Form DBU-3 is the District of Columbia form that a domestic for-profit corporation files with the Corporations Division of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) to restate its original articles of incorporation or to bring all amendments together in one document. It applies for a Certificate of Restated Articles of Incorporation. On FillingPDF you can fill out Form DBU-3 online and download or print the completed PDF; the form itself is published by DLCP, and filing follows the agency's channels described below.
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What is DBU-3?
DBU-3 Restated Articles of Incorporation of Domestic Business Corporation is the District of Columbia Corporations Division form that lets a domestic for-profit corporation restate its original articles of incorporation or incorporate all of its amendments into a single document.
The form is issued by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Corporations Division. The printed title reads "Restated Articles of Incorporation of Domestic For-Profit Corporation," and the printed version line is Form DBU-3, Ver. 6, September 2023. The entity type is Domestic Business Corporation, and the authority cited on the form is § 29–308.07.
By signing it, the corporation applies, under Title 29 of the D.C. Code (Business Organizations Act), for a Certificate of Restated Articles of Incorporation, and submits the statement printed on the form. The form has five numbered items: the corporation name, the text of the restated articles (a statement may be attached), a statement that the restated articles consolidate all amendments into a single document, a line on any new amendment, and the name and signature of the Governor or Authorized Person.
The form carries one firm limit: restated articles may not amend the registered agent or the incorporator. A filing fee applies; the form refers you to the Corporate Fee Schedule posted online rather than printing an amount.
Who needs to file DBU-3?
A domestic for-profit corporation in the District of Columbia that wants to restate its original articles of incorporation, or to merge all of its amendments into one document, uses Form DBU-3. The form is signed by the Governor or Authorized Person of the corporation, whose name is entered on item 5 and whose signature goes on item 5A.
Conditions and limits stated on the form:
- Restated articles may not amend the registered agent or the incorporator. If you need to change either, this form is not the vehicle for that change.
- If the restated articles include a new amendment, all the requirements of § 29-308.06 must be met.
- The form is for the entity type printed on it, Domestic Business Corporation. It does not describe forms for other kinds of entities.
The form does not say that anyone other than the Governor or Authorized Person may sign it. Questions about the filing can go to the Corporations Division at (202) 442-4432.
When to file DBU-3
File Form DBU-3 when the corporation decides to restate its original articles of incorporation or to consolidate all amendments into one document. The form prints no due date and no renewal cycle; it is filed whenever the corporation chooses to restate its articles.
If the restated articles contain a new amendment, the corporation must first meet all the requirements of § 29-308.06, the section the form cites for that situation. The form does not state a processing time. For questions about a filing already submitted, the form lists the Corporations Division phone number, (202) 442-4432.
Documents you need
- A statement containing the text of the restated articles of incorporation, attached to the form if the text does not fit under item 2 (the form says a statement may be attached).
How to fill out DBU-3
Confirm the form fits your corporation
Form DBU-3 is for a domestic for-profit corporation that wants to restate its original articles or incorporate all amendments in one document. Do not use it to change the registered agent or incorporator.
Enter the corporation name
On item 1, Corporation Name, enter the name of the domestic for-profit corporation restating its articles.
Enter the text of the restated articles
On item 2, enter the text of the restated articles of incorporation. The form says you may attach a statement instead if the text is long.
Review the consolidation statement
Item 3 states that the restated articles consolidate all amendments into a single document. Make sure the text on item 2 does that.
Check requirements for a new amendment
Item 4 applies if a new amendment is included in the restated articles. In that case all requirements of § 29-308.06 must be met.
Enter the Governor or Authorized Person
On item 5, enter the name of the Governor or Authorized Person who is signing for the corporation.
Sign item 5A
The Governor or Authorized Person signs item 5A. Read the warning printed above item 5 first: signing means you agree that a false statement can bring criminal penalties under DCOC § 22-2405.
Review, download and prepare to file
Check every item, then download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF. Assemble the package, with any attached statement and the required payment, and submit it through one of the channels described under How to submit.
How to submit DBU-3
Form DBU-3 can be filed by mail, and the form notes that many corporate filings are available online through the DLCP CorpOnline site.
- By mail: send all forms and the required payment to Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Corporations Division, PO Box 712300, Philadelphia, PA 19171-2300.
- Online: go to https://corponline.dlcp.dc.gov and sign in with Access DC to proceed. Online filings are paid by credit card. The form says only that many corporate filings are available online, so confirm on CorpOnline that this filing is offered there.
- Fee: a filing fee applies. The form refers you to the Corporate Fee Schedule posted online; check it for the current amount.
- Questions: call the Corporations Division at (202) 442-4432.
FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the agency's channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the restated articles to change the registered agent or the incorporator; the form states that restated articles may not amend either one.
- Including a new amendment in the restated articles without meeting all the requirements of § 29-308.06, which the form requires in that case.
- Mailing the form without the required payment; the form directs you to mail all forms and required payment together.
- Leaving item 5 (name) or item 5A (signature) of the Governor or Authorized Person blank, so the form goes in unsigned.
- Omitting item 2, the text of the restated articles, or forgetting to attach the statement that holds it.
- Sending the paper form to a street address instead of PO Box 712300, Philadelphia, PA 19171-2300, the Corporations Division mailing address on the form.
- Assuming online payment by anything other than credit card; the form says online filings are paid by credit card.
- Signing without noting the warning above the signature: a false statement can bring criminal penalties under DCOC § 22-2405.
Frequently asked questions
What is Form DBU-3 used for?
Form DBU-3 lets a domestic for-profit corporation restate its original articles of incorporation or incorporate all amendments into one document. By signing it, the corporation applies to the DLCP Corporations Division for a Certificate of Restated Articles of Incorporation under Title 29 of the D.C. Code.
Is Form DBU-3 a DC business license?
No. Form DBU-3 is not a license application. It applies for a Certificate of Restated Articles of Incorporation, which restates a domestic for-profit corporation's articles, and it is filed with the DLCP Corporations Division.
Can I change the registered agent with Form DBU-3?
No. The form states that restated articles may not amend the registered agent or the incorporator. Use the form only to restate the articles or to bring all amendments together into a single document.
Where do I mail Form DBU-3?
Mail it with the required payment to Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Corporations Division, PO Box 712300, Philadelphia, PA 19171-2300. The Corporations Division phone number printed on the form is (202) 442-4432.
Can I file Form DBU-3 online?
The form says many corporate filings are available online through CorpOnline at https://corponline.dlcp.dc.gov, where you sign in with Access DC, and that online filings are paid by credit card. Confirm on CorpOnline whether this specific filing is offered.
Is there a fee to file Form DBU-3?
Yes, a filing fee applies. The form cites § 29–308.07 and tells you to refer to the Corporate Fee Schedule posted online for the amount. Payment is required with a mailed filing, and online filings are paid by credit card.
Who signs Form DBU-3?
The Governor or Authorized Person of the corporation. Enter the name on item 5 and sign on item 5A. The form warns that anyone who makes a false statement can face criminal penalties under DCOC § 22-2405.
Can I fill out Form DBU-3 online on FillingPDF?
You can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF is an independent service, is not the DLCP, and does not file the form; you submit it through the agency's mail or CorpOnline channels.
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