Washington, DC lesson 3 of 6
File the Articles of Organization
DC's formation document is the Articles of Organization for a Domestic Limited Liability Company, Form DLC-1, filed with DLCP. The domestic for-profit initial registration fee published by DLCP is $99.
What the filing requires
You supply the LLC name, the principal office address, the registered agent and their DC address, the organiser's details, and governing person information. Filing is done through the BOSS portal, which is also where you will later manage licences and the biennial report, so set the account up carefully with an email address you will still control in two years.
Fees and expedited service
Domestic for-profit initial registration is $99. Note that many articles online quote $220, which is DLCP's fee for foreign for-profit registration, that is, a company formed elsewhere registering to do business in DC. DLCP offers expedited service tiers for an additional fee; check the current amounts on the DLCP fee page before relying on a figure.
Use the official DLCP fee page as your source of truth. DC revises its fee schedule and third party summaries go stale quickly.
Right after approval
Three things follow immediately: get an EIN, obtain your Certificate of Clean Hands and basic business licence if you will operate in the District, and register with the Office of Tax and Revenue. Diary the biennial report for April 1 of the year it falls due.
Banking and separating finances
With the approved registration and the EIN letter in hand, open a business bank account in the LLC name. Banks in the District normally ask for the DLCP filing confirmation, the EIN letter, the operating agreement and identification for signatories and significant owners.
Keep every business receipt and payment in that account. Mixing personal and business money is the usual reason an LLC's liability protection is challenged.
Key takeaways
- Form DLC-1, filed through BOSS, at $99 for domestic for-profit registration.
- The $220 figure widely quoted online is the foreign registration fee.
- Licensing and tax registration follow straight after formation in DC.
Frequently asked questions
Does DC have a Secretary of State?
No. Business filings are handled by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, through its Corporations Division.
Can I form a DC LLC if I live in Maryland or Virginia?
Yes, but if you actually operate from Maryland or Virginia you may be better forming there and registering in DC as a foreign LLC. Compare both routes before filing.
Official sources
Or let us file your Washington, DC LLC for you
Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Articles of Organization for a Domestic Limited Liability Company (Form DLC-1), act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team