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 plays a pivotal part in helping your LLC or corporation remain compliant and receive essential notices from the District and important legal documents. 

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?

An LLC, corporation, or other registered business entity cannot be formed or do business in Washington, D.C., without first having a registered agent on file with the District government. This is required by law, and the penalties can be serious. Maintaining a registered agent doesn’t just keep you in good standing. It also provides an important service.

The registered agent can either be an individual, company, or registered agent service, as long as they meet the District’s requirements (see below) and agree to the job responsibilities.

As soon as they’re appointed, your registered agent must be consistently available in D.C. to receive and act on mailed documents and service of process. Here’s what the Code of the District of Columbia specifically says regarding the registered agent’s responsibilities:

“The only duties of a registered agent under this subchapter are:

(1) Forward to the represented entity at the address most recently supplied to the agent by the entity any process, notice, or demand that is served on the agent;

(2) Provide the notices required by this title to the entity at the address most recently supplied to the agent by the entity;

(3) If the agent is a noncommercial registered agent, keep current the information required by § 29-104.04(a) in the most recent registered agent filing for the entity; and

(4) If the agent is a commercial registered agent, keep current the information listed for it under § 29-104.05(a).”

Make sure you have a valid registered agent on file at all times because the state isn’t messing around — you will be subject to “civil fines, penalties, and fees imposed by the Mayor.” For more detailed information about what these fines, penalties, and fees might be, consult Title 2, Chapter 18, of the Code of the District of Columbia.

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.

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 an address in Washington, D.C. If they do, you’re good to go! If not, you’ll need to keep looking.

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 a plethora of 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 mail. Many services also offer extra perks like digital access to your critical documents, compliance reminders, and more.

More importantly, a professional registered agent company 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, 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, primarily associated with the potential need to maintain a physical street address or office space during 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 ensure compliance, protecting your professional image, and offering added peace of mind — often justify the cost for many businesses.

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 Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. For most business entities, this form costs $50 to submit ($40 for nonprofits). 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 District of Columbia’s requirements 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 help the business have 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 registered agents.

Give them a call

Or, if you’d rather chat on the phone, reach out to the DLCP’s office at (202) 671-4500.