District of Columbia Articles of Incorporation: Definition, Purpose
Quick Facts — Articles of Incorporation Lawyers
- Avg cost to draft an Articles of Incorporation (Corporations): $590.00
- Lawyers available: 109 business lawyers
- Clients helped: 84 recent articles of incorporation projects
- Avg lawyer rating: 4.95 (7 reviews)
What is District of Columbia Articles of Incorporation?
District of Columbia articles of incorporation is a legal document that must be completed and filed to incorporate a business in Washington D.C. There are several steps a business owner must take to establish a business, but filing this document with the District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) is the first step.
How Do I Find Articles of Incorporation in the District of Columbia?
Articles of incorporation can be found on the District of Columbia DLCP website. However, you will have to create a free online account with CorpOnline to access the search engine and other business features provided by the D.C. Division of Corporations.
From CorpOnline, you can search for your own business or for any registered entity in Washington D.C. You can also file reports, register a trade name, order certified copies of your business documents, and file other important business documents.
Does the District of Columbia Require Articles of Incorporation?
Yes. The District of Columbia requires articles of incorporation for any company that wishes to incorporate and operate as a corporation. Articles of incorporation serve as proof that your company exists and is legally operating in Washington D.C.
How Do I Fill Out Articles of Incorporation in the District of Columbia?
It is important that your articles of incorporation include the following information:
- Name of the corporation
- Business purpose
- Whether the corporation will have members
- The classes of members
- Voting rights
- All directors and their addresses
- All incorporators and their addresses
It is important to make sure that all information is filled out completely and accurately. Any mistakes could result in delays and additional fees. If you have questions about filling out articles of incorporation, always reach out to a knowledgeable attorney for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Real Articles of Incorporation (Corporations) Projects
New Jersey New Business set up (New Jersey) Drafting
- New Jersey
- 10 lawyer bids
- $250 - $5,000
Washington File Articles of Incorporation Prepare & File
- Washington
- 5 lawyer bids
- $300 - $999
See all Articles of Incorporation (Corporations) projects in District of Columbia
ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.
Need to file articles of incorporation?
Meet some of our District of Columbia Articles of Incorporation Lawyers
Curt B.
Curt Brown has experience advising clients on a variety of franchising, business litigation, transactional, and securities law matters. Mr. Brown's accolades include: - Super Lawyers Rising Star - California Lawyer of the Year by The Daily Journal - Pro Bono Attorney of the Year the USC Public Interest Law Fund Curt started his legal career in the Los Angeles office of the prestigious firm of Irell & Manella LLP, where his practice focused on a wide variety of complex civil litigation matters, including securities litigation, antitrust, trademark, bankruptcy, and class action defense. Mr. Brown also has experience advising mergers and acquisitions and international companies concerning cyber liability and class action defense. He is admitted in California, Florida, D.C., Washington, Illinois, Colorado, and Michigan.
"I was very impressed with the responsiveness and knowledge brought to my situation."
Rhea d.
Rhea de Aenlle is a business-savvy attorney with extensive experience in Privacy & Data Security (CIPP/US, CIPP/E), GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, FERPA, Intellectual Property, and Commercial Contracts. She has over 25 years of legal experience as an in-house counsel, AM Law 100 firm associate, and a solo practice attorney. Rhea works with start-up and midsize technology companies.
"Rhea is very knowledgable, quick, and provides great communication."
Angela H.
Angela Hayden is an accomplished and driven attorney with a diverse professional background that sets her apart. Having served as a former Assistant Public Defender in Allegheny County, Angela acquired invaluable expertise in navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system. Her trial experience spans a wide range of cases, from minor retail theft to complex criminal homicide, demonstrating her ability to deliver successful outcomes for her clients. Prior to her focus on criminal defense, Angela honed her skills in public policy and political consulting through her work with both the Pennsylvania and United States House of Representatives. This experience provided her with a deep understanding of the intricacies of public policy and the ability to offer strategic guidance to clients. Angela's career also took her to a civil defense firm, where she traveled across the country, defending clients in litigation. This experience enhanced her ability to handle complex civil matters and strengthened her litigation skills. In addition to her expertise in criminal defense and civil litigation, Angela has demonstrated her proficiency in employment law, providing guidance and consultation to small businesses and non-profit organizations. Her keen insight into employment law matters ensures that businesses operate within legal boundaries while fostering a positive work environment. Furthermore, Angela is a licensed realtor, well-versed in residential real estate transactions. This additional knowledge allows her to offer comprehensive legal support to clients involved in real estate matters, ensuring their interests are protected throughout the process. Angela holds a degree from Hampton University and obtained her Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton School of Law. She is pursuing a Master of Business Administration. She is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia, demonstrating her commitment to providing exceptional legal services in multiple jurisdictions. With her extensive experience and passion for achieving favorable outcomes for her clients, Angela Hayden is a dedicated advocate ready to guide you through your legal journey.
April 14, 2023
Sonya A.
Experienced Attorney with a demonstrated history of working in the law practice industry. Skilled in Preparation of Wills, Trial Practice, Estate Administration, Trusts, and Estate Planning. Strong legal professional with a Juris Doctorate focused in Law from Howard University School of Law.
Igxtelle M.
February 11, 2026
Igxtelle M.
Licensed Attorney with 14 years of experience in consumer dispute resolution, medical arbitration, mediation, and transactional law
Mark M.
I have 20-plus years of experience as a corporate general counsel, for public and private corporations, domestic and international. I have acted as corporate secretary for a publicly-held corporation and have substantial experience in corporate finance, M&A, corporate governance, incorporations, corporate maintenance, complex transactions, corporate termination and restructuring, as well as numerous aspects of regulatory and financial due diligence. In my various corporate roles, I have routinely drafted complex corporate contracts and deal-related documents such as stock purchase agreements, option and warrant agreements, MSAs, SOWs, term sheets, joint venture agreements, tender agreements purchase and sale agreements, technology licensing agreements, vendor agreements, service agreements, IP and technology security agreements, NDAs, etc. and have managed from both a legal and business perspective many projects in the financial, technology, energy and venture capital fields.
July 5, 2023
zurick s.
Zurick T. Smith is the founding member of The Law Office of Zurick T. Smith, PLLC. His firm services DC residents with Trusts & Estate Planning, simple to complex employment and business matters as well as business formations.
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Browse Lawyers NowLawyer Reviews for District of Columbia Articles of Incorporation Projects
File Articles of Incorporation
"Laid everything out up front including cost and timeline. Kept to the timeline and explained everything he did and I need to do moving forward in layman's terms which is greatly appreciated."
New Business Start Up
"Jane's expertise was essential for helping me navigate the nuances of filing for trademarks and more."
SCA Doc Job
"Allen was extremely helpful, provided excellent guidance, even beyond the exact scope of work which a professional and experienced legal advisor would. And provided a detailed and consumable work product on time and communicated clearly how to proceed. Thank you."
Reply From Allen L.
Thank you for the kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. I enjoyed working on the SCA documents with you, and I am glad the work product gave you a clear path forward — going beyond the stated scope is just how I approach things when I see something that matters. Please reach out any time you need legal support. Allen
View MoreArticles of Incorporation
"Jimmy was excellent to work with. Very informative, gave me several options, communicated every day and completed the project ahead of schedule. I would highly recommend him if you are starting a new business and need help."
Business
Articles of Incorporation
New York
What is the incorporation’s fee in New York?
I am a U.S. citizen, can I form a corporation with a Bangladesh national?
Ema T.
The Statutory fee for a domestic business corporation in the state of NY is currently $125. Any information provided as an answer to these questions does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between the attorney and anyone in relation to any information provided under the Q & A section of this website.
Corporate Governance
Articles of Incorporation
New York
Can you provide me with information on the role and responsibilities of a registered agent in a business entity?
I recently started a small business and I have been advised to appoint a registered agent for my company. However, I am not fully aware of the role and responsibilities of a registered agent and how they can benefit my business. I would like to understand the legal requirements and obligations associated with this position, as well as how a registered agent can assist in ensuring compliance with state regulations and receiving important legal documents on behalf of my company.
Damien B.
If a company registers to do business in a state where it does not have a physical presence, it must designate a registered agent in that state to accept legal documents. This ensures compliance with state laws and provides a reliable way to receive official communications. A company can appoint itself as its registered agent to receive legal documents if it has a physical address in that state. In that situation, there would be no need to have a separate registered agent. Some business owners who work from home opt for a registered agent service, which can help protect privacy by keeping the individual's home address off public records. Feel free to reach out if you want a consultation or other legal services.
Corporate
Articles of Incorporation
Florida
When do I need articles of incorporation?
I want to start an LLC in Florida and have read about articles of incorporation. I want to understand what they are used for.
Jane C.
You need articles of incorporation when you start a business, open a business bank account, and apply for a tax identification number. Disclaimer - This information is provided for general informational purposes only. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
Business
Articles of Incorporation
Florida
new business startup
we are located in florida but were told delaware is a good satte to incorporaet the business
Bruce B.
Yes. Many businesses choose to incorporate in Delaware because Delaware has favorable laws to business entities as well as a detailed history of how cases will by decided by their courts. For this reason Delaware is a good option to consider for incorporation. You can then register with the State of Florida as a foreign corporation doing business in Florida.
Corporate
Articles of Incorporation
New York
Does an LLC need articles of incorporation?
I am considering forming an NY LLC and am doing a bit of research.
Ramsey T.
LLCs are not technically "companies" or "corporations" and therefore they are not formed by filing Articles of Incorporation. Corporations are formed when you file Articles of Incorporation. LLS are formed by an "Organizer" who files a Form of Organization or Articles of Organization with a state. LLCs actually are "hybrids" with characteristic of companies in some ways and of partnerships in other ways.
Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.
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District of Columbia Articles of Incorporation lawyers by city
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Incorporating startup
Location: Georgia
Turnaround: Less than a week
Service: Drafting
Doc Type: Articles of Incorporation (Corporations)
Number of Bids: 7
Bid Range: $395 - $1,995
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