Register your out-of-state business to do business in District of Columbia.
Foreign qualification is what District of Columbia requires when an entity formed in another state wants to legally transact business in District of Columbia. This guide walks through when it is required, the documents needed, the $220 fee, and the process.
Start District of Columbia foreign qualification →When you need to foreign-qualify in District of Columbia
District of Columbia requires foreign qualification when an out-of-state entity is doing business in the state. Triggers include:
- Physical office or storefront in District of Columbia.
- Employees working in District of Columbia.
- Real property ownership in District of Columbia.
- Holding a bank account or credit line for District of Columbia-located operations.
- Recurring contracts or sales with District of Columbia customers.
- Licenses or permits requiring entity registration.
Up a level, or across to the neighbors.
Foreign Qualification by state
The national explainer above this page: what changes between jurisdictions, and why.
Open the hub → SectionSecretary of State directory
Every filing the state business office takes, state by state.
Open the section → StateDistrict of Columbia business filings
Every filing a business makes in District of Columbia, gathered on one page.
Open District of Columbia → In District of ColumbiaSecretary of State phone number in District of Columbia
Secretary of State phone numbers, state by state
Read the guide → In District of ColumbiaLLC operating agreement in District of Columbia
LLC operating agreements, state by state
Read the guide → In District of ColumbiaSales Tax Permit in District of Columbia
Sales tax permits, state by state
Read the guide → In District of ColumbiaEntity conversion in District of Columbia
Entity conversion, state by state
Read the guide →