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dlcp

dlcp

DLCP systems for business licensing, vending, short-term rentals, and weights and measures are now offline as of August 5, 2026. CorpOnline will be unavailable August 6 through 10. We are launching BOSS, our new modern business registration and licensing system, on August 10, 2026. Any licensing tasks can resume once BOSS is live. For details on system changes, timelines, and resources to help you prepare, please visit the DLCP HUB.

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Welcome to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection

Consumer Alerts
Consumer Alerts
Business Licensing
Business Licensing
Corporate Registration
Corporate Registration
Consumer Protection
Consumer Protection
Professional Licensing (OPL)
Professional Licensing (OPL)
Special Events
Special Events
Short-Term Rental
Short-Term Rental
Vending
Vending
File a Complaint/Report a Business Occupational and Professional Licensing Complaint Form File a Complaint to the Office of Weights and Measures Submit A Vending Complaint

Welcome to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection

Consumer Alerts
Consumer Alerts
Business Licensing
Business Licensing
Corporate Registration
Corporate Registration
Consumer Protection
Consumer Protection
Professional Licensing (OPL)
Professional Licensing (OPL)
Special Events
Special Events
Short-Term Rental
Short-Term Rental
Vending
Vending
File a Complaint/Report a Business Occupational and Professional Licensing Complaint Form File a Complaint to the Office of Weights and Measures Submit A Vending Complaint

Certificate of Occupancy/Home Occupation Permit Details

Certificate of Occupancy/Home Occupation Permit Details

Certificate of Occupancy Details

If your business operates from a commercial location, you will need to secure a Certificate of Occupancy​ from the Department of Buildings, Permits Division, (202) 671-3500, 1100 4th Street, SW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20024.

Home Occupation Permit Details

If your business operates from a residential space you must obtain a Home Occupation Permit (HOP) before you obtain your business license.

NOTE: If your business is not located in Washington, DC proper, neither a Certificate of Occupancy nor a Home Occupation Permit is required.

Contact TTY: 
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