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How to Create an LLC in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia
How to Create an LLC in Washington, DC?
Step 1: Create an account at Washington, DC DCRA:
First, you will need to create a new account with the Washington, DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs business portal. You can do it here. Make sure you keep your user name and your password safe and secure. For more info on the DC LLC creation and the reporting requirements, you can read here.
Step 2: Name your limited liability company
Naming guidelines for a Washington, DC LLC:
· The name must include the phrase “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviations of “LLC or L.L.C.”
· The name cannot contain words that could be confused with a government agency, like Treasury, State Department, etc.
· Other restricted words that may require additional paperwork and licenses, like lawyer or doctor.
Not sure of an LLC name?
One of the best names you can use for your LLC is the property address. For example, 1234 Street LLC. You can almost rest assured that there is no other LLC with that name. However, once you select an LLC name, make sure it’s available.
How to check the name is available?
Once you’ve created an account with DCRA, you can search for your desired name. If you cannot find it, it’s available for taking.
Step 3: Chose a registered agent for your Washington, DC Limited Liability Company
Who is a registered agent?
A registered agent is an individual or business responsible for receiving the tax forms, legal documents, notices of any lawsuits, and any other official government correspondence on behalf of your newly registered LLC.
Who can be a Registered Agent?
The registered agent must be a resident of Washington, DC, or a registered agent service authorized to conduct business in the District of Columbia. If you live in DC, you might select yourself as a registered agent.
Step 4: File your articles of organization.
The Articles of Organization is a legal document that verifies your business in Washington, DC. It might include the chosen LLC name, the name and the address of its registered agent, and a list of services your LLC offering.
To register your LLC, you will need to file the Articles of Organization with the District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). This can be done online, by mail, or in-person. Since you have already created your account with DCRA in step 1, it is recommended to register online. Your registration culminates in you paying the DC filing fees.
Step 5: Create your Operating Agreement.
An Operating Agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures for your limited liability company. An operating agreement is a key document used by LLCs because it outlines the business’ financial and functional decisions including rules, regulations, and provisions. Once the document is signed by the members of the limited liability company, it acts as an official contract binding them to its terms. Here is some additional information on creating the Washington, DC operating agreement. You can also create your operating agreement for a Washington, DC LLC using Eforms (minor charges may apply).
For our underwriting purposes, we don’t require an operating agreement if your LLC is a sole proprietorship.
Step 6: Get your EIN number.
Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number assigned to your business by the IRS. This number helps to identify businesses for tax purposes. In other words, this is your LLC’s Social Security Number. Getting your EIN number is free and you can apply for it here.
How to register your existing LLC as a foreign entity doing business in Washington, DC?
- Fill out form FN-1, Foreign Registration Statement.
- Obtain proof of existence for the non-Maryland LLC you are trying to register.
Your filing must be accompanied by written proof of existence from your LLC’s home state – the Certificate of Status.
- Create an account and submit the documents online using the DCRA business portal.
You will need to create an account before you can do it. You can do it here.
- Pay appropriate registration fees.
You can access the schedule of fees here.
How to Create an LLC in Maryland?
Step 1: Create an account at Maryland Business Express Site:
To start creating your LLC, you need to register a new account with the State of Maryland. You can do it here. Make sure you keep your username and your password safe and secure.
Step 2: Name your limited liability company
Naming guidelines for an MD LLC:
· The name must include the phrase “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviations of “LLC or L.L.C.”
· The name cannot contain words that could be confused with a government agency, like Treasury, State Department, etc.
· Other restricted words that may require additional paperwork and licenses, like lawyer or doctor.
Not sure of an LLC name?
One of the best names you can use for your LLC is the property address. For example, 1234 Street LLC. You can almost rest assured that there is no other LLC with that name. However, once you select an LLC name, make sure it’s available.
How to check if the name is available?
To ensure that the name you’ve chosen is available, go to Maryland Business Express Registrations & Filings and search for your desired name. If you cannot find it, it’s available for taking.
Step 3: Chose a registered agent for your Maryland Limited Liability Company
Who is a registered agent?
A registered agent is an individual or business responsible for receiving the tax forms, legal documents, notices of any lawsuits, and any other official government correspondence on behalf of your newly registered LLC.
Who can be a Registered Agent?
The registered agent must be a resident of Maryland or a registered agent service authorized to conduct business in Maryland. If you are a Maryland resident, you might select yourself as a registered agent.
Step 4: File your articles of organization.
The Articles of Organization is a legal document that verifies your business in Maryland. It might include the chosen LLC name, the name and the address of its registered agent, and a list of services your LLC is offering.
You will receive your Articles of Organization by finishing up your business registration at Maryland Business Express (which files them with the Department of Assessments and Taxation) and paying Maryland’s filing fee (here is the fee schedule (scroll down until you see the Limited Liability Company Articles of Organization section), but typically it costs about $150).
Step 5: Create your Operating Agreement.
An Operating Agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures for your limited liability company. An operating agreement is a key document used by LLCs because it outlines the business’ financial and functional decisions including rules, regulations, and provisions. Once the document is signed by the members of the limited liability company, it acts as an official contract binding them to its terms. You can also create your Operating Agreement using the Eforms (minor charges may apply).
For our underwriting purposes, we don’t require an operating agreement if your LLC is a sole proprietorship.
Step 6: Get your EIN number.
Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number assigned to your business by the IRS. This number helps to identify businesses for tax purposes. In other words, this is your LLC’s Social Security Number. Getting your EIN number is free and you can apply for it here. This is the last step you need to take to officially create an LLC.
How to register your existing LLC as a foreign entity doing business in Maryland?
- Complete a LLC Registration Form for Non-Maryland Companies.
- Obtain proof of existence for the non-Maryland LLC you are trying to register.
Your filing must be accompanied by written proof of existence from your LLC’s home state. Typically, such proof of existence is the Certificate of Status. Here is an example of the Certificate of Status for Pennsylvania.
- Register at Maryland Business Express.
This is where you submit your application, proof of existence, an LLC registration form, and pay the appropriate fees.
How to Create an LLC in Virginia?
Step 1: Create an account at Virginia’s Clerk Information System:
First, you will need to create a new account with Virginia’s State Corporation Commission Clerk Information System. You can do it here. Make sure you keep your user name and your password safe and secure for future use.
Step 2: Name your limited liability company
Naming guidelines for a VA LLC:
· The name must include the phrase “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviations of “LLC or L.L.C.”
· The name cannot contain words that could be confused with a government agency, like Treasury, State Department, etc.
· Other restricted words that may require additional paperwork and licenses, like lawyer or doctor.
Not sure of an LLC name?
One of the best names you can use for your LLC is the property address. For example, 1234 Street LLC. You can almost rest assured that there is no other LLC with that name. However, once you select an LLC name, make sure it’s available.
How to check the name is available?
To ensure that the name you’ve chosen is available, search for your desired name using the Clerk Information portal. The name is up for grabs if you cannot find an LLC in Virginia with the same name.
Step 3: Chose a registered agent for your Virginia Limited Liability Company
Who is a registered agent?
A registered agent is an individual or business responsible for receiving the tax forms, legal documents, notices of any lawsuits, and any other official government correspondence on behalf of your newly registered LLC.
Who can be a Registered Agent?
The registered agent must be a resident of Virginia or a registered agent service authorized to conduct business in Virginia. If you are a Virginia resident, you might select yourself as a registered agent.
Step 4: File your articles of organization.
The Articles of Organization is a legal document that verifies your business in Virginia. It might include the chosen LLC name, the name and the address of its registered agent, and a list of services your LLC offering.
To register your LLC, you will need to file the Articles of Organization with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. This can be done online, by mail, or in-person. Since you have already created your account with the State Corporate Commission in step 1, it is recommended to file your articles on organization online.
Step 5: Create your Operating Agreement.
An Operating Agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures for your limited liability company. An operating agreement is a key document used by LLCs because it outlines the business’ financial and functional decisions including rules, regulations, and provisions. Once the document is signed by the members of the limited liability company, it acts as an official contract binding them to its terms. You can use Eforms to easily create an operating agreement in Virginia (minor charges may apply).
For our underwriting purposes, we don’t require an operating agreement if your LLC is a sole proprietorship.
Step 6: Get your EIN number.
Ready to take the last step to create an LLC in Virgina? Then get ready to apply for your Employer Identification Number! (EIN is a nine-digit number assigned to your business by the IRS. This number helps to identify businesses for tax purposes. In other words, this is your LLC’s Social Security Number. Getting your EIN number is free and you can apply for it here.
How to register your existing LLC as a foreign entity doing business in Virginia?
- Carefully review the Foreign Business Certification Checklist.
- Register at the State Corporation Commission Clerk’s Information Systems.
Complete the forms, submit any documents required, and pay for the state filing fees.
