How to File an LLC Articles of Organization in DC

Articles of Organization or a Certificate of Formation are the main documents used in establishing your LLC in DC. The document is required to be filed with the Secretary of State in DC. Each form has a long list of details to be shared by the limited liability company owner before sending or uploading the document.

On this page, LLCBuddy editors put all the information together about how to file the Articles of Organization in DC. There might be several ways to file the formation document, online, by mail, fax, or by in-person visit to the office. Let’s dig more to check the available and easy ways in DC to file the Articles of Organization while forming the LLC.

Articles of Organization in DC

The Articles of Organization for an LLC are the most important document of all. In general, establishing an LLC is much simpler than other types of business structures, such as a corporation or a partnership. Among a few mandatory documents to file, the Articles of Organization are one of the main papers.

By submitting the Articles of Organization, the LLC owners provide all sorts of information related to the LLC. Upon approval of the documents and information provided by the LLC, they can register their business with the DC Secretary of State.

Each state has different requirements to fill out a form. The Articles of Organization usually include the following:

The name of the LLC in DC,
The effective date of the LLC,
The company’s principal office,
The business purpose,
The duration of the business,
A copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
The name and address of the Registered Agent, organizers, and
At least one member of the company

Note that the Articles of Organization in DC are a legal requirement, not to mention the core of your LLC. It even makes up the bulk of your DC LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.

How to File DC LLC Articles of Organization

Filing an LLC Articles of Organization with the State is easy. There are several ways to file it. As mentioned, the filing can be done online, by sending the PDF form by mail, or by other means (physical visit or fax). State-wise filing methods can be different. Alternatively, hiring a third-party service can make a lot of difference compared to doing it on your own. They help the LLCs to file documents easily without any complications. In DC, the following methods are available.

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Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the DC Secretary of State to download the Articles of Organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.

Offline Filing: Articles of Organization PDF Form
Online Filing: Articles of Organization Online Form

Step 2: Fill Out Form

When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to DC LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.

You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Articles of Organization form when filing. You also need to mention the name and address of the Registered Agent in DC. It is recommended to explore the best LLC services in DC for hiring a professional registered agent and other formation-related services.

For the ones who are residing outside of DC and want to set up a foreign LLC in DC, you must file another type of document, similar yet different from the Articles of Organization. For filing a foreign LLC, you can explore the best LLC services that operate in 50 other states, along with DC.

What information does the Articles of Organization application need in DC?

The application form for the Articles of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.

Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail (whichever is available and convenient for you) by filling out the form and sending it to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, Corporations Division, P.O. Box 92300, Washington, D.C. 20090. For online filing, you must log in to the DC Secretary of State or register with the portal. Submit the form online (if available).

Pay the required filing fee at the time of form submission to complete the LLC registration. For online filing, payment should be made using Credit or Debit Cards. For offline filing, payment should be made using a Cheque or in cash (if available).

Cost of Filing DC Articles of Organization

LLC cost in DC includes all types of fees, starting from the name reservation fee, DBA filing fee ($55), Registered Agent costs, and Articles of Organization fee. In DC, the filing fee for a formation document is $220. The standard fee for filing the Articles of Organization allows one to file the LLC within the standard time. However, by paying additional fees, you can expedite the process, and it can be done as soon as within a few hours (depending on state rules).

Hiring a professional service can reduce some of the costs while forming an LLC. However, the state filing fee is mandatory and has to be paid at the time of registration. We recommend hiring LegalZoom as it offers filing an LLC at $0 (plus state filing fee).

Amend DC Articles of Organization: Amending the articles of organization is required when any changes are made. Change of a registered agent, change of a physical address, or any information related to your existing LLC must be filed. Hence, you need to amend the DC Articles of Organization.

FAQs

What is required to file Articles of Organization for an LLC in DC?

In DC, you must complete the necessary forms and submit them to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.

How much does it cost to file Articles of Organization for an LLC in DC?

The filing fee for Articles of Organization in DC is $220.

Can I submit Articles of Organization for an LLC in DC online?

Yes, you can submit your LLC Articles of Organization online through the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs website.

How long does it take to process Articles of Organization for an LLC in DC?

In DC, it typically takes 15-20 business days to process LLC Articles of Organization.

Is there a requirement for naming my LLC in DC?

Yes, your LLC name must include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation thereof (e.g. LLC or L.L.C.).

Do I need a registered agent for my LLC in DC?

Yes, all LLCs in DC are required to have a registered agent with a physical address in the District.

Can I be my own registered agent for my DC LLC?

Yes, you can be your own registered agent for your DC LLC as long as you have a physical address in the District.

What information is required in the Articles of Organization for an LLC in DC?

You will need to provide the name and address of your LLC, the name and address of your registered agent, and the names and addresses of the members or managers.

Can I amend the Articles of Organization for my DC LLC?

Yes, you can file an Articles of Amendment to update or change information on your LLC’s Articles of Organization in DC.

Do I need an Operating Agreement for my DC LLC?

While not required, it is highly recommended to have an Operating Agreement that outlines the ownership and operating procedures of the LLC.

Can I change my DC LLC’s name after filing the Articles of Organization?

Yes, you can file an Articles of Amendment to change your LLC’s name in DC.

How long is the Articles of Organization filing process in DC?

The processing time for Articles of Organization in DC is generally 15-20 business days.

Can I reserve a specific name for my LLC in DC?

Yes, you can reserve a name for your LLC by filing a Name Reservation with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs in DC.

Are there publication requirements for LLCs in DC?

No, LLCs in DC are not required to publish their Articles of Organization in a local newspaper.

Can I dissolve my LLC in DC?

Yes, you can voluntarily dissolve your LLC in DC by filing Articles of Dissolution with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.

What is the process for reinstating a dissolved LLC in DC?

To reinstate a dissolved LLC in DC, you will need to file an Application for Reinstatement and pay any outstanding fees or penalties.

Are there annual reporting requirements for LLCs in DC?

Yes, LLCs in DC are required to file a biennial report every two years to maintain good standing.

Can a foreign LLC do business in DC?

Yes, a foreign LLC can register to do business in DC by filing a Foreign Registration with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.

Can I convert my business structure to an LLC in DC?

Yes, you can convert your business to an LLC in DC by filing Articles of Conversion with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.

Is there a minimum capital requirement for forming an LLC in DC?

No, there is no minimum capital requirement for forming an LLC in DC.

Can a non-resident form an LLC in DC?

Yes, non-residents can form an LLC in DC, but they must have a registered agent with a physical address within the District.

Can I streamline the formation process by using a formation service in DC?

Yes, using a formation service can help streamline the process of forming an LLC in DC by handling paperwork and submission on your behalf.

Can I file Articles of Organization for multiple LLCs in DC at once?

Yes, you can file Articles of Organization for multiple LLCs in DC at once as long as you provide the necessary information for each.

Are there any restrictions on naming my LLC in DC?

Yes, your LLC name cannot be misleading, imply illegal activities, or infringe on existing trademarks in DC.

Can I reserve a trade name for my DC LLC?

Yes, you can reserve a trade name by filing a Trade Name Registration with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs in DC.

Can I amend the Operating Agreement for my DC LLC?

Yes, you can amend the Operating Agreement for your DC LLC by following the procedures outlined in the original agreement.

Can I revoke or cancel my DC LLC’s Articles of Organization once filed?

No, once your LLC’s Articles of Organization are filed with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs in DC, they cannot be revoked or canceled.

Are there any specific naming rules for professional LLCs in DC?

Yes, professional LLCs in DC must include “Professional Limited Liability Company” or an appropriate abbreviation in their name.

Can I change the designated agent for service of process for my DC LLC?

Yes, you can change the designated agent for service of process for your DC LLC by filing a Statement of Change of Registered Agent.

Where can I file my LLC Articles of Organization in DC?

You can file your LLC Articles of Organization with the District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA).

In Conclusion

The formation document, or the Articles of Organization, is the main document you need while forming your limited liability company in DC. Certainly, you must attach supporting documents such as a name reservation certificate, registered agent name and address, and others. In DC, filing the Articles of Organization is easy. However, mistakes can happen if you are a beginner or a first-time business filer. It is suggested to hire a professional service.

LLCBuddy editors recommend LegalZoom, as it not only offers free LLC formation service ($0), but also offers other services such as Registered Agent, operating agreement, EIN, Certificate of Good Standing for foreign LLC establishment, business name search, and many more.