Vending Steps to Licensing

The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) is excited that you are interested in obtaining a Vending Business License in the District. This contains important information about operating as a vendor.

To help you navigate the application process, below is an outline of the steps to obtain a Class A, B, C or D Vending Business License. If you have questions, you can contact the Vending Team at [email protected].

Class A Vending Business License: Food Vendor

1. Corporate Registration - Register Your Business and Trade Name with the Corporations Division (If you are applying as a sole proprietor with no trade name, a corporate registration is not required)
2. Tax Registration & Clean Hands - Register your business with the Office of Tax & Revenue by completing form FR-500. Request a Certificate of Clean Hands. The certificate must be dated within 30 days of submission of your license application.
3. Health Certificate - Submit a Mobile Food Vending Application with DC Health. Questions about a health certificate should be sent directly to DC Health via [email protected].
4. Propane Permit - Apply for a Propane Operation Permit with Fire & EMS (if applicable)
5. Schedule an Inspection - Send an email to [email protected] to request an inspection of your mobile unit. Attach the Vending Letter received from DC Health. The inspection will include the following agencies: DC Health, Fire and EMS Department (FEMS), and DLCP. DLCP will be conducting a measurement of your vending unit. A valid government-issued ID and vehicle registration must be presented at the time of inspection.
6. Health Inspection Report - Follow-up with DC Health to receive your Health Inspection Report – [email protected].
7. To submit an application please visit the DC Business Licensing Portal. Select "Start" from the "Choose goal" drop-down menu, then select "Street Vending Business" from the "choose type of business" drop-down menu.  The portal will generate a checklist with all the information you need to submit for your application.  

Once your application is received, a licensing specialist will review and followup with payment instructions.

Class B Vending Business License: Merchandise Vendor

1. Corporate Registration - Register Your Business and Trade Name with the Corporations Division (If you are applying as a sole proprietor with no trade name, a corporate registration is not required)
2. Tax Registration & Clean Hands - Register your business with the Office of Tax & Revenue by completing form FR-500. Request a Certificate of Clean Hands. The certificate must be dated within 30 days of submission of your license application.
3. Schedule an Inspection - Send an email to [email protected] to request an inspection of your mobile unit. DLCP will be conducting a measurement of your vending unit. A valid government-issued ID and vehicle registration must be presented at the time of inspection.
4. To submit an application please visit the DC Business Licensing Portal. Select "Start" from the "Choose goal" drop-down menu, then select "Street Vending Business" from the "choose type of business" drop-down menu.  The portal will generate a checklist with all the information you need to submit for your application.  

Once your application is received, a licensing specialist will review and follow up with payment instructions. 

Class C Vending Business License: Public Market Manager

1. Corporate Registration - Register Your Business and Trade Name with the Corporations Division (If you are applying as a sole proprietor with no trade name, a corporate registration is not required)
2. Tax Registration & Clean Hands - Register your business with the Office of Tax & Revenue by completing form FR-500. Request a Certificate of Clean Hands. The certificate must be dated within 30 days of submission of your license application.
3. Location Authorization:
   1. Apply for a Public Space Permit from the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) if your market will be located on public space. Note: If your market will be located at a DPR or DCPS location, you will be required to submit a space agreement/permit from the respective agency.
   2. Apply for a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy from the DOB Permit Center if your market will be located on private property.
4. To submit an application please visit the DC Business Licensing Portal. Select "Start" from the "Choose goal" drop-down menu, then select "Street Vending Business" from the "choose type of business" drop-down menu.  The portal will generate a checklist with all the information you need to submit for your application.  

*Note: Always when a public market is in operation, the Public Market Manager or a vendor employee shall be on site. The employee must hold a valid Vendor Employee Badge. Market Managers and market vendors are required to comply with all DC Health requirements. Contact DC Health at [email protected] for more information.

Once your application is received, a licensing specialist will review and follow up with payment instructions.