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.
DLCP’s upcoming Business One Stop Solution (BOSS) will introduce a modern, unified platform that simplifies how businesses complete licensing and registration tasks across the District. Launching August 2026, the system will streamline processes, reduce redundancies, and give entrepreneurs a clearer, more efficient way to manage their interactions with the agency.
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) is excited to announce the implementation of the Business and Entrepreneurship Support to Thrive (BEST) Act—a major step forward in simplifying and modernizing how businesses are licensed in the District of Columbia.
DLCP now offers an appointment scheduling system, making it easy to plan ahead and skip long waits.
Appointments are available for services including Business Licensing, Corporations, Occupational and Professional Licensing, Short Term Rental, Vending (by appointment only), Special Events, Weights and Measures, and Civil Infractions.
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) is excited to announce the implementation of the Business and Entrepreneurship Support to Thrive (BEST) Act—a major step forward in simplifying and modernizing how businesses are licensed in the District of Columbia.
DLCP now offers an appointment scheduling system, making it easy to plan ahead and skip long waits.
Appointments are available for services including Business Licensing, Corporations, Occupational and Professional Licensing, Short Term Rental, Vending (by appointment only), Special Events, Weights and Measures, and Civil Infractions.
DLCP’s upcoming Business One Stop Solution (BOSS) will introduce a modern, unified platform that simplifies how businesses complete licensing and registration tasks across the District. Launching August 2026, the system will streamline processes, reduce redundancies, and give entrepreneurs a clearer, more efficient way to manage their interactions with the agency.
As we welcome visitors to the District this summer, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) wants to help ensure your visit is safe, enjoyable, and stress-free.
Third-party companies such as Vrbo, Airbnb, and others offer many lodging options in the District of Columbia as an alternative to staying in a hotel. While these platforms are convenient, listings may not always be properly licensed or compliant with the District’s laws and regulations, which can put consumers at risk.
Business Licensing, Certificates of Occupancy/Home Occupation Permit, Corporate Registration, Other
DLCP's Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) staff will provide assistance with navigating through the regulatory process. Gaining in-depth knowledge of registering with corporations (i.e. Limited Liability Company, Corporations, Non-Profit, etc.) and with the basic steps of obtaining a business license. Assistance will also be provided with the following:
- Corporate Registration
- Business Licensing
*Q&A to follow presentation.
Registration Policies:
Special Accommodations: In accordance with the American Disabilities Act and state law, you may request accommodations due to a disability by contacting the event organizer listed above. Advance notice may be necessary for some accommodations. Registration must be paid prior to accommodation requests.
Disclaimer: The instructional sessions and seminars are provided as a service by DLCP for informational purposes only. Attending an instructional session or seminar does not guarantee that DLCP will issue you a license, corporate registration, permit, or certification.
During this virtual workshop, you will learn how to start a non-profit business — including corporate registration, licensing, and tax registration — and how to apply for grants available to non-profit organizations. This will be an interactive Q&A forum, giving you the opportunity to ask questions in real time and get personalized guidance throughout the session.
Following your registration you will receive an email from our office the day before and or the day of to register through WebEx to attend the webinar.
Registration Policies:
Special Accommodations: In accordance with the American Disabilities Act and state law, you may request accommodations due to a disability by contacting the event organizer listed above. Advance notice may be necessary for some accommodations. Registration must be paid prior to accommodation requests.
Disclaimer: The instructional sessions and seminars are provided as a service by DLCP for informational purposes only. Attending an instructional session or seminar does not guarantee that DLCP will issue you a license, corporate registration, permit, or certification.
You have a great idea for your new business and desire a simple yet effective process and method to go from an idea to an actual document. Creating a detailed, traditional business plan can be daunting, requiring extensive time, money, and effort. The good news is that there is a step after concept and assessment and not as intensive as the business plan: The Business Model Canvas. During The Business Model Canvas webinar, you will learn an effective process for moving your business idea from that idea to an actual document. The Business Model Canvas (BMC) is a way of describing your business idea into nine distinct fundamental business components using a visual process on one page. Consider this step as the organization and documentation towards developing a solid business planning foundation. This BMC session is targeted to micro and part-time small businesses. Doing this on your own takes an effort; as such, attendees are encouraged to get advisory assistance from a DCSBDC business counselor to work with you to develop your BMC.
NOTE: Following your registration you will receive logon instructions to register through WebEx before the webinar takes place.
Registration Policies:
Special Accommodations: In accordance with the American Disabilities Act and state law, you may request accommodations due to a disability by contacting the event organizer listed above. Advance notice may be necessary for some accommodations. Registration must be paid prior to accommodation requests.
Disclaimer: The instructional sessions and seminars are provided as a service by DLCP for informational purposes only. Attending an instructional session or seminar does not guarantee that DLCP will issue you a license, corporate registration, permit, or certification.
