GUIDE TO FOREIGN LLC REGISTRATION IN DC
How to Register a Foreign LLC in Washington DC
The term “Foreign LLC” can be somewhat confusing because of the typical way the word “foreign” is used. In this context, a foreign LLC is any LLC that is formed outside of the District of Columbia. This includes any other states or territories in the US.
If your LLC was formed outside of Washington DC, you must register your LLC with the Washington DC Department of Licensing & Consumer Protection (DLCP). The main element of registering your foreign LLC is submitting the Foreign Registration Statement to the DLCP.
When you register to do business in Washington DC, you’ll need a registered agent located in DC. That’s where we come in. And as your registered agent, we can reduce your paperwork load by filing your Foreign Registration Statement for you. Out-of-state registration service starts at $369 (prices vary based on jurisdiction of formation) and includes once year of registered agent service. We’re here for you!
How do I know if I need to register my foreign LLC?
If your LLC was formed outside of the District of Columbia and you want to conduct any business in DC, you must register your LLC with the DLCP.
What qualifies as “conducting business” in DC?
While DC statues do not define “conducting business,” DC Code §29–105.05 does list a number of activities that are not considered doing business. These include defending lawsuits, holding meetings, having bank accounts, and selling through independent contractors in DC.
Common activities that are typically considered conducting business include:
- Employing workers in DC
- Leasing a store, office, or warehouse in DC
- Filing a lawsuit against another party in DC
Generally speaking, if your business has any substantial or continuous contracts in DC, you’ll probably need to register.
How much does it cost to register my foreign LLC?
It costs $220 to register your foreign LLC in the District of Columbia. If you conducted business in DC before registering, you may be subject to additional fees. You can expedite your filing for an additional fee.
Do I need a registered agent to register my foreign LLC?
Yes. All Foreign Registration Statement applicants are required to provide registered agent information.
» Washington DC Registered Agent LLC makes registering your foreign LLC a piece of cake. Easy to navigate information, transparent prices, and a heck of a deal, too.
What information is required to complete the Foreign Registration Statement?
You are required to provide the following information on the Foreign Registration Statement:
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Entity Name
This is the exact name of your LLC as it appears on official corporate records.
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Alternate Name
An alternate name only applies if you can’t operate under your legal business name in Washington DC because that name is already being used by another business. You can verify the availability of your name inside DLCP’s CorpOnline business portal
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Place & Date of Organization
List the place and date of the formation of your LLC.
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DC Business Transaction Start Date
In this field, list the day that you began conducting business in the District of Columbia. If you haven’t started doing business in DC yet, you can enter “Upon Registration” as your start date.
If you’ve previously been transacting business in DC, you may be required to submit additional reports and fees. You should contact the DLCP for more information on the exact submission requirements.
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Registered Agent & Office
Your LLC is required to have a registered agent within the District of Columbia. A registered agent is an entity or individual that is elected by the LLC to receive legal correspondence on behalf of the company. Your registered agent must have a physical street address—a PO box address is not valid.
Here at Washington DC Registered Agent LLC, we take our jobs very seriously.
Because, well… for one, your job and business depends on us kicking butt at being the best registered agent company out there. We’re straightforward and upfront about services and prices. We keep it real 24/7 and supply you with 365 days of registered agent service for just $49.
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Description of Business Activity
This field requires that you briefly describe the sort of business your LLC plans to conduct in Washington DC. You are required to list a specific category of business such as “dog walking,” or “vacuum repair.” A vague description like “engaging in lawful business” won’t cut it.
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Name of Governor
A governor of your LLC is an individual in a position to make business decisions. LLC governors, generally, are either members or managers. You’ll also need your governor’s signature.
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Certificate of Good Standing
You will also need to include a official copy of the Certificate of Good Standing issued by the state or territory that your LLC was originally formed in.
How do I submit my Foreign Registration Statement?
You can submit your Foreign Registration Statement for your LLC via mail, in-person, or online.
File by Mail
To submit your Foreign Registration Statement via mail, you must first log in to the DLCP’s CorpOnline portal to access a PDF of the form. Then submit your application, application materials, and fee to:
Department of Licensing & Consumer Protection
Corporations Division
PO Box 92300
Washington, DC 20090
Acceptable forms of payment includes check or money orders made out to, “DC Treasurer.” It can take up to 30 days for a filing submitted via mail to be processed. It’s better to submit it in person or online.
Expedited Fees:
• 3 days: + $50
• 1 day: + $100
File In-Person
To file in-person, you can submit your application, application materials, and fee at (arrive by 4 pm):
Department of Licensing & Consumer Protection
Corporations Division
Business License Center
1100 4th Street, SW
2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20024
You can pay your fees with cash, card, check, or money order.
Expedited Fees:
• 1 day: + $100
File Online
You can file your Foreign Registration Statement for your LLC online using the DLCP’s CorpOnline portal. You will be prompted to provide required information and upload necessary application material as PDFs, if necessary.
Expedited Fees:
• 3 days: + $50
• 1 day: + $100
Why should I hire Washington DC Registered Agent LLC?
The list of reasons why Washington DC Registered Agent LLC is the best choice for your registered agent is seemingly endless, but—as we believe in brevity and efficiency—we’ll just list a few:
Freedom
When you hire Washington DC Registered Agent LLC to serve as your registered agent, you won’t need to establish an office in DC for the sake of receiving legal correspondence. We’ll be there for whatever comes up, leaving you free to focus on your business.
Security
We scan and upload all your business documents into your safe and secure client portal for you to access whenever you need them. We keep your personal content safe and secure and never sell your contact information.
Affordability
We offer 365 days of registered agent service for only $49.
| Service | Standard 15 Days | Expedited 3 Days | Expedited 1 Day |
| District of Columbia Filing Fees | $220 | $270 | $320 |
| Our Formation Service Fee | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| 1 Year Registered Agent Service | $49 | $49 | $49 |
| Total | $369 | $419 | $469 |
What happens after I file the Foreign Registration Statement for my LLC?
After you submit the Foreign Registration Statement and the necessary materials and fees, you’ve only just begun your DC business adventure. You may need to apply for additional business licenses and certificates. You will also be required to file biennial reports.
Does my LLC need a Certificate of Occupancy?
If you are operating your business within the District of Columbia from a physical location that is not your personal house you are required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy. Check out our free Certificate of Occupancy Guide for more information.
Does my LLC need a Home Occupation Permit?
If you are operating your business from inside your personal home, located in Washington DC, you will need a Home Occupation Permit. Check out our free Home Occupation Guide for more information.
What about business licenses?
Whether your LLC was formed in DC or all the way north in Alaska, you will always need some sort of business license issued by the District of Columbia. For more information on business licenses in Washington DC, you can check out the DLCP website or our How to Start a Business in DC guide.
What is a biennial report?
All business entities in Washington DC are required to file a biennial report. This report provides current ownership and contact information to the DLCP.
When is the Washington DC biennial report due?
April 1st of the year after you register your business in Washington DC. The report is then required every two years, due on April 1st.
How do I submit a Washington DC biennial report?
You can file your biennial report via mail, in-person, or online. A PDF version of the report is available for download from the DLCP (formerly DCRA).
What is the biennial report filing fee?
The filing fee is $300. Expedited filings are $100 for 1-day processing and $50 for 3-day processing. In-person filings are automatically assessed the same-day $100 expedited fee.
What happens if my biennial report is late?
Businesses in default will lose their good standing and incur a late fee of $100.
Who is the best choice for a registered agent?
Well, Washington DC Registered Agent LLC, of course. We know the DC business drill and we’ll help you get through the thicket of red tape to see your successful and thriving business on the other side.