Register or renew commercially used weighing, measuring, and scanning devices through the Business One Stop Solution (BOSS) at boss.dc.gov.
For assistance, contact the Office of Weights and Measures at 202-698-2130 or [email protected].
The Office of Weights and Measures helps protect consumers and supports fair commerce by ensuring commercially used weighing, measuring, and scanning devices are accurate and properly registered.
District businesses must register commercially used devices before the devices are placed into service. Covered devices include retail scales, fuel meters, vehicle scales, pharmaceutical balances, Universal Product Code (UPC) scanners, and other commercial weighing and measuring devices.
Businesses that operate an unregistered or uninspected commercial device may be subject to enforcement action and applicable fines.
Weights and Measures Device Registration Fees
| Device Type | Fee (per device) |
|---|---|
| Scales 0 - 100 lbs (maximum per location $900) | $75 |
| Scales 101 – 2,000 lbs | $200 |
| 2,001– 20,000 lbs | $500 |
| Vehicle Scales | $1500 |
| Hopper Scales | $250 |
| Jewelers Balances | $75 |
| Prescription Balances (Electronic/Mechanical) | $75 |
| Bulk Petroleum Fuel Meters | $250 |
| Compressed Natural Gas (per meter) | $250 |
| Liquefied Petroleum Gas Meters ¾ inch diameter or less | $250 |
| Liquefied Petroleum Gas Meters greater than ¾ inch | $375 |
| Retail Engine Fuel Meters | $60 |
| Universal Product Code (UPC) Scanners (per unit) | $25 |
| Yard Sticks / Tape Measures | $25 |
| Wire / Cordage Measures | $50 |
How Can You Protect Yourself?
Follow these steps to help make sure products are weighed, measured, and priced correctly:
- Read the package label and check the advertised or displayed price.
- For items sold by weight, make sure the scale is not including the weight of a container or packaging that should not be part of the sale.
- Check the unit price.
- Review your receipt and confirm the price matches the weight or quantity purchased.
- Look for a current approval seal issued by the DC Office of Weights and Measures.
If you believe a merchant overcharged you, provided less product than advertised, or used an inaccurate weighing or measuring device, file an Office of Weights and Measures Complaint.
How the Office of Weights & Measures Protects Consumers
The Office of Weights and Measures inspects commercial devices to help ensure consumers and businesses receive accurate measurements and prices.
We test retail fuel meters, inspect commercial scales and balances, check prepackaged goods, verify retail scanner prices, inspect vehicle and hopper scales, and inspect commercial linear-measuring devices.
REGISTER OR RENEW A DEVICE
Businesses must use BOSS to register, renew, and manage commercially used weighing, measuring, and scanning devices in the District of Columbia.
Through BOSS, businesses may:
- Submit a new device registration;
- Renew an existing device registration;
- Add or remove devices;
- Update business or contact information;
- Pay applicable registration fees; and
- View registration and certificate information.
REGISTER OR RENEW A WEIGHTS & MEASURES DEVICE IN BOSS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the Office of Weights and Measures
For assistance with device registration, certificates or Weights and Measures requirements, contact:
Office of Weights and Measures
Phone: (202) 698-2130
Email: [email protected]
Request a Refund
If you made a duplicate, excess, or incorrect payment, submit the online refund request and include all required supporting documentation. Refund requests are subject to review and approval.