state fee, designating a registered agent, and registering with the Office of Tax and Revenue. Most entrepreneurs can complete the process in a few steps.
Why form an LLC in Washington D.C.
An LLC gives you personal liability protection — meaning your personal finances are generally not on the hook for business debts or lawsuits. That separation matters whether you're a solo consultant, a retail shop owner, or a nonprofit-adjacent venture.
D.C. also has a few funding resources worth knowing about. The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) is a nonprofit community loan fund that provides capital and business support to entrepreneurs in the District. If your LLC meets the criteria, it's worth exploring as a funding source early on.
How to form an LLC in Washington D.C.
There are 6 core steps to form an LLC in Washington D.C. Each one has a specific requirement tied to it — skipping any of them can leave your business unregistered or out of good standing.
D.C. LLC costs
The state filing fee to form an LLC in Washington D.C. is $99, paid to the DCRA when you file your Articles of Organization. There's no fee to get an EIN from the IRS. If you use a registered agent service, expect an additional annual cost for that.
D.C. is one of the more affordable states for LLC formation. The $99 fee covers your initial registration — but budget for ongoing costs like the annual report fee and any required business licenses.
Registered agent requirements in D.C.
Your registered agent must have a physical street address in Washington D.C. — a P.O. box won't work. The agent needs to be available during regular business hours to accept legal notices, tax documents, and official correspondence on behalf of your LLC.
Using a registered agent service keeps your personal address off public filings. That's a practical reason many business owners go that route, even if they're based in D.C. themselves.
EIN and business bank account
Once your LLC is formed, get your EIN and open a dedicated business bank account. Keeping business and personal finances separate is one of the most important things you can do to protect your LLC's liability shield — if a court finds you've been mixing funds, your personal finances are fair game.
Single-member LLCs without employees can use a Social Security Number for some tax purposes, but an EIN keeps your personal number off business documents and is required to open most business bank accounts.
D.C. taxes and ongoing requirements
D.C. LLCs are subject to the District's franchise tax, which applies to unincorporated businesses. You'll also need to file an annual report with the DCRA to keep your LLC in good standing. Missing the annual report deadline can result in your LLC being administratively dissolved.
If your LLC has employees or collects sales tax in D.C., your FR-500 registration with the OTR covers those obligations. A tax professional can help you figure out which D.C. tax accounts apply to your specific business.
FAQ
The state filing fee is $99, paid to the DCRA when you file your Articles of Organization. There's no fee to get an EIN from the IRS. If you use a registered agent service, that's an additional annual cost. Budget separately for any required D.C. business licenses and the annual report fee.
No. The D.C. state filing fee of $99 is required and can't be waived. However, you can form your LLC for $0 in service fees — we handle all the formation paperwork at no charge, and you pay only the $99 D.C. state fee.
File your Articles of Organization (Form DLC-1) with the DCRA through the CorpOnline portal and pay the $99 state fee. You'll also need to designate a registered agent with a D.C. address and register with the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue using Form FR-500 before you start operating.
Yes. Every D.C. LLC is required to have a registered agent with a physical street address in the District. The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive legal and official documents. You can act as your own registered agent or use a registered agent service.
Yes, in most cases. You'll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes. Single-member LLCs without employees can use a Social Security Number for some purposes, but an EIN keeps your personal number off business documents. Apply for free at irs.gov.
Yes. D.C. LLCs are required to file an annual report with the DCRA to stay in good standing. Missing the deadline can result in your LLC being administratively dissolved by the District. Check the DCRA's CorpOnline portal for the current deadline and fee.
Form FR-500 is the D.C. Combined Business Tax Registration form filed with the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR). It registers your LLC for D.C. taxes — including sales tax and employer withholding if applicable. Most LLCs doing business in D.C. need to file it before they start operating.
