Simple Steps for Starting a Small Business!
Training Topics: Building Permits, Business Licensing, Business Start-up/Preplanning, Certificates of Occupancy/Home Occupation Permit, Corporate Registration, FR 500, Other
Licensing Made Simple
DLCP’s Business One Stop Solution (BOSS) is a modern, unified platform that simplifies how businesses complete licensing and registration tasks across the District. Launching August 2026, the system will streamline processes, reduce redundancies, and give entrepreneurs a clearer, more efficient way to manage their interactions with the agency.
Find the Right License for Your Business
Before applying for a Basic Business License, you’ll need to identify your Licensing Category and Business Activity. Simply describe what your business does, and this tool will help match you to the correct selections for your application at boss.dc.gov.
We are 4!
Celebrating four years of DLCP—and launching our next wave of modernization. 🎉
Book An Appointment!
DLCP now offers an appointment scheduling system, making it easy to plan ahead and skip long waits.
Appointments are available for services including Business Licensing, Corporations, Occupational and Professional Licensing, Short Term Rental, Vending (by appointment only), Special Events, Weights and Measures, and Civil Infractions.
Report Vending Issues
If you’ve had an issue with a vendor in the District, please file a complaint here. Your feedback helps improve service and prevent future problems.
Report Vending Issues
If you’ve had an issue with a vendor in the District, please file a complaint here. Your feedback helps improve service and prevent future problems.
Book An Appointment!
DLCP now offers an appointment scheduling system, making it easy to plan ahead and skip long waits.
Appointments are available for services including Business Licensing, Corporations, Occupational and Professional Licensing, Short Term Rental, Vending (by appointment only), Special Events, Weights and Measures, and Civil Infractions.
Licensing Made Simple
DLCP’s Business One Stop Solution (BOSS) is a modern, unified platform that simplifies how businesses complete licensing and registration tasks across the District. Launching August 2026, the system will streamline processes, reduce redundancies, and give entrepreneurs a clearer, more efficient way to manage their interactions with the agency.
Upcoming Events
Nov 2 2026 - 10:00
Nov 2 2026 - 10:00
Nov 4 2026 - 10:00
Board of Barber and Cosmetology Virtual Monthly Meeting - Mon, Nov 2 2026, 10:00am
- 12:00pm
District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology
Notice of Public Meeting (Virtual)
Monday, November 2, 2026
10 am – 12 pm
Meeting Agenda
- Call to Order-10 AM
- Attendance
- Comments from the Public
- Executive Session – (Closed to Public)-Executive Session, which is closed to the public, in order to consult with our attorneys to seek legal advice; to discuss disciplinary matters; and to deliberate upon decisions in adjudication actions and proceedings, as provided by D.C. Code § 2-575(b)(4)(A), § 2-575(b)(9), and § 2-575(b)(13).
- Approval of Minutes – October 5, 2026
- Correspondence
- Board Committees
- Old Business
- New Business
- Recommendations/Actions
- Adjourn
- Next scheduled Board Meeting: December 7, 2026 at 10am via Zoom Teleconference.
Join Online
Other Ways to Join:
Webinar ID: 894 5998 1450
Passcode: 11022026
For questions, concerns, or assistance with attending the meeting, please contact: Kimberly Troxler [email protected]
This meeting is governed by the Open Meetings Act. Please address any questions or complaints arising under this meeting to the Office of Open Government at [email protected].
Coffee, Connect & Business Diagnostic Check - In Person Monday’s- 1100 4th Street SW 2nd Floor - Mon, Nov 2 2026, 10:00am
- 2:00pm
Business Licensing, Corporate Registration, FR 500
Where Are You in Your Entrepreneurship Journey?
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection’s Business Resource Center is here to help you assess exactly where you are on the business success ladder.
During this in-person one-on-one technical assistance session, staff from the DLCP Business Resource Center (BRC) and the Department of Buildings (DOB) will provide individualized guidance to help you navigate the District’s regulatory requirements. You will gain in-depth support on topics such as:
- Registering your business entity (e.g., Limited Liability Company, Corporation, Non-Profit, etc.)
- Understanding the basic steps for obtaining a business license
- Receiving guidance on building permits and certificates of occupancy
In addition, this session will also cover the latest laws, trends, and requirements related to short-term rental regulation in the District. You will receive personalized assistance on:
- Understanding the regulatory process for securing a short-term rental license
- Navigating the application process
- Learning best practices for staying compliant with local laws to ensure a successful rental experience on any booking platform
This opportunity is designed for both aspiring and current business owners operating in the District of Columbia.
*Please bring a laptop*
Registration Policies:
Special Accommodations: In accordance with the American Disabilities Act and state law, you may request accommodations due to a disability by contacting the event organizer listed above. Advance notice may be necessary for some accommodations. Registration must be paid prior to accommodation requests.
Disclaimer: The instructional sessions and seminars are provided as a service by DLCP for informational purposes only. Attending an instructional session or seminar does not guarantee that DLCP will issue you a license, corporate registration, permit, or certification.
Webinar: Learn How to Become a Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) - Wed, Nov 4 2026, 10:00
- 11:00am
Online Meeting (Live)
CBE Certification
Attend this session to learn about how the Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) program helps position your business to better compete in DC government contracting opportunities.
Note: Following your sign up, you will receive an email with registration and logon instructions for WebEx the day before and or the morning of the webinar.
Information will be emailed to participants that register.
Special Accommodations: In accordance with the American Disabilities Act and state law, you may request accommodations due to a disability by contacting the event organizer listed above. Advance notice may be necessary for some accommodations. Registration must be paid prior to accommodation requests.
Disclaimer: The instructional sessions and seminars are provided as a service by DLCP for informational purposes only. Attending an instructional session or seminar does not guarantee that DLCP will issue you a license, corporate registration, permit, or certification.
Webinar: Foundations for a Successful Business: Module 3, The Business Plan
Program Format: Online Meeting (Live)
Training Topics: Business Plan, Other
Description:
NOTE: Following your registration you will receive registration and logon instructions to register through WebEx before the webinar takes place.
Webinar: DCRA At Your Neighborhood Library - Learn The Process Of Starting A Business
DCRA Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) staff will provide assistance with navigating through the regulatory process. Gaining in-depth knowledge of registering with corporations (i.e. Limited Liability Company, Corporations, Non-Profit, etc.) and with the basic steps of obtaining a business license. Assistance will also be provided with the following:
- Business Licensing
- Corporate Registration
- Certificates of Occupancy (C of O)
Featured News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
Jemeisha Lyde (DLCP PIO) – 202-880-6544; [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
Jemeisha Lyde (DLCP PIO) – 202-880-6544; [email protected]
DLCP Feature Callout Blocks BizSpaceVacant Property Dashboard for Approved Businesses Across Wards.  Small Business Resource CenterAccess information about all the forms and requirements you need to start your business.  Live ChatChat with our support team to get answers to your questions.  Pay a FinePay your fines 24/7 using our simple and easy online system. |