Top DC Registered Agents – Comprehensive Guide (March 2024)


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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District of Columbia Registered Agent: If you wish to start an LLC in D.C., you have to appoint a registered agent. According to District of Columbia State Law, it is mandatory to have a D.C. Registered Agent if you are conducting business in the state. A registered agent receives all the official and legal documents from the State. They also receive the service of process if there’s any lawsuit in concern.

In the following guide, we have shared all the required information regarding hiring a registered agent, why you need a registered agent in the District of Columbia, and who can be a registered agent for your LLC. Read this guide carefully before you hire a District of Columbia Registered Agent.

What is a District of Columbia Registered Agent

A registered agent (or a statutory agent or a resident agent) in the District of Columbia is an individual or a business that represents your business in receiving official documents. These official papers include formation documents, business renewal documents, tax filing, and any legal document if the LLC gets sued by other companies. All these documents go straight to the registered agent’s official address in the state. While forming an LLC, it is mandatory to appoint a registered agent.

When you file the District of Columbia LLC formation papers with the Secretary of State, LLCs have to mention their registered agent’s name and address. When you choose a registered agent in the District of Columbia, you can go for two options, hiring an in-house registered agent or outsourcing the service.

Hiring a Registered Agent in the District of Columbia

You may have several options for hiring a registered agent in the District of Columbia. To become a registered agent, one has to meet the basic eligibility criteria. If the minimum requirements are fulfilled, anyone residing in the District of Columbia can represent your LLC as your registered agent.

registered agent service

Who Can Be a Registered Agent

  • The person must be above 18 years old.
  • The person must have a legal and physical address in the state where the LLC will operate.
  • The person must be physically present during normal working hours.
  • Anyone who fulfills the above requirements can act as a registered agent.
  • Recommended – You should use a professional registered agent in District of Columbia always.

Can I Be My Own Registered Agent

Yes, you can be your own registered agent. In fact, any member of the LLC, managers, and the owner can be a registered agent. Besides, someone from the owners’ family, such as a spouse, relatives, or other family members, can also act as a registered agent. As mentioned above, anyone who is representing the business as an agent should fulfill the basic criteria.

Why You Shouldn’t Be Your Own Registered Agent

Many small businesses do not hire a registered agent to save a chunk of money. However, it is not recommended to be your own registered agent. There are a bunch of problems one has to face while being a registered agent of his own LLC. Following are some of the issues you face,

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  • If you are operating your business from home or you are into web business, then your home address will be shared on the public portal. This address will be used for mailing and other official purposes. This will hamper your privacy.
  • A registered agent has to be physically available at the official address during working hours on working days for 52 weeks. Being your own registered agent might restrict your other work due to this.
  • The registered agent’s address must be up to date in the Secretary of State portal.

It is recommended to outsource the registered agent service to ease your work as it protects your privacy, especially if you conduct your business from home. It is always wise to outsource the RA service than be your own registered agent.

Recommended: You can get the best registered agent service at a reasonable price with online LLC service providers. We recommend using –

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How to Choose a Registered Agent in District of Columbia

You can choose a District of Columbia Registered Agent in two ways, either you can employ an in-house RA or outsource the service. Another option is to be your own registered agent. However, it is recommended to outsource the service as it is less worrisome and hassle-free.

In-house Registered Agent

As far as the in-house registered agent is concerned, it can be anyone from the LLC, including you, or you can employ an individual for this position. In that case, your office or home address will be the Registered Agent’s office address. Every LLC has to share its principal office address, mailing address, and registered agent’s office address to the state public portal. Hiring a registered agent service will make it easier as you can use the RA’s address as a mailing address.

Outsourcing Registered Agent Service

You may also avail yourself of professional registered agent services. Doing so ensures that you will have the best service provider to represent your business. Following are the best Registered Agent services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries.

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$125 Per Year

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Note that availing of the services of professional registered agents would be your best option since you are guaranteed that whoever is handling your legal affairs knows their stuff well. If you are forming your LLC from scratch, then with LegalZoom Registered Agent, you will get the full formation package.

What to Consider While Choosing a District of Columbia Registered Agent

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a registered agent.

  • Service Fee: Since most states require formal businesses to have registered agents, selecting the best-registered agent is critical. Hiring a registered agent typically costs between $99 and $300 annually. When you consider how much time it will save you, this is a small price to pay.
  • Tenure in Business of Registered Agent: You want the registered agent to have established and time-tested procedures for handling documents. We recommend Registered Agent Services that have been in business for a long time. They are experienced and well capable of handling all your documentation.
  • State Jurisdiction Limitation: If your company expands to another state, you should use the same registered agent in all states to reduce the administrative burden of dealing with multiple registered agent service providers. Check out the best Registered Agent Services to consider for this job.
  • Offer Monitoring and Follow-up Services: You want to receive up-to-date information and alerts from your registered agent as soon as possible so that you are aware of the various statutes, rules, and regulations that apply to your company. Some of the service providers offer this service. Make sure to choose an RA service that includes this service.

How to Appoint a Registered Agent in District of Columbia

At the time of submitting the D.C. Articles of Organization, the registered agent can be appointed by the LLC. It can be done online or by mail. No additional fee is charged for appointing a Registered Agent. Only the state filing fee should be paid.

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Appoint Registered Agent Online

To appoint a registered agent online, you have to go to the D.C. LLC Online Filing page and provide the information of your Registered Agent accordingly.

Appoint Registered Agent By Mail

To appoint a registered agent in District of Columbia by mail, you need to download the D.C. LLC filing form (PDF). Fill up the “Registered Agent” section with appropriate details of the agent and submit it to the SOS office. For more information, read on D.C. Articles of Organization.

Cost of a District of Columbia Registered Agent

The cost of having a registered agent can be variable. It depends on whether you are employing an in-house registered agent, being your own agent, or outsourcing the service. The cost of having a registered agent can start from $99 and go up to $300 per year. It will be cost-effective if you outsource the registered agent service in D.C.

Registered Agent services that also provide LLC formation packages can provide the same service at a lower price. For example, LegalZoom offers standalone registered agent service at $299 per year, but if you buy their LLC formation package at $0 + state fees, you might get a registered agent at a low cost.

How to Change a Registered Agent in D.C.

To change the D.C. registered agent, you must file a Change of registered agent or office by entity form. This form can be submitted to the District of Columbia Secretary of State via mail or online filing. Here’s how to change a registered agent in D.C.,

File Online

For online filing, you need to get the online form which is available on the D.C. Secretary of State portal. Fill in all the necessary information of LLC as well as current and old registered agents. This form must be completed and signed by the newly appointed registered agent and any authorized member of the LLC. The signature of the new registered agent acts like the consent to be appointed as one. Submit it online.

Fee: $50

File By Mail

You can also choose to file the form through the mail. You need to download the Change of registered agent or office by entity form from the District of Columbia Secretary of State’s portal. Fill in all the details on your computer. The completed form is to be signed by the newly appointed registered agent. The duly signed form must be sent to the following address,

Mail to: Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 92300
Washington, DC 20090

How to Pay: The filing amount is payable to the D.C. secretary of state through a credit card when filing online/by email. For paper filing, you can choose to pay through money order or check.

Why Do LLCs in D.C. Need a Registered Agent Service

There are several reasons why a business should appoint a registered agent in District of Columbia. Some of the most important reasons are listed below,

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  • Confidentiality: Having a registered agent service in District of Columbia ensures the complete privacy of your business and related documentation. Appointing a registered agent company instead of an individual gets you privacy and confidentiality contracts beforehand.
  • Up-to-date Compliance: LLCs and corporates have plenty of paperwork and compliances that are to be updated on time. With a registered agent service, you don’t have to worry about those compliances, as your registered agent will maintain a compliance calendar.
  • Privacy: It is mandatory for businesses in D.C. to publicly upload their address to the District of Columbia Secretary of State. If you are using the home address for your business, then it would not be safe to make your private address public. On the other side, appointing a registered agent service will cover you up here as they have to provide their address to the District of Columbia SOS and not yours.
  • Availability: Every registered agent has to be available during office hours of work on business days. If you hire a registered agent service, then they can be available at the required time without harming other tasks at the company.
  • Online Safe Backup: Every registered agent in the District of Columbia or any other state usually takes online backup of all the documents and paperwork. This ensures the LLC papers are securely saved in a central system.
  • Lawsuits or Summons: Getting summoned or involved in a lawsuit does not leave a good impression on the employees. With a registered agent, all the related papers will be delivered to the Registered Agent’s official address. Hence, owners do not have to receive any such papers in their office in front of their employees.

District of Columbia Business Laws and Registered Agents

Registered agents are responsible for handling all the business laws and other legal issues related to DC LLC. Every state has its own business laws. DC is no exception. It has its own set of different business laws to follow. Here are some of the important business laws every business should follow,

Antitrust Laws

In general, Antitrust law detects the formation of cartels in any open market. When competitors come together and influence the market price and supply in illegal ways, they form a cartel. Cartels are illegal in any market. In DC, like any other state, there is an Antitrust Law to prevent this. The time span to bring the claim under this law is 4 years in DC. A successful plaintiff can recover attorney’s fees as well.

Interest Law

Every state in the United States has an Interest law for businesses. Normally, the general interest rate guidelines are lesser than the legal threshold of interest rate. In DC, the legal maximum interest rate in the absence of agreement is 6% per year and by contract in writing up to 24%. Interest rates on judgments are set at the rate of 4% on judgments against the DC. A penalty for Usury (Unlawful Interest Rate) is forfeiture of interest and recovery of usurious interest paid.

Corporate Laws

These laws govern the formation and operation of corporate entities, such as the content of articles of association, incorporation, and corporate names. The District of Columbia Official Code Title 29: Business Organizations.

Deceptive Trade Practices Laws

Connecticut laws aim to protect their residents from unfair business practices. Such practices mislead the consumers into investing in invaluable market products by selling them with twisted statements and lies such as false advertising. Remedies in such cases include civil penalties, damages, Consumer redressal remedies, punitive damages, injunction, and attorney’s fees.

The registered agents are the ones who take care of these cases and laws for you. Hiring a registered agent in DC will help you to handle and cope with all these business laws.

FAQ

How To Change Registered Agent In D.C.?

Changes to the registered agent are possible in DC. You must download, complete, and submit the RA change application form to the Secretary of State through fax, mail, or electronic delivery, depending on which option is most convenient for you: Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, Corporations Division, P.O. Box92300, Washington, DC 20090. In DC, it costs $50 to switch the registered agent.

How To Become A Registered Agent In D.C.?

You must fulfill certain conditions in order to register as an agent in DC. Being legally an adult (18+) is one of the most crucial requirements. Another need is that you must live in DC. You may register as an agent if you satisfy these requirements.

Who Can Be A Registered Agent In D.C.?

You, your spouse, any LLC members, loved ones, or friends are all eligible to serve as a registered agent in DC. The only requirements are that you be a resident of the state and an adult (18 years or older). Being a registered agent is simple if you can meet the criteria.

How To Change Registered Agent Address In D.C.?

The address of a registered agent may be easily changed in DC. You must file the RA Change Form, which is accessible online at the DC Secretary of State. Please enter the new address in the form. Use the most convenient method for you to submit it: online, by fax, or by mail to the Corporations Division, Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, P.O. Box 92300, Washington, DC 20090. To change the address, there can be a cost.

How To Find A Company’s Registered Agent In D.C.?

By visiting the DC SOS website, you may discover who a company’s registered agent is. When doing a search, use the company name if you know it. If you find the business you’re searching for, use that information to find the registered agent.

What Does A Registered Agent Do In D.C.?

It is required by law for any business in DC to have a registered agent. Any papers, licenses, and notifications will be sent to your registered agent, who will also be in charge of receiving legal action brought against the business at his registered address. He or she must be accessible at their workplace throughout business hours.

How To Appoint Someone As The Registered Agent In D.C.?

Companies must provide their name, address, and contact details when registering their firm in order to designate a registered agent in DC. The registered agent is mentioned separately in the article of incorporation. How to designate a registered agent in DC is as follows.

How To Search For Registered Agent Address In D.C.?

In DC, you must go to the DC Secretary of State’s official website to look for a registered agent’s address. Check for the following actions to look for the registered agent’s address:
1. Access DC SOS’s main website.
2. Using the firm name, look for the corporate information
3. Find the registered agent list.
By doing this, it will be simpler to locate the registered agent’s address.

How Do I Look For A Business In D.C. By The Registered Agent Name?

You may do a company search in DC using the name of the registered agent. Visit the official website of the Secretary of State of DC. Look for “Business Search” under the menu. You may “Search by the registered agent” in the search part of the website. Make your choice, then type the name of the registered agent. The company name will be given to you.

What Is Required Of A Registered Agent In D.C.?

A registered agent in DC must, among other things, be at least 18 years old and have a physical residence there. A resident of the state who meets the age minimum and is an entity may serve as the registered agent.

How To Look Up The Registered Agent Of A Corporation In D.C.?

In DC, you must go to the DC SOS to check for a registered agent for a company. You must choose Business Search from the main page. If you know the company name, use that to search for businesses. To see more information, choose Registered Agent.

How Do I Resign As A Registered Agent In D.C.?

If the company the registered agent was working for requires a formal resignation letter. A resignation notification must be sent by mail, fax, or online to the DC Secretary of State once the employer accepts the resignation letter. The notification must be delivered within the allotted period.

How To Update Registered Agent In D.C. Online?

By login onto the website of the DC Secretary of State, you may update a registered agent in DC online. Make sure the online method is accessible to you before continuing, however, before moving further. Alternatively, mail the RA Change Form.

How To Get A Free Registered Agent In D.C.?

You may register for a free registered agent in DC. You won’t need to pay anything to yourself in person if you act as your own registered agent. You may be able to save the expense if your partner or a friend joins an agency. Finally, you have the option of using a free registered agent service in DC.

How To Research For Registered Agent Information In D.C.?

Visit the DC Secretary of State if you want to learn more about the registered agent in that city. The “Search Business” option will appear. By using its name, you may search for your company. You will be able to extract the registered agent’s information from the list when you get the results.

Where To Mail Registered Agent Forms In The State Of D.C.?

In DC, the registered agent is not included on a separate form. Businesses must choose a registered agent and provide their information through the formation paperwork while establishing their company. The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Corporations Division may receive the formation papers by mail at P.O. Box 92300, Washington, DC 20090.

If A Company Does Not Have A Registered Agent In D.C., Who Is Served?

You must tell the DC SOS if your firm has no registered agent in the District of Columbia. As a registered agent is required for every firm in DC, there can be a legal problem. If there isn’t one, you may need to act as the registered agent in DC.

How To Serve A Deceased Registered Agent in D.C.?

In DC, once a registered agent passes away, all authority is lost. In DC, it is required to have a registered agent. The business must thus choose or replace a new registered agent. In the meantime, a manager, an official of the business, or the owner may act as the registered agent.

How To Hide Registered Agent Name From SOS D.C.?

There are certain guidelines for registering your company in DC. If you visit the DC Secretary of State, they will be able to tell you whether or not you may keep your registered agent’s name off the public platform. The name of a member may be concealed if you have an Anonymous LLC.

Who To Call To Identify Registered Agent Information In D.C.?

You must make a phone call to the Secretary of State’s office in DC to get the registered agent information. The official hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You may reach the executive by dialing (202) 671-1105. Get the information by following the caller’s directions.

What Is Registered Agent’s Consent In D.C.?

The consent from a registered agent in DC is an acceptance from the person that he/she will serve as a registered agent. In DC, the newly appointed individual must provide his or her assent before beginning the process of serving.

What Is The Difference Between Registered Agent And Resident Agent In D.C.?

In DC, the terms “registered agent” and “resident agent” are interchangeable. While the word “registered agent” is used in the majority of states, the phrase “resident agent” is used in other states. All states follow the same designation, appointment, and registration procedures.

What Happens If The Registered Agent Does Not Give A Consent In D.C.?

In DC, if the registered agent does not give their consent, then the company might have to serve a legal penalty for presenting a false statement. However, the registered agent has the right to refuse any obligation that has been placed upon them.

Can An LLC Be Sued If There Is No Registered Agent In D.C.?

The corporation may still be sued even if there isn’t a registered agent in DC. The only issue is that there isn’t a representative for the business to receive the legal notification. However, the lawsuit will proceed, and the notice will be sent in a different fashion.

How To Reject The Registered Agent’S Designation In D.C.?

In order to reject the designation, a registered agent in DC must file an application of rejection. The rejection statement just has to be signed and sent to the DC Secretary of State. It’s comparable to accepting the classification.

How to Remove a Registered Agent for LLC in District of Columbia

A registered agent for LLC in the District of Columbia can be removed by submitting a Statement of Change of Registered Agent Form with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs with a filing amount of $50.

The process of removing a registered agent for an LLC in the District of Columbia is fairly straightforward, but it is important to follow all legal requirements to ensure a smooth transition. The following steps outline how to properly remove a registered agent:

First and foremost, it is essential to review the LLC’s operating agreement or bylaws to understand the specific procedures outlined for removing a registered agent. These documents typically provide guidelines on how to appoint or remove a registered agent and may require a certain majority vote by the members of the LLC.

Next, the LLC must formally notify the current registered agent of their intent to remove them from their position. This notification can be done in writing and should be sent via certified mail with return receipt requested to ensure proof of delivery. It is important to give the registered agent a reasonable amount of time to respond before moving forward with the removal process.

After notifying the current registered agent, the LLC must then file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent form with the District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). This form can be completed online through the DCRA’s website and requires the LLC’s name, filing number, the name of the current registered agent, and the name and contact information of the new registered agent. There may be a filing fee associated with this form, so be sure to check the current fee schedule on the DCRA’s website.

Once the Statement of Change of Registered Agent form has been filed and processed by the DCRA, the LLC’s new registered agent will officially be recognized as the designated recipient for legal and official documents. It is crucial to ensure that the new registered agent is aware of their responsibilities and is prepared to fulfill their duties in a timely and efficient manner.

In conclusion, removing a registered agent for an LLC in the District of Columbia involves following specific steps outlined by the LLC’s operating agreement or bylaws, notifying the current registered agent, filing a Statement of Change of Registered Agent form with the DCRA, and informing the new registered agent of their duties. By following these procedures carefully and accurately, business owners can successfully remove a registered agent and maintain compliance with state regulations. It is important to remember that failing to appoint a registered agent or keep this information up to date can result in legal consequences for the LLC, so it is crucial to handle these matters with attention to detail and diligence.

In Conclusion

Before you choose a registered agent for your District of Columbia LLC, compare their price and services from the table. They will be responsible for all your documentation, filings, and other LLC-related tasks. Hence, choose the best one for your business that provides 100% accurate service at a reasonable price.

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