How long does it take to get an LLC in DC? [2024]

Deal alert! Northwest will form your LLC for $39 (60% discount). See details.

You can get an LLC in DC in 5 business days if you file online (or 4-6 weeks if you file by mail). If you need your District of Columbia LLC faster, you can pay for expedited processing.

District of Columbia LLC Processing Times

	Normal LLC processing time:	Expedited LLC:
District of Columbia LLC by mail:	2-4 weeks (plus mail time)	3 business days ($50 extra) Same-day ($100 extra)
District of Columbia LLC online:	5 business days	3 business days ($50 extra) Same-day ($100 extra)

What is LLC processing time? Processing time is the time it takes for the District of Columbia to review your LLC filing and enter it in their system. After your LLC is approved, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) sends back your approved documents electronically or by mail.

District of Columbia LLC Approval Times

How long does it take to get an LLC in DC Mail filings: In total, mail filing approvals for District of Columbia LLCs take 4-6 weeks. This accounts for the 2-4 week processing time, plus the time your documents are in the mail.

Online filings: In total, online filing approvals for District of Columbia LLCs take 5 business days. Since you can download your documents as soon as they’re approved by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, there is no extra transit time.

What is LLC approval time? This is the total turnaround time to get your LLC approved from start to finish. It includes the processing time plus any transit time to and from the DLCP.

District of Columbia expedited LLC

The District of Columbia has 2 expedited LLC options:

3 business day processing for $50 extra
Same-day processing for $100 extra

Note: Expedited fees are in addition to the LLC filing fee.

Since online filings are approved in 5 business days, it probably isn’t worth paying $50 extra for 3 business day processing instead. But if you need your LLC to be opened ASAP, the $100 for same-day processing could be a good choice.

What’s the fastest way to get an LLC in DC?

The fastest way to start an LLC in DC is to file yourself online and pay for same-day processing. This option has the fastest approval time.

Should I hire an LLC filing service in the District of Columbia?

Hiring an LLC filing service isn’t going to get your LLC approved any faster. Filing companies still have to wait for the state to approve your LLC.

However, the benefit of hiring a filing company isn’t to reduce LLC approval time. It’s to have someone else take care of the paperwork for you (and make sure it’s filed correctly).

Need to save time? Hire a company to form your LLC:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)

(Learn why Northwest is #1 in Northwest vs LegalZoom)

Why we recommend Northwest? Northwest Registered Agent has been in business for over 20 years and they have the best customer support. Our favorite thing about Northwest is that you can use their address throughout your LLC filing. This can provide you with additional privacy by keeping your address off public records. No other filing company offers this.

Even though Northwest is our favorite company, you may want to look at other companies and compare your options. Check out Best LLC Services in Washington DC for additional recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an LLC cost?

The one-time cost to start an LLC varies by state. There are also LLC Annual Fees to maintain your business that vary by state.

Here are the costs for a DC LLC:

Requirements	Cost
LLC Name	$0
Registered Agent	$0 or $125 per year
Articles of Organization	$99
Tax Registration	$0
Certificate of Occupancy or Home Occupation Permit	$72.60
Basic Business License	$200 - $500 (every 2 years)
Operating Agreement	$0
EIN Number	$0
Biennial Report	$300 (every 2 years)
Taxes	Varies (paid each year)

How to start an LLC in the District of Columbia?

Here are the steps to starting an LLC in the District of Columbia:

Search your District of Columbia LLC name
Choose your District of Columbia Registered Agent
File District of Columbia Articles of Organization
Sign your District of Columbia LLC Operating Agreement
Get an EIN for your District of Columbia LLC
Open an LLC bank account

How long does it take to get an LLC in every state?

Important: Just because one state is faster than another doesn’t mean you should form your LLC there. If you form your LLC out-of-state, you’ll need to register it as a foreign LLC in your home state. For more information, please see the best state to form an LLC.

Matt Horwitz

Founder & Educator, LLC University®

Matt Horwitz has been the leading expert on LLC education for the past decade. He founded LLC University in 2010 after realizing people needed simple and actionable instructions to start an LLC that other companies weren't offering. He's cited by Entrepreneur Magazine, Yahoo Finance, and the US Chamber of Commerce, and was featured by CNBC and InventRight.

Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.