This system is currently offline for a scheduled upgrade.
Starting August 10, you can complete all licensing applications at boss.dc.gov, using your existing Access DC login — no new account needed.
Questions? Call 202-671-4500 or email [email protected]
Welcome to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) Business and Professional Licensing Administration Office of Weights and Measures.
District businesses must register all commercially used weighing, measuring, and scanning devices before the devices are placed into service. This includes, but is not limited to, retail scales, fuel meters, vehicle scales, pharmaceutical balances, Universal Product Code scanners, and other commercial weighing and measuring devices.
Weights and Measures device registrations are issued on a calendar-year basis and must be renewed annually through the Business One Stop Shop (BOSS). The registration year runs from January 1 through December 31.
Businesses that operate an unregistered or uninspected commercial device may be subject to enforcement action and applicable fines.
Weights and Measures Device Registration Fees.
| Class | Device Type | Fee(per device) |
|---|---|---|
| A | Scales 0 - 100 lbs (maximum per location $900) | $75 |
| B | Scales 101 – 2,000 lbs | $200 |
| C | 2,001– 20,000 lbs | $500 |
| D | Vehicle Scales | $1500 |
| E | Hopper Scales | $250 |
| F | Jewelers Balances | $75 |
| G | Prescription Balances (Electronic/Mechanical) | $75 |
| H | Bulk Petroleum Fuel Meters | $250 |
| I | Compressed Natural Gas (per meter) | $250 |
| J | Liquefied Petroleum Gas Meters ¾ inch diameter or less | $250 |
| K | Liquefied Petroleum Gas Meters greater than ¾ inch | $375 |
| L | Retail Engine Fuel Meters | $60 |
| M | Universal Product Code (UPC) Scanners (per unit) | $25 |
| N | Yard Sticks / Tape Measures | $25 |
| O | Wire / Cordage Measures | $50 |
How Can You Protect Yourself?
Follow these steps to help ensure that a product is weighed, measured, and priced correctly:
Replace the bullets with:
• Read the package label.
• Make sure you are charged only for the product and its packaging. For example, a scale should not include the weight of a container that is not part of the purchase.
• Check the unit price.
• Review your receipt and confirm that the unit price matches the weight or quantity purchased.
• Look for a current approval seal issued by the DC Office of Weights & Measures.
If you believe a merchant overcharged you, provided less product than advertised, or used an inaccurate weighing or measuring device, submit an Office of Weights & Measures complaint. Office of Weights and Measures Complaint.
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How the Office of Weights & Measures Protects Consumers
The Office of Weights & Measures inspects commercial devices to help ensure consumers and businesses receive accurate measurements and prices.
• We inspect retail fuel meters to verify that customers receive the correct quantity of fuel.
• We inspect scales used to sell meat, fruit, vegetables, and other products by weight.
• We inspect prepackaged goods to verify that the actual package weight matches the labeled weight.
• We inspect retail scanners to verify that scanned prices match displayed or advertised prices.
• We inspect jewelers’ balances used to weigh gems and precious metals.
• We inspect prescription balances used by pharmacies.
• We inspect scales used by dialysis clinics and other healthcare facilities.
• We inspect hopper scales used to measure concrete, sand, gravel, asphalt, and similar materials.
• We inspect vehicle scales used to weigh commercial vehicles and bulk materials.
• We inspect commercial yardsticks, tape measures, wire measures, and cordage measures.
NEW REGISTRATION SYSTEM
The Office of Weights & Measures has transitioned its device registration and certificate process from QuickBase to BOSS. New registrations, renewals, account updates, and certificate-related transactions must now be completed through BOSS.
REGISTER OR RENEW A DEVICE
Businesses must use BOSS to register, renew, and manage commercially used weighing, measuring, and scanning devices in the District of Columbia.
Through BOSS, businesses may:
• Submit a new device registration;
• Renew an existing device registration;
• Add or remove devices;
• Update business or contact information;
• Pay applicable registration fees; and
• View registration and certificate information.
Select the link below to access BOSS:
REGISTER OR RENEW A WEIGHTS & MEASURES DEVICE IN BOSS
REGISTRATION PERIOD
NOTICE: WEIGHTS AND MEASURES REGISTRATION SYSTEM TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE
The current Weights and Measures online registration system is temporarily unavailable. Existing businesses will be able to submit renewal applications beginning August 10, 2026. New businesses and businesses that need to register new commercial weighing or measuring devices should contact the Office of Weights and Measures at [email protected] or (202) 671-4500 so their information can be recorded during the transition. We appreciate your patience during this transition.
Weights and Measures device registrations are valid for the calendar year in which they are issued and expire on December 31. Businesses must renew their registrations for the next calendar year through BOSS.
Request a Refund
To request a refund for a duplicate, excess, or erroneous payment, submit the online refund request and include all required supporting documentation. Refund requests are subject to review and approval.