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Licensing Made Simple
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 Best Act is Live!
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.
CorpOnline Updates Live!
Exciting updates have transformed CorpOnline, making it easier than ever to register and manage business entities online. For more details on what has changed click the link below for FAQs.
Book An Appointment!
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.
Report Vending Issues
If you’ve had an issue with a vendor in the District, please file a complaint here. Your feedback helps improve service and prevent future problems.
The Best Act is Live!
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.
Report Vending Issues
If you’ve had an issue with a vendor in the District, please file a complaint here. Your feedback helps improve service and prevent future problems.
CorpOnline Updates Live!
Exciting updates have transformed CorpOnline, making it easier than ever to register and manage business entities online. For more details on what has changed click the link below for FAQs.
Book An Appointment!
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.
Licensing Made Simple
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.
Upcoming Events
Aug 3 2026 - 10:00
Aug 5 2026 - 10:00
Aug 6 2026 - 14:00
Featured News
| 07/02/2026 DLCP News | July 2026 |
| 06/08/2026 DLCP News | June 2026 |
| 05/08/2026 DLCP News | May 2026 |
| 03/31/2026 DLCP News | March 2026 |
| 02/27/2026 DLCP News | February 2026 |
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) announces the application period for temporary firework stand licenses.
Featured Homepage Events
Coffee, Connect & Business Diagnostic Check - In Person Monday’s- 1100 4th Street SW 2nd Floor - Mon, Aug 3
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (EDT)
8/3/2026 5:00 PM (EDT)
No Fee
Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection-1100 4th Street 2nd Floor, Washington DC 20024
Business Licensing, Corporate Registration, FR 500
Where Are You in Your Entrepreneurship Journey?
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection’s Business Resource Center is here to help you assess exactly where you are on the business success ladder.
During this in-person one-on-one technical assistance session, staff from the DLCP Business Resource Center (BRC) and the Department of Buildings (DOB) will provide individualized guidance to help you navigate the District’s regulatory requirements. You will gain in-depth support on topics such as:
- Registering your business entity (e.g., Limited Liability Company, Corporation, Non-Profit, etc.)
- Understanding the basic steps for obtaining a business license
- Receiving guidance on building permits and certificates of occupancy
In addition, this session will also cover the latest laws, trends, and requirements related to short-term rental regulation in the District. You will receive personalized assistance on:
- Understanding the regulatory process for securing a short-term rental license
- Navigating the application process
- Learning best practices for staying compliant with local laws to ensure a successful rental experience on any booking platform
This opportunity is designed for both aspiring and current business owners operating in the District of Columbia.
*Please bring a laptop
Webinar: Learn How to Become a Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) - Wed, Aug 5
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EDT)
8/5/2026 5:00 PM (EDT)
Small Business Resource Center (202) 442-4538
Online Meeting (Live)
CBE Certification
Attend this session to learn about how the Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) program helps position your business to better compete in DC government contracting opportunities.
Note: Following your sign up, you will receive an email with registration and logon instructions for WebEx the day before and or the morning of the webinar.
Information will be emailed to participants that register.
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.
Business Foundation Series: Business Concept & Assessment - Thu, Aug 6
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM (EDT)
8/6/2026 5:00 PM (EDT)
No Fee
Tamika Wood (202) 957-9398
Online Meeting (Live)
Business Financing, Business Plan
Starting a business can create excitement and an anxiousness which can lead to starting prematurely. With proper pre-planning, your chances of success increases. It’s one of the top reasons why businesses succeed and thrive in a competitive environment
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.
DLCP Feature Callout Blocks BizSpaceVacant Property Dashboard for Approved Businesses Across Wards.  Small Business Resource CenterAccess information about all the forms and requirements you need to start your business.  Live ChatChat with our support team to get answers to your questions.  Pay a FinePay your fines 24/7 using our simple and easy online system. |