Get a District of Columbia Registered Agent

Starting a business involves navigating various regulations, and one key aspect to understand in the District of Columbia is the role of a D.C. registered agent. This individual or entity accepts service of process and other important legal and state documents on behalf of your business. Having a registered agent is a legal requirement for a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, and other state-registered businesses.

But what exactly do Washington, D.C., registered agents do? And why is it so crucial for your business? Let’s unravel these questions, providing clarity for both seasoned entrepreneurs and those new to the business scene.

What is a D.C. registered agent?

A registered agent is an individual or company designated by a business’s owners to receive important legal documents on behalf of the business. Sometimes, this role is called the resident agent or statutory agent.

This role helps ensure that the appropriate people within a business are notified in person during time-sensitive events, such as service of process for lawsuits. The agent also receives important notifications from the district, such as garnishment notices against employees, notices of the annual report due dates, and tax notifications.

There are technically two “categories” of Washington, D.C., registered agent: a noncommercial registered agent and a commercial registered agent. A commercial registered agent is someone who makes a business of being a registered agent and they’ve registered with the mayor to be listed as a commercial agent. In contrast, a noncommercial registered agent is an agent who’s privately appointed by a business.

That’s the only difference, though. Both noncommercial and commercial registered agents fill the statutory requirements for maintaining an agent. You can pick either and be compliant. In fact, you can’t form a business without appointing a registered agent; you’re required to list one when you file formation paperwork.

What are the requirements of a D.C. registered agent?

The District of Columbia has straightforward requirements for registered agents, making it relatively easy to find someone who qualifies. However, you can’t just select anyone. D.C. law mandates that your registered agent must be an individual or business entity with a physical address within the District. The agent must be present at their listed address during all normal business hours so they can receive service of process and other important communications.

You can even appoint yourself as the registered agent as long as you meet the requirements and don’t mind the added responsibilities.

When you file the formation paperwork for your business, you’ll need to include your agent’s name and address. When you’ve got potential options for your registered agent, review each one to make sure that they have a physical address in Washington, D.C. If they do, you’re good to go! If not, you’ll need to keep looking.

Can I serve as my own D.C. registered agent?

Technically, you can serve as your own registered agent as long as you have a physical address in the District and you can be present at that address during all regular business hours. But for many business owners, this isn’t a great fit.

Benefits of Using Washington D.C. Registered Agent Services

While you can serve as your own registered agent or have a family member do so, it’s not your only option. Opting for a registered agent service offers some important benefits. These services specialize in receiving and relaying official paperwork, helping ensure nothing slips through the cracks. They give you peace of mind to go work around town and travel without worrying about your legal notices. If you serve as your own registered agent, you’ll be required to stay at the registered office during all normal business hours, which makes meeting up with clients, going on vacation, etc., difficult. Many services also offer extra perks like digital access to your critical business documents, mail forwarding, compliance services, help with annual report filing, and more.

Also, a professional registered agent service can help protect you from potential embarrassment. If you’re acting as your own agent, you’ll have to accept service of process yourself, which means whomever you’re with at the time — maybe a client or business partner — will know you’re facing a lawsuit. But if you use an agent service (even one with just basic services), the process server will go to the registered agent’s address. Your agent will handle these notifications privately, discreetly, and promptly.

How much does it cost for a registered agent in Washington, D.C.?

The cost of a registered agent in the District of Columbia varies based on whether you choose an individual or a professional service. If you opt to be your own registered agent or designate someone you know, the costs can be minimal; the expenses are mainly associated with the potential need to maintain a physical street address during regular business hours. For many small business owners, being their own agent requires no out-of-pocket cost but requires time and attention instead. 

On the other hand, professional registered agent services usually come with a fee. These fees can range from $100 to a few hundred dollars annually, depending largely on the level of services offered. While using a professional service might seem like an added expense, the benefits they provide — like helping you uphold compliance obligations, protecting your professional image, and offering added peace of mind — often justify the cost for many businesses. But ultimately, the best registered agent service is the one that fits your business’s unique needs and budget.

Cost of Changing Registered Agents

To change your D.C. registered agent, you’ll need to file the Statement of Change of Registered Agent form with the Corporations Division of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. For most business entities, this form costs $50 to submit ($40 for nonprofits). Processing fees are subject to change.

How to Change a Registered Agent in Washington, D.C.

Changing your registered agent in Washington, D.C., requires some administrative effort to ensure the state records are up to date and your business remains compliant. To begin, it’s vital to first determine who your new registered agent will be. If you’re considering transitioning to a professional service or selecting another individual, ensure you obtain their consent and verify that they meet the local regulations for registered agents.

Once you’ve gotten your new agent lined up and they’ve consented to serve you, it’s time to file the Statement of Change of Registered Agent form. You can submit this form online or find it included in the District’s Registered Agent Combined Form. This form will ask for information about your business, the current agent, the new one, and so on. Submit your completed form with the $50 filing fee ($40 for nonprofits), and, once processed, your new agent will go on file.

Change of Registered Agent Requirements

When changing a registered agent, the new agent must meet the same requirements: be a D.C. resident or a business authorized to conduct business in the District, have a physical street address in the District, and be available during business hours.

DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) Contact Information

Resignation of a Washington, D.C., Registered Agent

If a registered agent needs to resign, they must notify the business and submit a “Statement of Resignation of Registered Agent” form to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. The agent remains on file for 31 days post-resignation unless a replacement is appointed sooner.

Steps to Remove a Registered Agent

1. Notify your business: Inform your represented business in writing that you’ll be resigning and send a copy of the Statement of Resignation. You need to send this notice at least on the same day that you file the resignation, but it’s recommended to notify them earlier. That’ll give the business extra time to appoint a replacement.
2. Submit your resignation: Complete the “Statement of Resignation of Registered Agent” form and submit it to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. There isn’t a filing fee for a resignation.
3. Hand off your responsibilities: Help your business transition to a new registered agent to avoid penalties. A valid registered agent is crucial to maintaining the company’s good standing.

Have questions or concerns?

This guide contains almost everything there is to know about District of Columbia registered agents. However, you might have a unique situation that requires additional information. Reaching out to the District government is easy, and they’ll have the answers you need. Here’s how to go about it.

Visit their website

The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) Business Services page is your go-to spot for business formation information, including some helpful guidance on getting the right registered agent.

Give them a call

If you’d rather chat on the phone, reach out to the customer support team at the DLCP’s office at (202) 671-4500.