District of Columbia registered agent
District of Columbia registered agent requirements
Who must appoint a registered agent in District of Columbia, which office keeps the record, how to change agents, and what reliable coverage costs.
Direct answer
Does District of Columbia require a registered agent?
Every corporation, LLC, or other registered entity formed or qualified in District of Columbia must continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Corporations Division keeps the agent of record.
Last verified July 29, 2026
The District of Columbia requirement
Every corporation, LLC, limited partnership, or other registered entity formed or qualified to do business in District of Columbia must continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. The agent has to be available during business hours to accept service of process, tax notices, and official correspondence. A lapse can mean missed lawsuits, penalties, loss of good standing, or administrative dissolution.
- Cornerstone Licensing service fee
- $99 per year (renews at $149)
The exact statutory reference for the District of Columbia requirement is available from the filing office via the official source linked above.
Changing your registered agent in District of Columbia
File a statement of change of registered agent (and registered office, if it moves) with the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Corporations Division. Many states also accept the update as part of the annual or biennial report; the change takes effect once the filing is accepted.
District of Columbia registered agent FAQ
- Does District of Columbia require a registered agent?
- Yes. Every corporation, LLC, or other registered entity formed or qualified in District of Columbia must continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. A lapse can lead to penalties, loss of good standing, or administrative dissolution.
- Who keeps the registered agent records in District of Columbia?
- DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Corporations Division maintains the registered agent of record for each entity. The exact statutory reference is available from the filing office.
- How do I change my registered agent in District of Columbia?
- File a statement of change of registered agent (and registered office, if it moves) with the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Corporations Division. Many states also accept the update as part of the annual or biennial report; the change takes effect once the filing is accepted.
- What does registered agent service cost in District of Columbia?
- Cornerstone Licensing provides District of Columbia registered agent service for $99 per year, with renewals at $149 per year. Same-day document scanning and forwarding is included; there are no per-document charges.
- Can I be my own registered agent in District of Columbia?
- An individual with a physical street address in the state who is available during business hours can generally serve. The entity itself cannot act as its own registered agent, and a P.O. box does not satisfy the street-address requirement.