How Do I Find Articles of Incorporation in DC?

How to Find Articles of Incorporation in DC

To find articles of incorporation in DC, you can search the public records on the website of the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA).

Process to Obtain Articles of Incorporation in DC

To get a copy of articles of incorporation in DC, you can contact the Secretary of State’s office via phone, email, or mail.

Importance of Business Registration Lookup

A business registration lookup is crucial for verifying a business’s identity and assessing the risk of onboarding it as a client or partner.


To put it simply, the DC Articles of Incorporation is an indispensable tool for any entrepreneur looking to establish a thriving business in the District of Columbia. Offering legal protection, establishing internal structure, symbolizing professionalism, and ensuring long-term security, this document is vital for building a solid foundation and steering businesses towards sustainable and profitable growth. Aspiring business owners should prioritize taking this step early in their journey, understanding the immense value it brings to their ventures’ success.


The District of Columbia SBRC is your one-stop-shop where help is provided to assist in starting, growing and strengthening businesses. To operate a legitimate and compliant DC business, licensing and registration are required. The majority of businesses in the District are organized or registered with the DCRA’s Corporations Division.


A BBL can be verified: Online via the Business License Verification system; By telephone at (202) 442 4311(Maximum of 3 requests per call); In Person, Business License Center, 1100 4th Street, SW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20024.


You don’t need to register with city or county governments to start a business. If your business is an limited liability company, partnership, or nonprofit corporation, you need to file for licenses and permits from the city or county. Whether or not a Basic Business License is required depends upon the business activity conducted in the District.

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