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Form an LLC in District of Columbia

How to start an LLC in District of Columbia.

What the District asks for, what it charges, and what to file after you form. Fees checked against official District of Columbia sources in .

A report every two years, and some businesses also owe DC's franchise tax on profits.

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District of Columbia at a glance

State filing fee
$99
Articles of Organization
Biennial report
$300
Every two years
Filed with
DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Corporations Division
Operating agreement
Not required

The $300 report is due every two years, with the first report due the calendar year after formation. These are the District's own fees, separate from ours, and they can change. Confirm with the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Corporations Division before you file.

Forming an LLC in District of Columbia, step by step.

  1. 1

    Choose a name and check it

    Your name needs "LLC" or a similar designator and must be distinguishable from names on record. Search the District of Columbia business database first.

  2. 2

    Appoint a registered agent

    Someone with a street address in District of Columbia who accepts legal papers and official notices for the LLC. You can serve yourself or use a registered agent service.

  3. 3

    File the Articles of Organization

    File with the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Corporations Division. The state fee is $99.

  4. 4

    Write an operating agreement

    Not required. Either way it sets ownership, money, and decisions in writing. See the operating agreement guide.

  5. 5

    Get an EIN

    The business's federal tax ID, free from the IRS. Our EIN assistance can prepare it.

  6. 6

    Register for sales tax if you sell taxable items

    District of Columbia issues a Sales and Use Tax registration (Form FR-500) through the DC Office of Tax and Revenue. Check local licenses too.

  7. 7

    File your Biennial report

    Every two years: april 1 of the year following formation, then April 1 every two years. The fee is $300.

General information, not legal or tax advice. State rules and fees change; this page was last checked in October 2026. YaH Brands is not a law firm or an accounting firm.

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District of Columbia LLC questions

  • The state filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $99. Plan for ongoing costs too, including the Biennial report fee of $300. The $300 report is due every two years, with the first report due the calendar year after formation.

  • Yes. District of Columbia requires a Biennial report every two years. The fee is $300, due april 1 of the year following formation, then April 1 every two years.

  • Not required. Having one is still a good idea for any LLC, and banks often ask for it.

  • Yes. Every District of Columbia LLC must keep a registered agent with a physical address in the District to accept legal papers and official notices.