Business Licensing Division

Welcome to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) Business and Professional Licensing Administration

Effective October 1st, updated licensing requirements and procedures will go into effect to improve the business licensing experience and ensure greater compliance with District regulations. All current and prospective business owners are encouraged to review the new guidelines to ensure a smooth transition and continued operation. Learn more here.

“Business” means any trade, profession, or activity that provides—or offers to provide—goods or services to the general public, or to any portion of the general public, for hire or compensation in the District of Columbia.

Anyone engaging in business activity within the District is required to be licensed in accordance with the specific activity conducted (e.g., convenience stores, home improvement contractors, residential rentals, restaurants).

Each licensed business activity has its own set of requirements. You can find detailed information by selecting from the license categories below. However, all businesses must complete the four core steps outlined in the Steps to Obtain a Basic Business License before applying for a specific license.

Obtain a Basic Business License

How to Apply for a License

Online

Visit the DC Business Licensing Portal. You can find personalized checklists with all the requirements you need to kick start your new business.

Visit the DC Business Licensing Portal

Want more information?

“Skip the Trip” and use the My DC Business Center to conduct business wherever and whenever you choose. Application requirements may be found below for each category for which an application may be submitted online. If you have more detailed questions about the requirements and/or categories, please contact us at (202) 671-4500.

Visit My DC Business Center

In Person

You may visit the DLCP Business License Center, 1100 4th Street, SW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20024, where you will be directed to one of our kiosks to apply for a Basic Business License via the DC Business Center. You may pay with a major credit/debit card. No appointments are required.

Book An Appointment

DLCP now offers online appointment scheduling to help you save time and skip the line. Book your appointment here.

Business Licensing Categories

Beauty & Grooming Services

Personal services related to hairstyling, nail care, and cosmetics, including haircuts, color treatments, manicures, pedicures, chemical exfoliation, waxing, makeup application, electrolysis hair removal, and other similar services.

Charitable Services

Any service whose actual or purported purpose is benevolent, philanthropic, patriotic, educational (except religious education), scientific, environmental conservation, civic, or otherwise eleemosynary.

Contractor and Construction Services

Services that involve the planning, acquiring, building, equipping, altering, repairing, improving, or demolishing of any structure or appurtenance.

Employee/Independent Salesperson

An employee or independent salesperson who provides services for or who enters into contracts on behalf of an auction sales business, an auto repossession business, a home improvement contractor, a motor vehicle dealer, a parking facility, or a security alarm dealer.

Employment Services

The operation of an employment agency, employment counseling service, or employer-paid personnel service.

Entertainment Services

A performance, recreational activity, spectacle, show, or similar event or service, including events or services occurring at amusement parks, bowling alleys, skating rinks, and theaters.

Environmental Services

Any service meant to store, transport, or distribute fuels or solvents, remediate pests or environmental contaminants, and store, transport, or collect solid waste.

Food Services

Any handling of food or food products regulated under Title 25 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations.

General Sales and Services

Any business engaged in the provision of general services and sales.

Health Services

Operation of a swimming pool regulated under Title 25C of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations or a pet shop regulated under Title 25J of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations.

Housing and Lodging Services

Provision of short-term or long-term housing or lodging for residents and visitors in the District, including one-family rentals, two-family rentals, apartments, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and other similar services.

Public Safety Services

Any service whose primary purpose is to protect the safety, health, or property of residents of the District, including furnishing security systems, alarms, and personnel.

Vehicular Services

Repair, servicing, alteration, restoration, towing, painting, cleaning, finishing, or parking of automobiles, trucks, recreational vehicles, boats and other vehicles, boats and other vehicles as a primary use, which may include the incidental wholesale and retail sale of vehicle parts as an accessory use.

Basic Business License (BBL) Resources

Contact TTY:

711

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