District Of Columbia Biennial Report For LLCs – Filing Requirements (Apr. 2026)

Filing your Articles of Organization with the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) officially forms your Limited Liability Company (LLC). Once approved, you must file your Biennial Report every two years to maintain your good standing in the state.

To file your District of Columbia Biennial Report, you need to submit Form BRA-25 to the DLCP’s Corporations Division. This can be done online, by mail, or by walk-in. You need to pay a $300 filing fee, regardless of your submission method, with your report being due on April 1 every two years.

In this article, I will discuss everything you need to know about the DC Biennial Report, including filing instructions, due dates, associated fees, and risks of not filing.

An Overview Of The District Of Columbia Biennial Report

LLCs operating in Washington, D.C. must submit a Biennial Report every two years. This requires re-entering key business details, including your company’s purpose under D.C. Code § 29-102.11.

The DC Biennial Report (Form BRA-25) is a mandatory document that you must file with the DLCP every two years to keep the state up-to-date regarding your LLC’s business and ownership details.

Your first DC Biennial Report is due by April 1 of the year following your LLC’s registration date. Following this, it’s due on April 1 every two years thereafter. I’ll explain further details regarding your due dates later.

Your DC Biennial Report fee is $300 regardless of your filing method. This is according to the DLCP’s Fee Schedule.

You can use three main methods when completing your DC Biennial Report filing:

1. Online: Use the CorpOnline portal to complete your Biennial Report.
2. By mail: Complete Form BRA-25 and mail it to the DLCP.
3. Walk-in: Complete Form BRA-25 and submit in person at the DLCP office.

Your DC Biennial Report fees and approval time depend on your chosen processing method. I’ve summarized these in the table below.

Your DC Registered Agent will be sent a Biennial Report courtesy reminder in February every two years. With NO mail reminders, your Registered Agent must have an email, or your reminder won’t be delivered. Even if you don’t receive the reminder, you still need to file and pay on time.

Filing The District Of Columbia Biennial Report Online

Your first task is to create an Access DC account if you’re filing online. This allows you to log in to the CorpOnline portal to file your Biennial Report. Your portal account is the same as Access DC.

I’ve provided detailed step-by-step guidance on how to create your account after my DC Biennial Report instructions. Continue to the next section if you already have an Access DC account.

1. Navigate To Your Filing Page

a. Access DC Login

Go to the Access DC login page and click “Log in” to begin your filing process. Then, log in with your email and password.

You should be redirected to the Access DC main dashboard once you’ve entered your login details. Once there, click “CorpOnline” or use the alternative link provided if you can’t find the correct button on the main dashboard: CorpOnline.

b. CorpOnline Login

The online system should then take you to the main CorpOnline filing page. Click “Sign-in with Access DC” to continue. 

c. Find Filing Section

Once you’ve logged in, you should be taken to the CorpOnline user dashboard page.

Choose “Filings” from the left sidebar to be given a dropdown menu.

Then, click “File Biennial Report”.

d. Search For Your Business

Enter your legal LLC name in the search field and click “Search.”

Click “Select” next to your LLC name to begin your filing.

2. View Your Entity Information

The next filing page should show your current business information. This is a “view only” page, meaning you can NOT make edits.

Your current business information should include your:

• Official entity name.
• Initial file no.
• Entity type: Domestic/Foreign LLC.
• Entity status: Active – in good standing.
• Street address.
• Mailing address.
• Entity email address.
• LLC file date.
• LLC effective date.

You should see your filing type and Biennial Report fee on the right-hand side of the screen. You’ll also see your current stage of filing.

Review the current information, then click “Save and Continue.”

3. Check Your Business Purpose

In this section, you can edit or change your business purpose if needed. Add a brief but specific description of your main business activities conducted in the district. Leave everything the same if no edits are required.

Once done, click “Save and Continue.”

4. Provide Your Entity Email Address

Enter your business email address in the required field. Alternatively, check the “Same as Submitter Email” box to make your email address (the one you used to create your Access DC account) the same as your business email address.

Click “Save and Continue” once everything is completed.

5. Add Your Entity Phone Number

Next, add your business phone number in the applicable field. You may leave it as is or edit it if there is already an existing number.

Once done, click “Save and Continue.”

6. State Your Entity Address

In the next section, state your entity address. This is the same as the one stated in your Articles of Organization when completing your formation documents. If you need to make edits, click in the applicable fields. If not, leave everything as it is.

If you need to enter a different mailing address from the one stated on your Articles of Organization, you can edit it using the same process stated above. If not, click “Same as Principal Office (Street Address).”

Click “Save and Continue” once everything is complete.

7. Review Your Registered Agent Details

You should see a table showing your current Registered Agent details. This will include their:

• Full name.
• Type of Registered Agent: Individual or entity.
• Email address.
• Contact phone number.
• Full address.

Carefully review the table to check your Registered Agent details:

• Click “Edit” if you need to make any changes.
• Click “Save and Continue” if everything is correct.

a. Edit Registered Agent Information

This part is required if you want to keep the same Registered Agent but change their contact information. Click “Edit,” then choose “Change Registered Agent Information,” and finally press “Open.”

Following this, you’ll be able to edit your Registered Agent’s information.

You can only change their email address, contact phone number, street address, and ZIP code. All other fields are locked.

Click “Save Registered Agent” once everything is complete. Then, click “Save and Continue” to go to the next section.

b. Change Registered Agent

This section is used if you need to change your current Registered Agent to a different individual or entity. Click “Edit,” “Change Agent,” and then “Open.”

b1. Existing Registered Agent

In the section underneath, you can search for an existing Registered Agent, so you don’t need to enter their details manually. This is a great option if you’re hiring a Registered Agent service that’s already registered with the state.

Read my guide on the DC Registered Agents if you want to learn more about the best services in the district.

Choose “Select Existing Registered Agent”, enter their full name in the name field, then click “Search.” Once found, click “Select” next to your desired agent. Then, click “Save Registered Agent” and choose “Save and Continue” to move to the next section.

b2. Create New Registered Agent

Alternatively, you can create a new LLC Registered Agent. They must meet two main requirements to serve as your agent:

1. Have a physical DC street address (P.O. boxes are NOT allowed).
2. Be available during normal operating hours to receive and process documents and filings.

Follow these steps if your Registered Agent is an individual (yourself, a family member, or a trusted friend):

1. Click “Create New”
2. Choose “Individual”.  
3. Enter their personal information: Name, email address, phone number, and street address. 
4. Click “Save Registered Agent” 
5. Click “Save and Continue.”

Click “Create New,” then “Entity” if your new Registered Agent is an entity, such as an LLC service. Then, follow the instructions below to add their details:

1. Enter the entity name in the search field and click “Search Entity.” You can choose them directly from the list if they’re in the state database. This will populate the required fields.
2. Enter the entity’s information manually in the required boxes if you can’t find it in the search results. This should include their contact information (email address, phone number) and street address.
3. Click “Save Registered Agent,” then “Save and Continue” to move to the next section.

8. Check Your LLC’s Beneficial Owner Information

After confirming your Registered Agent details, you should see a table with your LLC’s beneficial owner information. This includes their legal name, type, and email address.

Click “Save and Continue” to move to the next section if no changes are needed.

I don’t recommend editing your LLC beneficial owner’s information using the edit tool. You should delete them using the trash icon and then add the new one again.

Click “+Add beneficial owner” to add a new LLC owner. Make sure that they meet the following requirements:

• It can be an LLC member, manager, officer, or another role.
• They must own more than 10% of the company.
• They can own 10% or less but control operational and financial decisions.
• They can direct the LLC’s daily operations.

a. Beneficial Owner As An Individual

Select “Individual” and provide the following details if your new beneficial owner is an individual:

• Their full name.
• Their email address.
• Their phone number.
• Their entity address (street address, state, and ZIP code).
• Their resident address (street address, state, and ZIP code).

Click “Save Beneficial Owner” once you’ve entered the required information. Then repeat the same steps as needed or click “Save and Continue” to move to the next section.

b. Beneficial Owner As An Entity

Click “Entity” if your beneficial owner is a business entity and enter the following information:

• Entity name.
• Entity email address.
• Entity phone number.
• Entity street address (street address, state, and ZIP code).
• Entity mailing address (street address, state, and ZIP code).

After providing the required information, click “Save Beneficial Owner” to save your information. Then, repeat the above steps as needed or click “Save and Continue.”

9. Review And Sign Your Filing

Once you’ve checked your beneficial owner information, the next section allows you to review your entered information. Carefully check everything to see if any edits are needed.

Click “Edit” next to each part if anything needs editing.

Scroll down to the bottom once you’ve completed the required edits. Then, check the terms and conditions box. This confirms that the information provided is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

Then, enter your full legal name and capacity in the applicable fields. Your capacity may be an LLC organizer, director, incorporator, or Registered Agent, etc. Click “Add” to add your signature.

Finally, click “Add to Cart” to go to the payment page. 

10. Make Your Payment

After reviewing your filing, the online system will take you to the shopping cart page. Check your form once more, then click “Pay now” to go to the payment section.

Click the “Pen” icon to go back and edit your information if you need to make changes.

Next, complete your billing information and add card/eCheck/ACH (Automated Clearing House bank transfer) information in the relevant fields, then click “Continue.”

Once completed, you can submit your filing and payment to the DLCP. Once filed, print your confirmation page and store it with your official business records.

11. Online Filing Approval Process

The online portal will show an immediate confirmation page once you’ve completed your online submission. This provides proof of your filing while it undergoes a formal review.

You’ll then receive an email notification once the district has officially approved your filing. This should be completed within approximately 5 business days.

Creating Your Access DC Account: A Step-By-Step Guide

1. Go To The Portal

Go to the Access DC login page and click “Sign up.“ Alternatively, use this link if you can’t locate the “Sign-up” button: Access DC sign up.

2. Enter Your Personal Information And Create A Password

Next, complete the following information:

• Your full name (first name and last name).
• Your email address (this will be used as your account username).
• Your contact phone number.

Once you’ve completed these details, you need to create a password using the following guidelines:

• It must contain at least 8 characters.
• It must have one lowercase and one uppercase letter.
• It must have a number and a special symbol.
• It must NOT contain any part of your username, first name, or last name.

3. Go To Your Email Account

After completing the required details, the online system will send you a verification email.

Go to your email and click “Activate account.”

4. Verify Your Phone Number (Optional)

Click “Activate account” in your email to be taken to the phone verification page. Either verify your phone number or click “Continue” to go to your main dashboard.

Filing Your DC Biennial Report By Mail

To begin, you must download the Washington, D.C. Biennial Report (Form BRA-25) or click “Download” on the right-hand side of the screen.

Then, follow my filing instructions in the sections below to complete the form by yourself.

You also need to complete your Mail-in Filing Cover Letter (Form EX-2). I’ve provided guidance on how to do this after your Biennial Report filing instructions.

1. Complete The Header Information

Enter the following details in the header to begin your filing:

• Year of filing: The calendar year you are submitting the report.
• File number: Your DC file number (leave this blank if you don’t know it).
• Date of filing: The date you’re completing your form.
• Filing fee: $300. It costs $400 if you complete your filing late.

2. Add Your Legal Entity Name

Next, state your LLC’s legal name. This must be exactly as it appears on your Articles of Organization (LLC formation document).

3. Provide Your State Of Formation

Provide your LLC’s state of formation (or country). This is the place where your LLC was originally formed if you’re a foreign LLC.

Or enter “District of Columbia” if you’re a domestic LLC.

4. Complete Your Principal Office Address

Next, complete your principal office address details using the following guidance:

• You must include your street address, city, state/district, and ZIP code.
• It can be inside or outside of DC.
• You must use a physical address (NOT a P.O. box).

 5. Enter Your Registered Agent Information

Provide details of your DC Registered Agent in the required fields. This should include their legal name, DC address, and email address. Make sure this is exactly as recorded with the Corporations Division.

List your new Registered Agent if any stated information is incorrect. You can use three different options when appointing your official Registered Agent in the district:

1. Yourself.
2. A trusted friend or family member.
3. A professional Registered Agent service (my recommended choice).

Whichever one you choose, it must meet the following requirements:

• Be available during normal operating hours.
• Maintain a physical street address in the district.

6. Statement Of Business Conducted In DC

Once you’ve completed your Registered Agent details, add a brief but specific description of your main LLC business activities. This should include those carried out in the district. Do NOT include phrases such as “any lawful business.”

Example: “The company provides digital marketing and branding services to businesses located in the District of Columbia.”

7. List Your LLC Members/ Managers

After completing your statement of business, list your LLC members/managers. Make sure you include each person’s name, residence address, and business address.

You must include those who:

• Act as LLC members, managers, officers, or other roles.
• Own more than 10% of your LLC.
• Own 10% or less but control your financial and operational decisions.
• Direct your daily operations.

8. Clarify Your Foreign Entity’s Good Standing

Complete this section if your LLC was formed outside the District of Columbia:

• Check “Yes” if your LLC is in good standing in its original home state/county.
• Check “No” if not, and briefly describe your efforts to restore your good standing.

9. Provide Your Signature

State the name of the governor or authorized person (typically a member or manager) filing your completed document. This person must sign your form once it’s printed out.

10. Complete Your Mail-In Filing Cover Letter (EX-2)

Once you’ve completed your main filing form, you need to complete the required information for your additional Mail-in Filing Cover Letter (EX-2).

This includes:

1. Customer’s name: State your legal name.
2. Customer’s mailing address: Add your mailing address.
3. Customer’s e-mail: Provide your email address.
4. Customer’s phone number: Enter your contact phone number.
5. Organization (entity) name or trade name and type of filing: Enter “Biennial Report for [Your LLC name].”
6. Email address for document delivery of filing evidence: This field can be left blank if your delivery email address is the same as your receiving email address. Otherwise, enter an email address where you want to receive notifications.
7. Additional information / Instructions: Leave this blank.

11. File Your Completed Document

a. By Mail

Once completed, send your dossier to the address provided below. This must include the following:

1. Completed Biennial Report form.
2. Mail-in Filing Cover Letter.
3. A check/money order made payable to the DC Treasurer.

Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection: Corporations Division
PO Box 712300
Philadelphia, PA 19171-2300

Your Biennial Report should be processed in approximately 15 business days + mailing time once submitted.

b. File In Person

Alternatively, you can go in person to the DLCP at the following address. Once there, submit your completed dossier (Biennial Report and Mail-in Filing Cover Letter):

Address: 2nd floor, 1100 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024.
Open hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. ET. (They open at 9:30 A.M. on Thursdays).

As I’ve mentioned above, you must use an expedited processing method when submitting your filing in person. Your total fee will either be:

• 1 day: $400.
• 3 days: $350.

DC Biennial Report Due Date

Your first Biennial Report is due by April 1 after your entity formation/registration year. It’s due by April 1 every two years thereafter.

Example: Your LLC was approved on September 10, 2026.

• Your first Biennial Report is due by April 1, 2027.
• Your other Biennial Reports are due by April 1, 2029, April 1, 2031, and so on.

Example 2: Your LLC was approved on January 10, 2026.

• Your first DC Biennial Report is due by April 1, 2027.
• Your following Biennial Reports are due by April 1, 2029, April 1, 2031 and so on.

Why Do You Need To File Your DC Biennial Report On Time?

1. Late Fees

Your LLC faces late fees if you fail to file by the stated deadline of April 1. According to the fee schedule, you must pay a $100 late fee if you don’t file your Biennial Report on time.

2. Administrative Dissolution

Your LLC may be administratively dissolved by the DLCP according to the DC Code 29-106.01 if you continue ignoring your filing requirement past September.

Contact Information For The DLCP

You can contact the District of Columbia DLCP if you have any queries or questions regarding your Biennial Report filing. Representatives from the DLCP can help you with general questions regarding your filing.

I’ve provided their main contact details below:

• Open hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. ET. (9:30 A.M. on Thursdays).
• Phone: 202-671-4500.
• Address: 1100 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024.
• Online services: CorpOnline (business entity search), Scout (license status).

Frequently Asked Questions