7 Best Registered Agent Services in Washington DC (2025)

Hiring a registered agent service is key to successfully starting your Washington, D.C., business. The right registered agent will ensure that you are abiding local regulations and keep your business compliant.

To save valuable time for your business, I incorporated my 6 years of legal experience to research and study over 60 registered agent services and narrowed it down to the 7 best options.

In cooperation with my fellow colleagues in the legal field, we evaluated these Washington D.C. registered agent services by assessing customer support, price, turnaround time, and more.

Company	Registered Agent Price	Service Features	Money-Back Guarantee	BBB Accredited	Advisory Services
Northwest (Best Overall)	$125/year. First year free with LLC purchase.	Same-Day Scans, Instant Notifications Privacy by Default® Business Address & Free Mail Forwarding Free Domain, Website, Email & Business Phone.	90 days	No, A rating	No
ZenBusiness (Best Essentials)	$199	Receiving and forwarding official legal mail, scanning and uploading documents to the customer’s dashboard, and notifying the customer via email.	60 days	Yes	Accounting Consultation
Bizee (formerly Incfile) (Most Affordable)	$119/year. First year free with LLC purchase.	Manages the paperwork for you, avoid missed deadlines, tiresome paperwork, noncompliance and the associated fines or penalties.	Order refundable before state payment (usually 24h), minus $30 fee.	No	Tax: Free 1-hour Consultation
Rocket Lawyer (Best Premium)	$249.99 with Rocket Legal / $124.99 with Rocket Legal+	Receive important legal and tax communications, scanned official documents to your email, keep your personal business address private.	30 days	Yes	Legal: Ask-a-lawyer via email & 30-minute monthly phone consultation per new matter (with subscription)
MyCompanyWorks	$119/year. First year free with when buying Entrepreneur & Complate Package	Ensures Statutory Compliance, Moving your business requires no forms or fees, Easy online updating of forwarding address, Immediate Notification and Delivery of Service of Process, Forms, etc. Extra layer of privacy between you and your company.	90 days	Yes, A+	Trademark Consultation & 1-hour Tax Webinar
Harbor Compliance	$88-$99	Same-Day document access, email notifications, annual report notifications to stay compliant.	No	Yes	No
LegalZoom	$249/year	Alerts & reminders, documents scanned and uploaded, unlimited cloud storage for business documents.	60 days	Yes, A+ rating	Attorney Consultations (Premium Plan)

The 7 Best Washington D.C. Registered Agent Services (January 2025)

1 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)

Would you recommend Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)?

Northwest Registered Agent is one of the top services for starting a business digitally.

We tested this well-known company to assess the process of creating an LLC, and based on our assessment, you’ll be provided with continuous support from a personal agent.

Northwest features a special LLC setup package for just $39, which offers a free registered agent service for the initial year. This promotion is available when you register via our link.

During our use, their service guided us preparing all the necessary legal paperwork, and their specialists made us feel supported at all step of the process.

We felt assured knowing that Northwest Registered Agent values customer privacy and operates with a secure digital system that doesn’t distribute client data to third-party organizations.

While Northwest provides a comprehensive range of business services, their plans currently don’t include an EIN, which we think might improve their value even further.

Service Highlights:

• Registered Agent Service ($125/year): The 1st year of registered agent service is free when Northwest takes care of your LLC formation. This feature provides mail forwarding, knowledgeable corporate guides, and privacy-first protections.
• Full-Service LLC Formation Plan ($39 + $99 State Fee): This comprehensive package includes priority filing, a full year of registered agent service, an LLC operating agreement, free business tools like a domain, website, email, and business phone, and built-in privacy practices.

2 - ZenBusiness (Best Premium)

Would you recommend ZenBusiness (Best Premium)?

ZenBusiness stands out for its comprehensive LLC formation and registered agent services, tailored for businesses establishing themselves in Washington, DC.

They offer a robust package that includes worry-free compliance, customer service excellence, and a suite of tools to help entrepreneurs stay on top of filing deadlines.

Before submitting our LLC registration application in Washington, DC, ZenBusiness conducted a name availability search to ensure that the entity name we selected was available.

Their customer support was prompt, extremely helpful, and thoroughly clarified crucial legal questions we were curious about.

We were impressed with the competitive pricing and fast turnaround times of ZenBusiness's registered agent services in Arizona, and our overall experience with their services was positive.

We also recommend ZenBusiness's registered agent services in Washington to other entrepreneurs.

Service Features:

• Registered Agent Service ($199): Includes a Washington, DC, registered agent, online document access, and expertly customized support.
• ZenBusiness Starter Package ($0 + $200 State Fee): The Starter Package helps you start your LLC, usually taking 7 to 10 days. It also includes a free month of banking. If you want more services without spending too much, this package is great. You can choose to follow all the rules without worry for the first year at no extra cost. After this period, this worry-free compliance is $199 per year. It makes sure you remember important dates for your business.
• ZenBusiness Pro Package ($199 + $200 State Fee): The Pro Package makes the Starter option even better and finishes the basic paperwork in just 1 business day. Besides making your business start faster, the Pro option also gives you an EIN for legal purposes. It also includes an operating agreement that explains who does what in the business and keeps business operations well-structured and smooth.
• ZenBusiness Premium Package ($299 + $200 State Fee): The Premium Package builds on what the Pro package offers. It adds ready-to-use business document templates, which make it easier to talk and keep things the same across your business. Also, you get to try a website builder for a month, which helps your business grow on the internet. This builder has lots of easy-to-use designs and tools that make your website show up better on search engines and plan when things get posted on social media. The package also includes a 1-day rush filing speed.

3 - Bizee (Most Affordable)

Would you recommend Bizee (Most Affordable)?

Bizee stands out in the Washington, DC, market for offering a cost-effective registered agent service, renowned for its all-encompassing support and intuitive user interface.

Despite its affordability, Bizee's (formerly Incfile) service is comprehensive, rivalling higher-priced competitors.

Especially considering the financial landscape in Washington, DC, where, as per CRA Aggregate Data, in 2021, reporting banks issued $2.2 billion in loans to Washington businesses with revenues of $1 million or less, Bizee's cost-effective solutions are particularly beneficial for small businesses navigating these economic conditions [1].

Although their basic package may lack an operating agreement, the level of customer care and the speed of their responses significantly bridge this gap.

Our team's experience with Bizee was notably positive, marked by the service's user-friendly approach and the informed, eager-to-assist nature of their customer support team.

Service Features:

• Registered Agent Service ($119): This service comes with a personalized Dashboard that enables instant access to online documents. With the Formation package, this service can be free for the first year.
• Silver Formation Package ($0 + $200 State Fee): Includes free registered agent service for 12 months, unlimited name searches, as well as unlimited phone and email support.
• Gold Formation Package ($199 + $200 State Fee): Gold LLC Package includes everything from the Silver package plus an LLC kit with a stamping seal and binder, an employee identification number, an operating agreement, an express LLC filing, and a contract library. An EIN is also included.
• Platinum LLC Formation Package ($299 + $200 State Fee): Platinum Plan includes everything from the previous two packages plus a business domain and website, expedited delivery, and a Platinum LLC Kit, which includes everything from the Gold Kit and domain name and a business email.

4 - Rocket Lawyer (Best Essentials)

Would you recommend Rocket Lawyer (Best Essentials)?

Rocket Lawyer is a top-notch choice for businesses looking for premium registered agent services. Their comprehensive range of business solutions is thoughtfully tailored to serve the unique demands of business operations, guaranteeing smooth LLC setup and legal compliance.

They feature multiple LLC registration and attorney services, managing paperwork and filings with precision. Additionally, they provide a free trial, so you can experience their services before signing up.

Rocket Lawyer’s attorney services simplified the task of managing our paperwork and filings. The free trial was an great way to experience their offerings without pressure.

Their well-organized list of premium services and pricing enabled us to compare options and choose the most suitable plan for our needs.

For more information about this service, we encourage reading our Rocket Lawyer review.

Service Highlights:

• Registered Agent Service ($249.99 for non-members): For Rocket Legal+ members, this service is available to $124.99/year, with a membership cost of $19.99/month (billed annually at $239.88 after a free 7-day trial).
• LLC Formation Package ($0 + $99 State Fee): Register your first LLC for FREE when you subscribe to Rocket Legal+ ($19.99/month billed annually at $239.88 after a free 7-day trial).

5 - MyCompanyWorks

Would you recommend MyCompanyWorks?

Businesses across the United States can utilize a registered agent service from MyCompanyWorks for just $119 per year.

Their Entrepreneur Package and the top-tier plan offer a free first year of registered agent service, making them an excellent value.

We were satisfied with their compliance monitoring feature, which made it effortless to keep track of compliance obligations.

MyCompanyWorks is also known for its responsive customer support. Based on our testing, they return your queries to phone calls and emails within 30 minutes or less during business hours—unlike many industries providers, which can take a full day.

Service Highlights:

• Registered Agent Services ($119/year): Starting at $119 annually if purchased separately, the middle-tier and Complete packages offer the first year of registered agent service for free.
• Basic Formation Package ($79 + $99 State Fee): This foundational package provides essential startup services like Articles of Organization, same-day processing, unlimited phone/email support, name availability search, a personalized operating agreement, business bank account setup, banking resolution, access to scanned documents online, a free logo, and more.
• Entrepreneur Formation Package ($199 + $99 State Fee): Includes everything from the Basic Package, including lifetime access to MyCompanyForms & tax guide, a free first-year registered agent service, and a Federal Tax ID (EIN).
• Complete Formation Package ($279 + $99 State Fee): This top-tier package features everything in the Entrepreneur Package plus MyCompanyWorks Premium, which includes Initial and Annual Report Filing Service, ComplianceLock™ Alerts, Automatic Minutes and Resolutions, E-Ledger, E-Certificates, Business Entity Monitoring, and Priority Support.

6 - Harbor Compliance

Would you recommend Harbor Compliance?

Harbor Compliance is a well-respected expert firm that can provide you with compliance services to keep your business in good standing and perform the traditional duties of a commercial registered agent.

They offer a program designed to assist businesses in monitoring critical annual report deadlines and quickly identifying where they are registered to operate.

We were genuinely impressed with this program, and they even provided us with a 10 percent discount when we purchased an additional service.

Harbor Compliance is an excellent option if you want to launch your business quicker. Their fast response times make it easy to get up and running in no time.

If you opt to work with Harbor Compliance, they will assign you a friendly compliance specialist who will handle the setup of your LLC and address any questions you may have about your business.

Service Features:

• Registered Agent Service ($89 to $99): This service includes same-day delivery of documents and immediate access to the registered agent's physical address.
• Formation Package ($99 + $200 State Fee): This registered agent service bundle comes with a year of free registered agent service, articles of incorporation, an operating agreement, an EIN, and a name search.

7 - LegalZoom

Would you recommend LegalZoom?

LegalZoom understands the critical need for comprehensive legal support in the corporate world, so they have assembled a team of impartial lawyers to provide essential assistance.

Our experience with LegalZoom was very good. We found their customer service very knowledgeable, and they offer more generous support contact hours compared to their competitors.

Their do-it-yourself site is user-friendly, offering a simple and effective interaction from start to finish. Although LegalZoom charges more than its competitors, its established reputation and expertise may make you feel more at ease using its service.

However, they are very pricey, and their LLC formation packages don’t include registered agent services, which means you’ll have to purchase the service as an add-on.

Service Features:

• Registered Agent Service ($299/Year): The cost of their LLC formation service is $249 for the first year, and thereafter there is a renewal fee of $299. This service package includes valuable features, such as a 1 million-dollar identity theft protection coverage, unlimited online storage, notifications on important emails, and a Compliance calendar.
• Basic LLC Formation Package ($0 + $200 State Fee): This package offers a comprehensive suite of services including a business name lookup feature, a website powered by WIX, articles of organization, and a digital onboarding kit.
• Pro LLC Formation Package ($249 + $200 State Fee): The package includes all the functionalities available in the Basic package plus an Employer Identification Number, initial sessions for tax and insurance consultation, an operational agreement, and an in-depth guide on acquiring business licenses.
• Premium LLC Formation Package ($299 + $200 State Fee): The package comprises all the features that come with the Pro package. Moreover, you will receive a 30-minute infinite consultation with a qualified attorney and updated LLC formation documents during the first 90-day subscription period. Additionally, a proficient business lawyer will provide you with a practical and personalized LLC formation guide.

Why You Should Trust Us

Placing your trust in Venture Smarter for your Washington, D.C., LLC formation is a decision well-made, thanks to our unparalleled expertise, unwavering commitment, and meticulous evaluation approach.

Our team, composed of experienced legal professionals and business analysts, has rigorously examined and tested leading LLC services across Washington, D.C., guaranteeing that our recommendations are rooted in substantial, direct experience.

Recognizing the unique commercial landscape of Washington, D.C., which supports over 76,000 small businesses, our objective is to pinpoint the LLC service that aligns seamlessly with your business goals and legal requirements.

In collaboration with a network of legal authorities, we ensure that our reviews are not only exhaustive but also precisely tailored to meet the distinct needs of Washington, D.C., entrepreneurs.

Depend on the Venture Smarter team for all your business necessities. Our evaluation method is strict and transparent, emphasizing the characteristics of services, customer support, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency.

We conduct undercover assessments with each service provider, leveraging insights from our independent advisory panel to offer unbiased, data-driven advice.

Venture Smarter serves as more than just a review platform; we aim to be a crucial ally in your business journey. Our goal is to simplify your path to LLC formation, providing guidance designed to navigate the complexities of legal compliance and business operation smoothly and confidently in Washington, D.C.

How We Picked And Tested The Best Registered Agent Services In Washington D.C.?

When selecting a registered agent in Washington, D.C., it's crucial to consider several factors to ensure that your business remains compliant and operates smoothly.

In our pursuit to pinpoint the premier LLC services in Washington, DC, we meticulously evaluated over 30 providers.

This extensive review process was conducted anonymously to ensure an unbiased assessment of their services.

Additionally, we sought insights from legal professionals who specialize in the intricacies of DC's business regulations.

We scrutinized the affordability of each service, the breadth of their offerings, their standing in the industry, and their proficiency with Washington DC-specific legalities, among other factors.

Considering the vibrant economic fabric of the District, where small businesses contributed a net increase of 161,791 jobs, or 86.2% of that total, as per Small Business Administration statistics, our evaluation also focused on how each registered agent service supports the growth and compliance of these vital entities, ensuring they can thrive and contribute to the local economy effectively [2].

1. Price

Our price evaluation at Venture Smarter went beyond mere number comparison; we created realistic business profiles to understand the actual costs involved with each service.

Through detailed interactions, averaging 35 minutes per provider, we uncovered all associated fees, contrasting these findings against advertised prices.

Bizee was commended for its transparency, offering a package free of hidden charges, contrasting markedly with the typical industry markup.

We rigorously examined Northwest Registered Agent’s advertised package priced at $39, ensuring it included the claimed free first-year registered agent service with no hidden fees unearthed after a comprehensive 40-minute evaluation.

This is remarkable for including a free first-year registered agent service through our link.

2. Services Offered

The evaluation of services offered was thorough, with each provider undergoing a detailed analysis based on a checklist of essential services crucial for LLC operation in Washington, D.C.

We spent, on average, 20 minutes reviewing each service's offerings.

ZenBusiness, Northwest, and LegalZoom were each subjected to this scrutiny to ensure they provided key services such as operating agreements and EIN registration.

ZenBusiness stood out with its worry-free compliance and comprehensive package options.

Northwest was also impressed with its array of services, including mail forwarding and same-day filing.

However, LegalZoom, while offering a broad spectrum of services, often did so at a higher price point.

3. Turnaround Time

Quick turnaround time is essential for businesses eager to start an LLC in Washington DC.

To accurately gauge turnaround times, we submitted real document filings through both Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness.

We meticulously recorded each step, noting that document submissions took an average of 15 and 18 minutes, respectively.

The total time from document submission to official state confirmation was tracked, revealing Northwest’s services were completed within an average of 2 business days and ZenBusiness at 2.5 days, validating their claims of expedited service against actual performance metrics.

A service that did not perform as well in this category was Harbor Compliance, which had a slightly slower document processing time despite offering quality service.

4. Support

Customer support is the backbone of any service-oriented business, especially when it comes to navigating the complexities of LLC formation. Effective support can save clients time and prevent costly mistakes.

To choose the services with the best support, we contacted representatives at each service, made basic inquiries, and noted their response time and efficiency.

ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent stood out with their rapid, human-centric support across multiple channels.

A company that lagged in this area was LegalZoom, which, despite a broad support network, had longer wait times and mixed reviews on the responsiveness of their customer service.

5. Third-Party Reviews

A company's Third-Party Reviews give potential clients confidence in the quality and dependability of the service. We examined customer feedback across various platforms, including TrustPilot and the Better Business Bureau.

Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness again stood out with high ratings and positive customer feedback for their consistent service.

On the flip side, LegalZoom received more mixed reviews despite its long-standing presence in the industry, reflecting a disparity in customer satisfaction.

6. Ease of Use

The ease of use of an online platform is critical, as it can significantly affect the efficiency of the LLC formation process. A user-friendly interface can simplify complex legal procedures.

ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent offer intuitive, streamlined platforms that facilitate a hassle-free experience.

In contrast, Harbor Compliance's website was reportedly less navigable, potentially leading to a more cumbersome user experience.

7. Confidentiality

Confidentiality is paramount in registered agent services as it involves handling sensitive business information, including legal documents and personal data.

From our review, Northwest Registered Agent stands out for its commitment to confidentiality. They have a strong reputation for the secure handling of client information, backed by over two decades of experience.

8. Transition Process

The transition process is critical when switching to a new registered agent service.

Ensuring a smooth transition is crucial to avoid any lapses in legal compliance and document management, which are essential for upholding a business's legal status.

Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness are excellent companies that provide a smooth transition process.

They offer services like compliance alerts, annual report filing deadline alerts, and a simple system for managing transitions.

How Much Do Registered Agent Service Providers Cost in Washington DC?

Registered agent service providers in Washington, D.C., typically charge between $89 and $299 per year.

For instance, Harbor Compliance offers services from $89 to $99, while LegalZoom's annual fee is around $299. It's important to note that being your own registered agent or appointing a friend or family member for this role is a cost-free option.

Requirements For A Washington, D.C., Registered Agent

Here are the requirements for an RA in Washington, D.C.:

• The registered agent must have a physical street address in Washington, D.C., where they can receive legal documents during normal business hours.
• The registered agent must be available to handle important legal and tax documents during standard working hours.
• The agent can be an individual residing in D.C. or a company authorized to provide registered agent services in the District.
• A candidate must be at least 18 or older to qualify as a registered agent in Washington, D.C., meeting the legal age of consent requirement.

"It is imperative for your Washington, D.C. Registered Agent to be accessible during standard business hours to accommodate any Service of Process. This includes the reception of crucial legal documents such as complaints, summonses, and subpoenas integral to LLC operations."

- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions

FAQs

What is the Best Registered Agent Service In Washington DC?

Choosing the best-registered agent can benefit your business in many ways, including flexibility, privacy, saving valuable time to focus on your business, and more.

Among the registered agent services in Washington, DC, these seven companies stood out for their pricing value, turnaround, and customer support.

After detailed research, we recommend Northwest Registered Agent as the best agent in Washington, DC.

Not only do they provide the best price with their registered agent service by including it in their base package for LLC formation, but they also have over 20 years of experience in the industry, high-quality customer support, and a user-friendly system.

References

1. https://www.ffiec.gov/cra/craproducts.htm
2. https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-Small-Business-Economic-Profile-WA.pdf