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.

District of Columbia Foreign Registration for 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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Create an Access DC Account

    Create an Access DC account to access the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection's online filing system.

  4. 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

Review your compliance risks, free.

More from the blog

Learn how to keep your business compliant in all 50 states across payroll, HR, Secretary of State, and tax.

California Extends Sick Leave to Victims of Crime and Violence (2025)

California is setting a new standard for workers’ rights with its expanded sick leave, providing you and your team with support during challenging times. The law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, providing relief to victims of crimes such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. By extending the reach of the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014 (HWHFA) and defining unpaid leave protections under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), the state has made a powerful statement about its priorities.

Kaitlin Edwards | Dec 30, 2024

Non-Commercial Registered Agent vs. Registered Agent

Many businesses will need a registered agent at the time they file their business registration paperwork. In most states, there is no difference between a noncommercial registered agent and a commercial registered agent. Only 12 states make a distinction between the two types. If you live in a state that distinguishes commercial registered agents from noncommercial registered agents, here’s what you should know about the differences and how to select the right type of registered agent for your business.

Gabrielle Sinacola | Mar 3, 2024

How To Create an HR Plan for a Startup Company

Building a strong foundation for your startup’s HR is crucial to long-term success. You may feel like developing an HR plan for a startup is like putting the cart before the horse, but it’s far more important than many founders realize. When you start with an excellent HR foundation, your organization will grow and thrive around it. A well-crafted HR plan ensures your startup attracts, retains, and develops the talent it needs to not just survive but thrive.

Gabrielle Sinacola | Jan 14, 2025

Ready to get started?

Schedule a free consultation to see how Mosey transforms business compliance.