LLC Cost CalculatorBy Offshore Labs LLC
← All states

District of Columbia LLC cost

Ranked #47 of 51 on total first-year cost.

First year

$544

then $535/yr

Cost breakdown

Your breakdown3 items
  • District of Columbia state feeState

    $103
  • Biennial reportState

    Due within the first year

    $312
  • Registered agent (1 year)Service
    $129
True first-year cost

All state charges included

$544

Estimates only, based on published state fees. Optional service prices are our standard rates.

The facts

State fee (as charged)
$103
Biennial report
$300 / 2 yrs
Minimum state tax
$250
Standard processing
2-4 weeks
Expedited
$100 · 1-3 days
Publication
Not required

Forms & deadlines

Formation document
Articles of Organization (Form DLC-1)
Recurring filing
Biennial Report (Form BRA-25)
Report due
Biennial report due April 1
Tax deadline
April 15 (franchise tax return)

Tax treatment

$250 minimum franchise tax applies to LLCs treated as corporations.

Official DC filing page →
Form an LLC in DC →Customise this estimateCompare with other states

Step by step

How to form an LLC in District of Columbia

Every cost below matches the breakdown above, including the card processing the state adds at checkout. See the full done-for-you District of Columbia formation flow →

  1. 1

    Pick and check your District of Columbia LLC name

    Free

    Search the District of Columbia business registry for your exact name, make sure it ends with "LLC" or "L.L.C.", and avoid restricted words like bank or insurance. Name reservation is optional in most states.

  2. 2

    Appoint a registered agent

    $0 yourself · ~$129/yr commercial

    Every District of Columbia LLC needs a registered agent with a physical in-state street address available during business hours. You can act as your own agent if you live in the state; otherwise use a commercial agent.

  3. 3

    File the Articles of Organization (Form DLC-1)

    District of Columbia state fee — $103

    File the Articles of Organization (Form DLC-1) online with the District of Columbia Secretary of State at https://dlcp.dc.gov. Standard approval takes 2-4 weeks. The state fee is charged as $103 at checkout.

  4. 4

    Optional: pay for expedited processing

    $100

    District of Columbia will move your filing to the front of the queue and approve it in 1-3 days instead of 2-4 weeks.

  5. 5

    Get your EIN from the IRS

    Free direct · $80 with our EIN service

    Apply online at IRS.gov once your LLC is approved. It is free and issued immediately for US residents; non-residents file Form SS-4 by fax or mail, or use our EIN service.

  6. 6

    Write an operating agreement

    Free template · ~$50 drafted

    Not filed with the state, but banks ask for it and it settles ownership, profit splits and what happens if a member leaves.

  7. 7

    File your BOI report with FinCEN

    Free direct · $50 with our BOI service

    Report your beneficial owners to FinCEN within the deadline that applies to your formation date. Filing directly is free.

  8. 8

    Open a US business bank account

    Varies by provider

    Use your approved Articles, EIN letter and operating agreement. Non-residents typically use Wise, Payoneer, Airwallex or Mercury-style accounts.

  9. 9

    Calendar your Biennial Report (Form BRA-25)

    $300

    District of Columbia requires the biennial report every two years (Biennial report due April 1), and it is already due in your first year. Missing it risks penalties and administrative dissolution.

  10. 10

    Plan for the minimum state tax

    $250 minimum

    $250 minimum franchise tax applies to LLCs treated as corporations. Deadline: April 15 (franchise tax return).