What is Service of Process?

Service of Process is a legal process: legal orders, demands, notices, or other papers about court proceedings in the District of Columbia are served on an individual or organization.

When and Why to Serve the Superintendent of Corporation?

Superintendent of Corporations at the District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs is hereby designated to accept Service of Process on the Mayor's behalf pursuant to Mayor’s Order 2009-65 dated April 24th, 2009.

If entity (corporation, Limited Liability Company or partnership) has the registered agent on record, that agent should be served.

A Service of Process can be mailed or delivered to DCRA’s Superintendent of Corporations, who may act as the substitute Registered Agent for a corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, or limited liability partnership operating in the District, if any one of the following apply:

• The attempt to serve the registered agent on record is unsuccessful (mail returned, etc.);
• The organization’s status is revoked;
• The registered agent has resigned (and no new agent was appointed);
• The company is not registered but operating within the District of Columbia.

Who can be served by Superintendent of Corporations?

1. Nonprofit corporations, domestic or foreign that conduct business in the District;
2. For-profit corporations, domestic or foreign that conduct business in the District;
3. Limited Liability Companies, domestic or foreign that conduct business in the District;
4. Limited Liability Partnerships, domestic or foreign that conduct business in the District;
5. Limited Partnerships, domestic or foreign that conduct business in the District;

Note 1: Non-Profit Corporations under Old Act status (pre 1963) or Non-Profit and/or For-Profit Corporations under the Act of Congress cannot be served by the Superintendent;

Note 2: Cooperative Association, domestic or foreign, cannot be served by the Superintendent.

How Do I Serve the Superintendent of Corporations?

1. Submit two copies of documents (legal orders, demands, notices, etc.) that have been filed with the court. 
2. Provide an affidavit of diligence that states the reasons why Superintendent of Corporation is being served and that one attempt has been made to serve the registered agent or last known address; 

Mail versus Walk-In Service

Mail
Superintendent of Corporations, Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Business and Professional Licensing Administration
Corporations Division
PO Box 92300, Washington, DC 20090

Walk-In
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Corporations Division
Business License Center
941 North Capitol Street, N.E., Room 1100
Washington, DC 20002

DCRA Service Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Fee:     $15

Payment Information
When filing by mail, make checks payable to "DC Treasurer.

For walk-in customers, payment can be made by cash, Visa/Master Card, check or money order.