Whether you are starting a business or incorporating an existing one in District of Columbia (DC), you’ll want to understand state requirements for DC corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs).
DC Corporation Formation Requirements
Cost to incorporate. BizFilings clearly outlines our fees and the state fees to form a corporation in DC. View our pricing to plainly see:
- BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
- State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in DC with standard turn-around.
- Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
- Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Articles of Incorporation.
Corporate name. The name must contain the word "Corporation," "Company," "Incorporated," "Limited," or an abbreviation thereof. The name shall not be the same as or deceptively similar to name of a domestic corporation, authorized foreign corporation, or reserved name already existing in DC. The word “Bank” cannot be used unless the company is a bank.
Director information. The following are DC’s requirements for directors of corporations.
- Minimum number. Corporations must have one or more directors.
- Residence requirements. DC requires directors to have a physical address (no P.O. Boxes).
- Age requirements. Directors must be age 18 or older.
- Inclusion in the Articles of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Articles of Incorporation. An increase in the number of shares or par value can affect initial filing fees.
Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no P.O. Boxes) in DC. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.
Professional services businesses. Professional corporations (PCs) are allowed to be formed in DC for professional services businesses.