Cost guide
How Much Does an LLC Cost in District of Columbia?
Filing it yourself, a District of Columbia LLC costs $99 to start — everything else on the typical "LLC cost" list is either free or optional. Here's the honest breakdown.
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| Item | Cost | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing fee | $99 | Yes — one-time |
| Biennial report | $300 every 2 years | Yes — recurring |
| EIN (federal tax ID) | $0 | Free from the IRS — never pay for this |
| Operating agreement | $0 | Recommended — use our free generator |
| Registered agent | $0 yourself, or ~$100–$150/yr for a service | Yes — but you can be your own |
| Formation service | $0–$300+ | Optional — you can file yourself |
Ongoing requirement in District of Columbia: $300 biennial report, due April 1 — odd-year formations file in odd years, even-year formations file in even years. Typical processing: ~3–5 business days (or expedited). Figures are estimates — verify with the District of Columbia Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing. Doesn't include business licenses, permits, or taxes on income.
District of Columbia LLC cost FAQ
How much does it cost to start an LLC in District of Columbia?
The one-time Articles of Organization filing fee in District of Columbia is $99. The recurring cost is $300 every 2 years ($300 biennial report, due April 1 — odd-year formations file in odd years, even-year formations file in even years). An EIN from the IRS and writing your own operating agreement are both free. Verify the current fee with the District of Columbia Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing.
Is a registered agent required, and does it cost extra in District of Columbia?
Yes, District of Columbia requires an LLC to have a registered agent, but you can act as your own at no cost if you have a physical address in the state and are available during business hours. A registered agent service typically runs about $100–$150 per year if you'd rather not use your own address.
What's the cheapest way to form an LLC in District of Columbia?
Filing the Articles of Organization yourself directly with the state and acting as your own registered agent costs only the $99 state filing fee — no formation-service markup. A paid formation service adds convenience, not anything you can't do yourself. Verify the current fee with the District of Columbia Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing.
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Next: read the full District of Columbia LLC formation guide, check whether your business name is available in District of Columbia, brainstorm ideas with the free name generator, or build your free formation checklist.