Requirements for an LLC in Washington DC
For entrepreneurs wanting to start a business in Washington DC, creating a Washington DC limited liability company (LLC) is generally the fastest and easiest way. With more simplified rules and regulations, an LLC is an ideal business entity for startups and small to medium-sized businesses, granting you the advantages and protections that larger District of Columbia corporations benefit from.
- Choosing a Name for Your LLC:
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.”
- Forming a DC LLC:
To start a DC LLC, you’ll need to choose a DC registered agent, file business formation paperwork with the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), and pay a $99 state filing fee.
Starting an LLC in Washington DC
- Your Washington D.C. LLC will receive an effective date upon receiving your articles of organization, which can be expedited if necessary for a small extra fee.
- After your LLC is formed, creating an operating agreement, while not mandatory, is a step I strongly recommend.
- The state fees range between $220 and $370 in Washington DC, but those are subject to change by the Secretary of State.
Using a Registered Agent in DC
Why do I need a registered agent in DC? A Washington D.C. registered agent is the legally designated point of contact for your business or nonprofit.
Can I be my own registered agent in DC? If you work from home, or even a private office, and act as your own registered agent, your address will be published publicly on the District of Columbia Business Entity Search.