If you’re starting a business in the Washington DC then you’ll need a registered agent to complete the formation process. With hundreds of registered agent services available on the market, it can be hard to pick the right one for you.
That’s where our article on the best District of Columbia registered agent services comes in. We have compiled a list of our top recommendations with varying fees and features, so you can seamlessly find one that suits your business vision.
In addition, most have a nationwide presence, making it extremely easy to expand your business in the future without having to change a registered agent. Our article also contains a detailed section on how to register your business in the District of Columbia, which will be extremely helpful to entrepreneurs who are just starting out.
With that said, here are our top three recommendations, which we’ll review in detail below.
- Free For The First Year
- $119 / Annually After That
- Never Any Hidden Fees or Contracts
- Loved by 800,000+ Entrepreneurs
- Available in All 50 States
- Rated 4.7 out of 5 On Trustpilot
- $199 / Year
- Only Takes 5 to 10 Minutes To Set-up
- 100% Accuracy Guarantee
- Expert Customer Support
- Free First Year If You Use Their $39 formation package
- $125 Per Year After
- Available in all 50 states
- Free mail forwarding
- Locally-Scanned Documents
Let’s start by defining the role of a registered agent.
What Is a District of Columbia Registered Agent?
A registered agent is a business entity or an individual whose job is to accept and forward all your correspondence and legal documents. Among the necessary requirements they need to fill are having a physical address in DC, being over 18 years of age, and operating during normal business hours.
Do You Need a Registered Agent in DC?
In some states, appointing a registered agent during the formation process of your business is entirely optional. However, in DC, that’s not the case – you’re required by law to appoint a registered agent that meets all the necessary requirements.
Best District of Columbia Registered Agent Services
| Registered Agent Service | Cost | Office Location |
|---|---|---|
| IncFile | Free with LLC formation/ $119 annually after | Not stated |
| ZenBusiness | $199 a year | Not stated |
| Northwest | $125 a year | Washington |
| Registered Agent Net | $89 a year | Washington |
| District of Columbia Registered Agent | $49 a year | Washington |
| LegalZoom | $299 a year | Not stated |
| CSC Global | $299 a year | Washington |
| Harbor Compliance | $99 a year | Washington |
| InCorp | $129 a year | Washington |
| RocketLawyer | $149 a year/ $39.99 membership | Not stated |
After getting acquainted with the role of registered agents and the regulations of the District of Columbia state, it’s time to move on to our individual registered agent reviews.
District of Columbia state, it’s time to move on to our individual registered agent reviews.
1. Incfile
If you’re looking for a registered agent service that’s affordable and efficient, IncFile is the way to go. There are many reasons to opt for IncFIle, such as:
- Automatic mail forwarding
- Access to a digital dashboard
- Tailored notifications
- Amazing customer support and glowing reviews
Customers really appreciate the user-friendly interface, as well as their dedication to compliance reminders, allowing you to always stay on track with your deadlines.
In addition, they offer complimentary registered agent services for free if you use their LLC formation services. After the initial year has passed, you’ll be charged $119 on an annual basis. There are no hidden fees or contracts, so the pricing will remain transparent as long as you’re using their services.
2. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is an excellent registered agent service option if you’re working with a larger budget. For $199 a year, you can access perks such as:
- Access to a dashboard where all your digital documents are stored
- Email notifications
- Scanned and uploaded documents
- Compliance reminders
On top of that, we love how dedicated they are to giving back to their community. With their ZenBusiness Grant Program, they’re helping struggling entrepreneurs start and grow their business.
Apart from offering registered agent services, they also offer tailored business plans, business licenses, formation services, and domain registrations.
3. Northwest
Northwest is one of the most famous names in the industry and one of the best District of Columbia registered agent services. With millions of clients, they’re professional, cordial, and offer everything you need to grow your business successfully. Their registered agent package includes:
- Free mail forwarding
- Excellent customer support
- Same-day document scanning
- Privacy by Default
In addition to offering registered agent services, they also offer LLC formation services, incorporation services, and legal forms.
Northwest’s fee is $125 a year. Their DC office is located in Washington.
They’re dedicated to protecting your data and vouch never to sell it to third parties, as stated in their Privacy by Default guarantee. You can rest assured knowing you’re in safe hands.
Their customer support team is referred to as “Corporate Guides”. It enables access to personalized customer support and offers expertise on any issue that might arise.
4. Registered Agent Net
If you want a good quality registered agent service that won’t cost you more than $100 a year, we highly recommend considering Registered Agent Net. Their package includes:
- Same-day document delivery
- Compliance calendar
- Compliance reminders
- Email notifications
The compliance calendar allows for an easy way to track all your due dates and renewal reminders, ensuring that you don’t miss any important deadlines.
Their annual fee costs only $89, and there are no additional costs or hidden fees. In addition, you’ll receive a three-year price guarantee with every purchase.
In addition to offering registered agent services, you can also hire Registered Agent Net for a change of registered agent, corporate filings, and annual report services. Their DC office is located in Washington.
5. District of Columbia Registered Agent
If you want to opt for an even more affordable registered agent, then the District of Columbia Registered Agent service are the way to go. For just $49 a year, you can get the following benefits:
- Annual report reminders
- Access to pre-signed forms
- Same-day document scans
You can also use them for their incorporation services or business licensing.
District of Columbia Registered Agent pride themselves on their swift service and transparency – you’ll always know what you’re signing up for. Despite the affordable pricing, there are no hidden costs or auto renewals that you should worry about. You can find their DC office in Washington.
6. LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an outstanding option for larger businesses that want to hire one brand for multiple services at a time, or that might require expert legal consultations. Their registered agent services include:
- Email alerts
- Annual report reminders
- Unlimited cloud storage
Their $1M identity theft protection policy vouches that your business remains protected at all times.
In addition, you’ll get access to their Compliance Calendar, the usual price for which is $69. If you’re in the process of switching registered agents, LegalZoom offer to do it for free and cover any fees that might come up in the process.
While their pricing is slightly higher than the other registered agent services mentioned in our list, you can take advantage of all the perks that are included in the package and help your business remain protected.
They’re known for all the law-related services they offer, so you can also hire them for business registration, licensing, incorporation, and compliance calendars.
7. CSC Global
Whether you’re looking to expand your business or start a business in DC, CSC Global is a nationwide registered agent service that will provide all the perks you need to run a successful business. Some of the features include:
- Same-day scanning
- Unlimited access to CSCNavigator
- Automatic email alerts
- Annual report reminders
- Customized service
Privacy and security are ensured when you sign up for their services, all thanks to their SOC2-audited facilities.
They also offer other services, such as annual reports, corporate filings, and business licences.
Their office is located on Vermont Avenue, Washington.
8. Harbor Compliance
Another excellent option for a registered agent service is Harbor Compliance, especially if you’re looking for an affordable service that operates nationwide. For only $99 a year, they boast:
- Same-day document delivery
- Access to state forms and signatures
- Compliance notifications
You can also appoint them for formation services if you’re in the process of starting a business. Apart from appreciating them for their affordability, customers love how easy their online portal is to navigate.
Harbor Compliance’s offices are located in Washington.
9. InCorp
Another well-known name in the industry is InCorp. With thousands of satisfied clients corroborating their excellence and twenty years of experience, you can rest assured knowing you’re in good hands. Their registered agent service includes:
- Legal notifications
- Access to their Entity Management system
- Compliance notifications
- Email forwarding
Thanks to their EntityWatch system, all your information and private data will be protected.
Their yearly fee is $129, but you can get a substantial discount if you purchase their multi-year service.
Apart from their registered agent services, they also offer corporation and LLC formation for only $99. Their office is located in Washington.
10. RocketLawyer
Get expert legal advice with the help of RocketLawyer’s dedicated and knowledgeable team. Some of the amazing features they offer include:
- Excellent customer support
- Access to a DC physical address
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
In terms of pricing, they have a subscription based option, offering a flexible membership system that costs $39.99 a month. In return, you get access to incredible discounts and awesome services like incorporation filing. Plus, they offer a free 7-day trial so you can get a glimpse of their services without any commitments.
How Do I Register a Business in the District of Columbia?
If your main goal is to open a business in DC, then this section will help you explore all the steps necessary to achieve your goal.
Find a Name for Your Business
Regardless of the location, one of the first few steps in opening a new business is finding the right name for it.
Depending on the state, there are a few things to keep in mind. For instance, some states forbid you to use certain words in the name. In every state, you’ll have to choose a name that’s entirely unique and not taken by another business. To help you in this, you can use an online tool like a name search to see if the name you’ve chosen appears somewhere else. You’ll want to use a name that’s catchy and representative of the brand you’re trying to build.
When you confirm that the name you’ve chosen is free, it’s a good idea to reserve a domain name for your business. While you might not be ready to create a website for your business yet, you don’t want to risk the name being taken.
If you have to use a “doing business as” name, then you’ll have to ensure that the name is properly registered. Once you’ve registered your name with the state, it’s time to move on to the next step.
Register Your Business
Now that you have your name, it’s time to officially register your business. Not every business entity requires registration in DC; for instance, sole proprietorships and partnerships require no registration beyond obtaining a trade name.
If you’re opening an LLC or a corporation, you’ll need to file articles of organization and articles of incorporation, respectively. The starting fee for both is $99.
Obtain an EIN
Also known as an Employee Identification Number, EINs are essential for taxation. You can think of your business EIN as a social security number for your business. The good news is that the application is relatively easy and quick to fill. In addition, you have the option of sending it online, by fax, or mail. Once your EIN gets approved, you’re ready to move to the next step.
Apply for a Business License
Depending on the type of business you’re conducting, you might need to apply for a business license. All businesses need to apply for a Basic Business License, and if you’re doing business in areas like food and drinks, you might be required to apply for additional licenses. The starting fee for a basic license can cost up to $1,000, so ensure that you’re putting aside money for all the required permits.
Obtain a Home Occupation/ Certificate of Occupancy Permit
Another compulsory step in registering a business in the District of Columbia is obtaining a home occupation permit or a Certificate of Occupancy. The former is used for businesses that are situated in your home, whereas the latter is used in case you’re using an office or any other commercial space.
Register for Taxes
When all the above steps are completed, you’ll need to register for taxes with the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue. The form used for this purpose is Form FR-500.
Depending on the branch of your business, you might be required to register for additional taxes, such as a sales tax.
FAQs
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Business in the District of Columbia?
The filing fee for registering a business in the District of Columbia is $99. On top of that, if your business name needs to be registered under a trade name, it will cost you an additional $55.
Where Can I Do a District of Columbia Entity Search?
You can do an entity search for DC on the official Secretary of State’s website.
How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost in Washington DC?
The price for a registered agent varies depending on what services they offer, what states they cover, and other variables. The average price for a registered agent in the District of Columbia is around $130. However, you can find other registered agent services for as low as $50 a year. Additionally, if you’re on a strict budget, you can always take advantage of some services consolidate bill options that many registered agent services offer.
Should I Hire a Registered Agent for my Washington DC Business?
There are many perks that come with hiring a registered agent for your business. For instance, you will get more privacy, you can have more flexible business hours, and you’ll always be reminded in time for state deadlines. If you’re at the start of your business journey and you don’t have a large budget to work with, you can always appoint yourself as your own registered agent and change it down the line.
A Word of Farewell
We hope you found our article on the best District of Columbia registered agent services helpful and that it helped you make a decision on which registered agent service would suit your preferences best.
If you don’t have set preferences, we recommend opting for some of the top names in the industry: Northwest, IncFile, and ZenBusiness. If you’re starting your business and you don’t have over $100 to spend on a yearly basis for a registered agent service, then you can always opt for affordable agents, like the District of Columbia Registered Agent ($49 a year).