DC LLC Articles of Organization (2026)
Learn how to file the DC LLC formation document in 2026, what information to prepare, what the filing fee covers, and what to do after approval.
LLC Route Editorial Team
Reviewed against official state and federal resources.
Updated July 28, 2026
Educational guide, not legal or tax advice.
DC LLC formation uses the domestic LLC formation filing commonly handled through Form DLC-1. DLCP’s fee schedule lists the domestic LLC certificate of organization fee at $99.
Educational note: This guide is for general informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Confirm current requirements with DLCP and qualified professionals.
Quick answer
| Question | Practical answer |
|---|---|
| Filing office | Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection |
| Online system | CorpOnline |
| Formation form | DLC-1 |
| Filing fee | $99 |
| Walk-in one-day expedited fee | $100 extra |
| Registered agent required? | Yes |
| First biennial report | Due April 1 of the next calendar year |
Information to prepare
DC Code section 29-802.01 says the LLC certificate of organization includes:
| Field | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| LLC name | Must comply with DC name rules |
| Initial principal office street address | Physical business address information |
| Initial principal office mailing address | Mailing address information |
| Registered agent information | Name and required street information |
| Series statement | If the LLC will have protected series |
| Organizer | Person filing or causing the filing |
DLCP’s online form may ask for additional information needed for the filing system, so review the entire form before submitting payment.
Filing sequence
- Search the name.
- Confirm registered agent.
- Prepare principal office addresses.
- Decide whether any protected series statement applies.
- File through CorpOnline if possible.
- Pay the $99 fee.
- Save confirmation and accepted record.
- Apply for EIN if needed.
- Register FR-500 tax accounts if required.
- Apply for BBL, occupancy, home occupation, or professional licenses if required.
What the filing does not do
The formation filing does not automatically:
- Issue an EIN
- Register with OTR
- Approve a Basic Business License
- Approve a Certificate of Occupancy
- Approve a Home Occupation Permit
- Register a trade name
- Create an operating agreement
This is why DC LLC setup should be planned as entity plus license plus tax, not only entity filing.
Common filing mistakes
Calling the $99 fee the full startup cost
It is only the DLCP entity formation filing.
Forgetting the first biennial report
DLCP says the first report is due April 1 of the next calendar year after registration.
Using a trade name before registering it
DLCP says trade name registration is optional unless you use a name other than the registered entity name in DC.
Ignoring licensing before operating
Many DC business activities require a Basic Business License.
Articles FAQ
How much is the DC LLC formation filing?
DLCP’s LLC fee schedule lists the domestic LLC certificate of organization at $99.
Can I file online?
Yes. DLCP directs online filers to CorpOnline.
Does the filing include a Basic Business License?
No. BBL is separate.
Does the filing include EIN?
No. EIN is requested separately from IRS.
Official resources
- DLCP domestic LLC information
- DLCP LLC fee schedule
- DC LLC formation statute
- DLCP business registration FAQs
Related District Of Columbia LLC topics
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