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
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- Washington
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Need to file articles of incorporation?
Meet some of our District of Columbia Articles of Incorporation Lawyers
Norman R.
Norman Romney is an attorney and professional engineer with over 35 years of experience in the engineering, construction, and real estate industries. He is a seasoned transactional lawyer experienced in the review, negotiation, drafting and analysis of commercial contracts, including: business asset purchase agreements, partnership buy-out agreements, non-disclosure/confidentiality agreements, commercial leases, cease-desist letters, payment demand letters, construction contracts, consulting agreements and many more. He is also experienced in the preparation and review of construction industry standard contract forms including AIA documents, EJCDC documents and FIDIC international construction industry forms. Norman’s practice has included serving a General Counsel for a large non-profit. He also represented and assisted clients in the resolution of business contract disputes. He is experienced in many forms of alternative dispute resolution such as mediation, arbitration and third-party neutrals. His clients include large and small businesses, entrepreneurs, non-profits and freelancers. He is devoted to all his clients and seeks to provide timely, efficient and cost-effective legal services.
Abbi N.
I provide efficient, business-focused contract counsel services to companies and law firms, drawing on my experience as a Supervising Attorney and former Assistant Attorney General handling complex litigation, contracts, and regulatory matters across multiple jurisdictions. I deliver practical, strategic solutions—whether drafting and negotiating agreements, advising on employment and business issues, or managing risk before disputes arise. Clients hire me because I step in quickly, provide clear guidance, and produce high-quality work without unnecessary overhead.
Ricardo A.
Ricardo Aponte Parsi is a real estate and corporate counsel with a 22+-year track record of assessing risk, managing litigation, and building compliance systems to protect organizational interests. Trusted business partner and problem solver, dedicated to delivering exceptional results that advance business objectives through preventive counseling, strategic risk management, and shrewd advocacy. Collaborative team leader and project manager who builds relationships, leads change, and communicates effectively with private and public stakeholders. He obtained a bachelor's degree from Syracuse University (1994) with a major in International Relations and his law degree from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico School of Law (2000). In May 2014, he completed a Master of Laws from Northwestern University School of Law and a Certificate in Business Administration from IE Business School in Madrid, Spain. In 2018, he completed a second LL.M. at Georgetown University Law School in Securities and Financial Regulation. In 2022, he completed a certification in Privacy Law from Seton Hall University School of Law. He was president of the Board of the Puerto Rico Education Council, the licensing agency for the Commonwealth, and is currently the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the San Juan Community College. Since November of 2024, he has worked as an attorney-advisor for the United States Air Force Installations, Energy and Environmental Law Division (SAF/GCN) at Lackland Air Force Base, in San Antonio, Texas.SAF/GCN provides legal and policy advice to members of the Secretariat, the Air Staff, and the Space Staff on virtually all matters relating to the Department’s 180 installations, nearly 10 million acres of real estate, Base Realignment, and Closure; annual $7 billion installation and operational energy budgets; annual multibillion-dollar military construction program; $8.3 billion military privatized housing portfolio; programs for environmental planning, compliance, and restoration and natural and cultural resources management; and programs for safety and occupational health. The Division advises the Center of Excellence for Environment, Facilities, and Installations and the Energy, Environmental, and Installations Directorates within the Air Force Civil Engineer Center. Experienced with estate planning, wills, trusts, prenuptial agreements and powers of attorney.
"Ricardo was exceptionally attentive and detail-oriented while drafting our unconventional prenuptial agreement. Despite an extremely tight timeline, he delivered it right in time without compromising quality. He didn't simply drag and drop information in a template like our previous attorney did – instead, he wrote a custom agreement based on our goals. He took the time to truly listen to our needs and asked thoughtful, incisive follow-up questions that led to important revisions we had not previously anticipated, but were deeply grateful he identified. His rate was very reasonable, and he demonstrated outstanding integrity in transparently and accurately documenting his billable hours. We are sincerely grateful for his guidance during a stressful and emotionally charged time, and for ensuring we had a thoroughly drafted, legally sound, and high-quality agreement in place before our wedding. We can't recommend him enough!"
June 14, 2024
Kahalia S.
Corporate Counsel for Sports, Entertainment, and federal government industries with a focus on labor and employment.
John L.
I have been practising law for over 30 years. I have extensive legal experience in contract disputes and drafting demand letters. I have been lead counsel in over 100 civil and criminal jury trials and have extensive litigation stradegy knowledge. I belive my experience would be of great benefit to any prospective client.
Ana C.
Fractional General Counsel for growing companies, mainly in the financial sector, including companies operating in Mexico or Latin America. My niche includes companies who need day to day legal services, but are not ready to hire an in-house lawyer, and companies whose in-house legal team needs additional support. I am admitted to practice law in the District of Columbia and Mexico. With a bicultural legal education and background, and an extensive network of contacts in both jurisdictions, I’m able to provide efficient and high-quality services to my clients. With more than 18 years of legal experience, I have: - Led the Legal Department of a financial institution held by a public company - Led the Legal Department of a family office holding investments in diverse sectors - Participated on several M&A transactions - Participated on an IPO process - Participated in the purchase of a banking institution in the U.S. by a foreign group of investors - Worked at law firms with international presence Legal experience mainly in Corporate Governance, Securities Regulations, M&A, Corporate Development, Contracts, Corporate Law, Compensation, Policy Development, Investor Relations, among others. Non-for-profit Board and pro-bono experience.
April 4, 2025
Brandon S.
I am a litigation expert of five years with tax experience, strict product liability, sexual abuse, personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, and black mold.
Find the best lawyer for your project
Browse Lawyers NowLawyer Reviews for District of Columbia Articles of Incorporation Projects
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 MoreNew Business Start Up
"Jane's expertise was essential for helping me navigate the nuances of filing for trademarks and more."
New Business set up (New Jersey)
"Jason was easy to work with, took the time to answer the questions we had and delivered the scope of work as agreed."
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."
Articles 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."
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.
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.
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.
Non-Profit Corporation
Articles of Incorporation
New York
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.
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.
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.
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ContractsCounsel User
Draft contract for business corporations
Location: New York
Turnaround: A week
Service: Drafting
Doc Type: Articles of Incorporation (Corporations)
Number of Bids: 8
Bid Range: $499 - $3,499
ContractsCounsel User