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dlcp

dlcp

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, DLCP will be closed on Thursday, November 28, 2024 and Friday, November 29, 2024. Please see our list of online resources should you need immediate assistance. We will resume normal operations on Monday, December 2, 2024.

Steps to Obtaining a Basic Business License

Step 1 – Corporate & Trade Name Registration

If your business is operating as a corporate entity (e.g., corporation, limited liability company, or partnership), register via CorpOnline.

Trade Name Registration
If you are planning to use a fictitious or shortened version of the corporate name when conducting business, register the trade name via CorpOnline.

Step 2 – Registration with Internal Revenue Service and DC Office of Tax and Revenue

Apply for Employer Identification Number (EIN) online, in-person at 77 K Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, or via telephone at (202) 803-9000.

DC Office of Tax (OTR):
Register EIN with the DC Office of Tax and Revenue online. For more information visit 1101 4th Street, SW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20024, or call (202) 727-4TAX.

Clean Hands Certification:
A Clean Hands check will be conducted during the Basic Business License online application process. Learn more about Clean Hands.

Step 3 – Registration with Office of the Zoning Administrator

  • Expedited Home Occupation Permit (eHOP): If conducting business out of a home in the District, you may be eligible to obtain an Expedited Home Occupation Permit when you apply for a Basic Business License via My DC Business Center.
  • Home Occupation Permit (HOP): If conducting business out of a home in the District, apply for a Home Occupation Permit.
  • Certificate of Occupancy (COO): If operating out of an office location in the District, apply for a Certificate of Occupancy.

Step 4 - Basic Business License (BBL) Application

Submit a BBL application including the required supporting documentation and payment.
Your business' activities determine the type of Basic Business License required.

Apply for a Business License