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District of Columbia · Foreign LLC · updated

How to register an out-of-state LLC in District of Columbia

An LLC formed in another state registers to do business in District of Columbia with a foreign registration filing (District of Columbia's fee is $220). It needs a District of Columbia registered agent and usually a good standing certificate from its home state. As of October 2026.

District of Columbia state fee$220per the state's fee schedule
Our filing service$120we prepare and file it
State fee + ours$340card processing is added at checkout
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Questions first? Ray or Vinny picks up at (954) 470-8356.

The 5 steps to register a foreign LLC in District of Columbia

Background on when a state counts you as "doing business": foreign qualification explained.

  1. 1

    Confirm you are doing business in District of Columbia

    Where people get stuck

    An office, employees, or regular in-person work in District of Columbia usually counts; a few sales shipped in usually does not. District of Columbia's own statute decides. If you have not formed the LLC yet, forming it in District of Columbia directly is often simpler (start an LLC in District of Columbia).

  2. 2

    Get a good standing certificate from your home state

    Order it first

    Most states ask for a recent certificate of good standing (or existence) from the state where the LLC was formed. How to order one in each state.

  3. 3

    Name a District of Columbia registered agent

    Required

    The LLC needs an agent with a District of Columbia street address. Ours is $74.25 a year, the same at renewal. District of Columbia agent rules.

  4. 4

    File the foreign registration with the state

    We file this one

    You file it with District of Columbia's business filing office; District of Columbia's fee is $220 (District of Columbia fee schedule). The current form is on District of Columbia's official site. We file it for $120 plus the state fee.

  5. 5

    Keep up with District of Columbia's yearly filing

    From next year

    A registered foreign LLC files District of Columbia's yearly report like a local one. The DC biennial report is due every two years, by April 1, with a state fee of $300. Deadline and free reminders.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to register a foreign LLC in District of Columbia?

District of Columbia's fee is $220 per the state's fee schedule. If we file it, our fee is $120 on top. Add the home-state good standing certificate and a District of Columbia registered agent.

What happens if I do business in District of Columbia without registering?

States commonly bar an unregistered LLC from suing in their courts until it registers, and can charge back fees and penalties. Check the state's own rules.

Do I still file reports in my home state?

Yes. The LLC keeps its home-state filings and adds this state's.

Is it cheaper to just form the LLC in District of Columbia?

If District of Columbia is the only state where you operate, usually yes: one state's fees and one registered agent. Our best-state comparison covers all 51.

Is this page legal advice?

No. It explains the filing in general terms. For your situation, talk to a licensed attorney, or book a free call with us.

More District of Columbia business guides

Start an LLC LLC cost Registered agent Annual report Good standing Name search Sales tax permit Dissolve an LLC Change agent Amend an LLC Change the name DBA Withdraw a foreign LLC

Nearby states

Maryland Virginia All states

Expanding to a new state

Have us register your LLC in District of Columbia

$120 plus District of Columbia's $220 state fee. Checkout shows the full total before you pay.

Register my LLC in District of Columbia

Rather talk first? Call Ray or Vinny at (954) 470-8356.