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LLC or Corporation Registration: Washington, D.C. restaurant guide

DLCP — Corporations Division

What it is

Registers your company (e.g., Articles of Organization, form DLC-1, for an LLC) with the District so it legally exists and can sign a lease, hold licenses and open bank accounts.

When a restaurant needs it

Before signing a lease or applying for any license in the company's name. Sole proprietors skip this but lose liability protection.

How to apply

File online in BOSS (formerly CorpOnline; sign in with Access DC and pay by card), mail Form DLC-1 to DLCP Corporations Division, PO Box 92300, Washington, DC 20090, or file in person at 1100 4th St SW for one-day service ($100 expedite fee).

Documents you’ll need

Company name containing 'LLC' or 'limited liability company'
Registered agent name and DC street address
Principal office address
Names/addresses of members or managers with more than 10% ownership or control
Organizer signature

Fee

$99 to file LLC Articles of Organization (corporations: $99 with authorized capital up to $100,000, higher tiers above that); walk-in one-day service adds a $100 expedite fee

Processing time

Walk-in filings get one-day service for a $100 expedite fee; DLCP does not publish an online turnaround

Renewal

Biennial report ($300; $100 late fee): first due April 1 of the year after registration, then every 2 years, filed in BOSS

Who files

Any organizer can file, whether you, your attorney or a formation service.

Good to know

Your registered agent must have a DC street address. Being in good standing with the Corporations Division is a prerequisite for the Basic Business License.

Official source

DLCP CorpOnline: register your entity · Form DLC-1: Articles of Organization (instructions)

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.