District of Columbia Foreign Qualification

Foreign qualification with the Secretary of State in District of Columbia is the process by which a business that is registered in another state seeks permission to operate in DC. This ensures that the business complies with local laws and regulations, allowing it to legally conduct business in the District of Columbia.

Follow the guide below to help you register with the Secretary of State in District of Columbia or use Mosey to do it.

Use Mosey to register with the Secretary of State in District of Columbia.

Avoid the hassle of doing it yourself and use Mosey to automate foreign qualification, annual reports, and registered agent service.

Get started Learn more

District of Columbia Foreign Registration for Professional Corporation, LLP, LLC, Corporation

Foreign entities "doing business" in DC must register with the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) by filing a Foreign Registration Statement (Form FN-1). DC law defines a "business" as "any trade, profession, or activity which provides, or holds itself out to provide, goods or services to the general public or to any portion of the general public, for hire or compensation in the District of Columbia." It also provides a list of activities not considered "doing business." Note: The filing fee for nonprofit organizations is $80.

Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing
DC requires a Certificate of Good Standing (also known as a Certificate of Existence) from your home state issued within 90 days.
Establish a Registered Agent
You must have a registered agent in DC designated to accept service of process. Your registered agent must have an DC street address and can be any DC resident or a corporation registered to do business in the district.
Create an Access DC Account
Create an Access DC account to access the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection's online filing system.
File Foreign Registration Statement Online
Log in to CorpOnline with your Access DC account to file a Foreign Registration Statement (Form FN-1).

What else do I need to know?

Once you are registered with the Secretary of State, you may have additional requirements to maintain your "good standing" in the state. Failing to do so can result in fines, back taxes, and forfeiting certain priveleges within the state.

Maintaining a Registered Agent

Most states require that you have a registered agent that can receive important mail from the Secretary of State should they need to contact you. There are many commercial options available or you can use Mosey to be your registered agent and keep your information private in District of Columbia.

Annual Reports and Taxes

In addition to maintaining a registered agent, most states require you to file a report annually. Registration can also trigger state taxes such as a franchise tax or income tax. You can use Mosey to identify these additional requirements to maintain good standing in District of Columbia.

District of Columbia's Foreign Qualification Agencies

DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP)

Floating Holiday vs. PTO: How To Choose Them for Your Company

Human resource managers have a lot to consider. Every choice they make can shape how their company operates and dictate their company’s culture. For example, decisions surrounding paid time off (PTO) and floating holidays can significantly impact employee satisfaction and operational efficiency. Understanding these policies’ differences, legal requirements, and practical applications is crucial for HR professionals aiming to create a perfectly balanced and compliant work environment.

What Is Regulatory Compliance? What To Know

Regulatory compliance might not be at the top of your to-do list, but it’s a non-negotiable part of running a business. Regulatory compliance means following the laws and regulations that apply to your industry and how you operate — and it takes effort and attention to stay on top of it. Corporate compliance can be especially tricky to deal with when you might not have a large in-house team dedicated to this. This article is about understanding regulatory compliance and recognizing its importance for your business’s success.

SOC2 Type 2 Certification

We are excited to announce that Mosey has successfully received our SOC 2 Type 2 certification! At Mosey, we understand the critical importance of safeguarding our customers’ information, and we take this responsibility seriously. Our attainment of SOC2 Type 2 reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring the security and confidentiality of our customers’ data. SOC2 Type 2 certification demonstrates that our security practices and procedures have not only been rigorously tested and evaluated, but have also proven to be effective over an extended period. This independent audit assessed the operational effectiveness of our controls, ensuring they are not only designed appropriately but are also consistently applied and adhered to over time.

The Platform for State and Local Compliance