7 Best Registered Agent Services in Washington DC (2024)

Jon Morgan
Published by Jon Morgan | Co-Founder & Chief Editor
Last updated: March 1, 2024
Methodology
We diligently evaluate each service provider showcased in our reviews and guides. By interacting anonymously with their business formation and services, and leveraging the insights of an independent review team, we strive to offer unbiased, evidence-based suggestions. Learn more

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.


The 7 Best Washington D.C. Registered Agent Services (March 2024)

1 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)

Two men shaking hands as a sign of agreement
Support
5.0
Price
4.8
Turnaround
5.0
User Rating
1000+ Reviews
Overall
4.9
Would you recommend Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)?

Northwest Registered Agent is acclaimed for its two decades of expertise in LLC formation and registered agent services.

Renowned for secure and outstanding customer support, they offer a Washington, D.C., address for all your essential business correspondence.

Northwest Registered Agent also provides compliance alerts, annual report filing deadline alerts, a simple system, and a team of registered agents who’ve had experience working as lawyers and accountants.

Drawing from our firsthand experience with Northwest Registered Agent, we can confidently attest to their exceptional service quality.

Throughout our interactions, we were pleased to note the absence of response delays or the need for frequent transfers to other representatives.

Their team of registered agents consistently remained accessible, offering invaluable guidance on paperwork submission and promptly addressing our inquiries.

Service Features:

  • Registered Agent Service ($125): Includes Washington, DC, registered agent services for free during the first year if you opt for Northwest Registered Agent to form your LLC.
  • Basic Package ($39 + $200 State Fee): This Northwest Registered Agent package includes a Washington DC LLC, an LLC operating agreement, a membership certificate, and a free registered agent for a year (if you opt for Northwest Registered Agent).
  • Formation Package ($225 + $200 State Fee): Same-business-day filing is included in this package, next to free limited mail forwarding and an operating agreement.
Pros
  • Northwest keeps your address confidential.
  • Provides outstanding customer support with expert knowledge.
  • Special discount for Venture Smarter readers.
  • Dedicated to protecting customer data privacy, with no selling of information.
  • Clear and upfront service fees, without any hidden charges.
  • Features a 90-day refund policy to ensure customer satisfaction.
Cons
  • Phone-only refund process might inconvenience some customers.
  • Initial services are affordable, but additional features can be costly.
Sign Up To Northwest Registered Agent

2 - ZenBusiness (Best Premium)

Logo of ZenBusiness with a hardworking business woman in the background
Support
4.9
Price
5.0
Turnaround
4.9
User Rating
2000+ Reviews
Overall
4.9
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 2 to 3 weeks. 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 to 2 business days. 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 ($349 + $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.
Pros
  • Embraces social responsibility and engages in community activities.
  • Backs small enterprises through services and community-centered grants.
  • Streamlined and speedy purchasing procedures.
  • Offers a dedicated Annual Report filing service.
Cons
  • Excludes Registered Agent in business formation packages.
  • Requires an extra fee for annual report filing and compliance services.
Sign Up To ZenBusiness

3 - Bizee (Most Affordable)

bizee
Support
5.0
Price
4.7
Turnaround
4.8
User Rating
1000+ Reviews
Overall
4.8
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.
Pros
  • Proven reliability with 25+ years in the industry.
  • Affordable Registered Agent service for $119.
  • User-friendly dashboard for easy access.
  • Automatic forwarding of legal documents.
Cons
  • Some occasional delays in document scanning.
  • Customer support is only available during weekdays.
Sign Up To Bizee

4 - Rocket Lawyer (Best Essentials)

Rocket Lawyer LLC Service logo in front of an office worker working
Support
4.9
Price
4.6
Turnaround
4.7
User Rating
1000+ Reviews
Overall
4.7
Would you recommend Rocket Lawyer (Best Essentials)?

Rocket Lawyer is known for providing legal services and support to business owners.

With a track record of over 800,000 business formations, their services include on-demand legal consultations, document defense, and legal document creation.

Additionally, their mobile app provides a seamless experience for creating legal documents on the go.

We found the app easy to download and use, allowing us to create various legal documents with a straightforward interface that significantly simplified the process.

We appreciate the prompt and professional responses from their specialists.

Service Features:

  • Registered Agent Service ($149.99): You can enjoy the lower price of this service if you choose the membership option. For $39.99 monthly, you can get a 25% discount (this is an option for only members).
  • Formation Package ($99.99 + $200 State Fee): This package includes free LLC formation services, free legal documents, and attorney services, which come in extra handy if you are just stepping into business waters.
Pros
  • Offers a comprehensive suite of legal services.
  • Document Defense® enhances contract protection.
  • Intuitive platform for document creation.
  • Free consultations with legal experts available.
Cons
  • Concerns regarding unexpected charges.
  • Billing complexities during free trials.
  • Accessibility issues with customer support.
Sign Up To Rocket Lawyer

5 - MyCompanyWorks

MyCompanyWorks logo with a business woman doing paperwork in the background
Support
4.8
Price
4.5
Turnaround
4.6
User Rating
1000+ Reviews
Overall
4.6
Would you recommend MyCompanyWorks?

MyCompanyWorks, formerly known as My New Company, has helped form over 60,000 businesses so far.

Customers often compliment their quick and easy process for Washington DC LLC formation service.

They also offer a free business tax consultation, unlimited name searches, compliance alerts, online access to documents, and more.

We put them to the test and we are very pleased with the results.

Their customer service is readily available via phone and email, and they promptly responded to our inquiry by providing us with several links to their website that elaborated on their response.

The application process is straightforward and swift once you've selected a package and any add-ons your business requires. If you have all the necessary information, it should take no more than 10–15 minutes.

Service Features:

  • Registered Agent Services ($99 per year): Includes a Washington, DC, registered agent, online document access, and expertly customized support.
  • Basic Formation Package ($59 + $200 State Fee): Includes a business entity name search, District of Columbia LLC filing, business meeting minutes, an LLC checklist, Ebooks, digital documents, and operating agreements.
  • Entrepreneur Formation Package ($179 + $200 State Fee): Entrepreneur Package includes everything from the basic package plus registered agent services, an EIN, and lifetime access to online forms.
  • Complete Formation Package ($279 + $200 State Fee): Complete Package includes everything from the previous package and adds the Premium upgrade, which provides for annual report filing, compliance checks, and business monitoring for good standing.
Pros
  • Exceptional feedback, boasting high average ratings from 4,000+ reviews.
  • Affordable choice, offering registered agent services for just $99/year.
  • Swift response time, with most calls and emails answered within 20 minutes.
Cons
  • Limited phone support, confined to weekdays, 8 AM to 4 PM PST.
  • Refund policy includes processing fees and becomes void after shipping to the state.
Sign Up To MyCompanyWorks

6 - Harbor Compliance

Two businessmen talking while looking to a gadget
Support
4.7
Price
4.5
Turnaround
4.5
User Rating
1000+ Reviews
Overall
4.6
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.
Pros
  • Effective compliance task management.
  • Long-term contract discounts.
  • Expert consultations available.
Cons
  • Premium pricing could be a downside.
  • Inconsistent customer service quality.
Sign Up To Harbor Compliance

7 - LegalZoom

LegalZoom with a person in an office in the background
Support
4.5
Price
4.4
Turnaround
4.4
User Rating
1000+ Reviews
Overall
4.4
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.
Pros
  • Provides expert legal advice and assistance.
  • Streamlines document management with cloud storage.
  • Wide range of free business templates available.
Cons
  • Higher LLC service fees compared to others.
  • Top-notch registered agent service with premium pricing.
  • Aggressive promotion of additional services.
Sign Up To LegalZoom

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.?

An image of two people discussing the registered agent selection process 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

How Can I Change The Registered Agent Address In Washington, DC?

You can easily change the registered agent address in Washington, DC, by filing an RA change form with the DC Secretary of State through the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs here.

How Do I Lookup A Company's Registered Agent In Washington, DC?

You can look up a company's registered agent on the Washington, DC, SOS website. You can search by company name and find the listed Washington, DC, resident agent.

How Do I Change My Washington D.C. Registered Agent?

You can change your Washington, DC, registered agent using an RA change form with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. It costs $50 to change your registered agent on file.

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.

Our #1 Recommendation

Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)

Two men shaking hands as a sign of agreement
Support
5.0
Price
4.8
Turnaround
5.0
Overall
4.9
Pros
  • Northwest keeps your address confidential.
  • Provides outstanding customer support with expert knowledge.
  • Special discount for Venture Smarter readers.
  • Dedicated to protecting customer data privacy, with no selling of information.
  • Clear and upfront service fees, without any hidden charges.
  • Features a 90-day refund policy to ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Get the BEST PRICE until the end of March
Cons
  • Phone-only refund process might inconvenience some customers.
  • Initial services are affordable, but additional features can be costly.

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

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