District of Columbia Articles of Incorporation: Definition, Purpose

Quick Facts — Articles of Incorporation Lawyers

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

How do I hire a lawyer to draft articles of incorporation in District of Columbia?

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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.


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Alton H. on ContractsCounsel
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Alton H.

Attorney
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Washington, DC
12 Yrs Experience
Licensed in DC NJ, NY, VA
The George Washington University Law School

I am a U.S.-licensed attorney with more than a decade of experience in complex litigation and intellectual property matters. I have practiced at leading Am Law firms including Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, Arent Fox, and Sughrue Mion, and I currently operate my own law practice. I have extensive experience handling high-stakes patent litigation, drafting pleadings and briefs, managing large-scale discovery, preparing and defending depositions, and appearing before federal courts and administrative bodies such as the PTAB and ITC. I hold a J.D., cum laude, from The George Washington University Law School and advanced technical degrees in chemistry and chemical engineering, which allow me to efficiently handle technically complex matters. I am admitted in multiple jurisdictions, including New York, Virginia, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia, and I regularly provide high-quality remote legal support to clients nationwide.

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Jehan C.

Business, Estate and Intellectual Property Lawyer
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Washington, DC
12 Yrs Experience
Licensed in DC
New York Law School

Experience business, estate and intellectual property attorney ready to serve entrepreneurs and creatives in all 50 state and those that have wills and estate planning needs in the District of Columbia.

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Chloe S.

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Washington, DC
7 Yrs Experience
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Georgetown School of Law

Chloe was born in Texas and graduated from the University of Houston, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. Following undergrad Chloe relocated to the D.C. area where she worked as a special education teacher before attending law school at Howard University School of Law where she received her J.D. and Georgetown Law Center where she received an L.L.M. in taxation.

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Parsa G.

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Washington, D.C.
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American University Washington College of Law

I’m a licensed attorney with a J.D. and a strong background in reviewing, negotiating, and drafting a wide range of commercial agreements, especially in the context of international trade and cross-border transactions. I’ve reviewed hundreds of sales contracts, and have experience drafting and negotiating international sale of goods agreements, distribution agreements, supplier/manufacturer contracts, licensing agreements, and service-level agreements (SLAs). My focus is on helping clients reduce risk and protect their interests through clear, enforceable contract language. I also advise on key international elements like Incoterms, dispute resolution mechanisms (including ICC arbitration), payment structuring, governing law, and IP protections. Whether you need a custom agreement, a contract review with redlines, or support structuring a cross-border deal, I bring both precision and practicality to every engagement.

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Alexander C.

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Tampa, Florida
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I am a solo practitioner that runs my own legal practice. I am currently licensed in 16 states and I'm working to expand that reach.

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Sean D.

Founding Partner
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Washington DC
16 Yrs Experience
Licensed in DC CA, MA
Georgetown University Law School

After 15+ years at leading firms in Silicon Valley, Boston, and DC, I started Supernova Law to partner with the clients who inspire me most—start-ups, mission-driven companies, B-Corps, and non-profits. My goal is simple: provide accessible, affordable, high-quality legal support to innovators creating positive change for our society. At Supernova Law, your vision and values come first.

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Don M.

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AI and crypto-savvy Attorney with 20+ years’ experience advising companies in I.T., software, telecommunications, FinTech and Artificial Intelligence (AI) with 9+ yrs spent in GC roles. Barred in 3 states (Calif. New York & Wash. D.C.) plus the U.S. Supreme Court. Registered Patent Attorney (USPTO). Extremely versatile, with subject matter expertise in a variety of legal topics highly useful for tech and startup companies, including IP, privacy, financial / banking laws (Regulation E, UDAAP, ID Theft Red Flags Rule, etc.), AML, KYC, export controls, litigation/ADR, cryptocurrency regulations and the rules governing the use of A.I. Deep understanding of computer technology via Master’s in Comp. Info. Systems (MSCIS). Also pre-law business experience. Certifications: Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS); Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP-US); Certified HIPAA Professional. Education: Law degree (JD): UCLA, 2003. MSCIS: Boston Univ., 2011.

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Lawyer Reviews for District of Columbia Articles of Incorporation Projects

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5.0

"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."

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4.7

"Jason was easy to work with, took the time to answer the questions we had and delivered the scope of work as agreed."

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Delaware Incorporation

5.0

"I had the pleasure of working with Ted on Contracts Counsel, and I can confidently say that he exceeded all my expectations. From the outset, Ted demonstrated an exceptional level of professionalism and expertise in handling my business contracts. He was not only incredibly punctual, responding to my queries promptly, but also offered invaluable advice that helped me navigate complex legal matters with ease. Ted's clear communication and attention to detail made the entire process seamless, and I felt confident knowing that I had a skilled attorney on my side. Whether you’re dealing with contract drafting, negotiation, or any other business legal matter, I highly recommend Ted for his thorough knowledge, quick responsiveness, and excellent guidance. His support truly made a difference, and I’m grateful for the peace of mind he provided. If you're seeking a top-tier attorney for business contracts, Ted is the one to trust."

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"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."

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Business

Articles of Incorporation

Florida

Asked on May 12, 2022

new business startup

we are located in florida but were told delaware is a good satte to incorporaet the business

Bruce B.

Answered May 27, 2022

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.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Corporate

Articles of Incorporation

New York

Asked on Mar 30, 2021

Does an LLC need articles of incorporation?

I am considering forming an NY LLC and am doing a bit of research.

Ramsey T.

Answered Mar 30, 2021

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.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Business

Articles of Incorporation

New York

Asked on Jun 26, 2022

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.

Answered Jul 2, 2022

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.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Non-Profit Corporation

Articles of Incorporation

New York

Asked on Dec 8, 2024

Can the Articles of Incorporation be amended to change the purpose of a nonprofit organization?

I am a board member of a nonprofit organization that was established with a specific purpose outlined in our Articles of Incorporation. However, due to changing circumstances and the evolving needs of our community, we are considering amending the Articles of Incorporation to expand our organization's purpose. We want to know if it is legally possible to make such changes to the Articles of Incorporation and if there are any specific requirements or procedures we need to follow in order to do so.

Damien B.

Answered Dec 9, 2024

Hello! My name is Damien Bosco, Esq. My law office is located in Long Island City across from Manhattan. A not-for-profit corporation may amend its Certificate of Incorporation from time to time by filing a Certificate of Amendment under Section 803 of the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law. The document may contain any information originally included in a Certificate of Incorporation (name change, revision to the purpose clause, etc.). Because you plan to alter the corporation's purpose, you must review Section 804 to ensure you obtain the necessary consent. If you need a consultation or help with this, feel free to reach out. Best regards.

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Corporate Governance

Articles of Incorporation

New York

Asked on Dec 23, 2024

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.

Answered Dec 24, 2024

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.

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Recent Project:
A great 50% 30% 20% operating agreement
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Turnaround: Less than a week
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Doc Type: Articles of Incorporation (Corporations)
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Recent Project:
New Business set up (New Jersey)
Location: New Jersey
Turnaround: A week
Service: Drafting
Doc Type: Articles of Incorporation (Corporations)
Number of Bids: 10
Bid Range: $250 - $5,000
User Feedback:
Jason was easy to work with, took the time to answer the questions we had and delivered the scope of work as agreed.

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