Online Resources

The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) utilizes Access DC - a program to enhance security and improve access to all of DLCP's online services.

Signing up for an Access DC account is easy. Simply visit Access DC and click the sign up link.

• Access DC simplifies interactions with DLCP. Instead of having multiple accounts with passwords to remember, your single Access DC account will be used for every DLCP online system.
• Access DC enhances security by verifying the email addresses of all users and protects DLCP's online services with an access management platform conforming to FedRAMP security standards.
• The Access DC account is easy to obtain. You can sign up for an account in just a few minutes, and if you ever forget your login information, self-guided prompts will help you recover instantly.

Review the DC Privacy Policy.

Access DC is powered by the Okta access management platform. Okta Privacy Policy.

Visit Access DC

This is a platform that presents DLCP data. The dashboards provide greater transparency, allowing customers to take a look at DLCP's performance in these areas.

View Agency Performance Dashboard

Easily make payments for various services and fees online.

Pay Online

Choose a category based on your questions or needs and schedule a virtual appointment today.

Schedule an Appointment

Scout, our online consolidated database allows users to find and track licenses, enforcement actions, and regulatory information on District businesses all in one place. Think of it as a one-stop shop for all your data needs. Search by street address, business name, person name, permit, or license number.

Verify Property Information

Remit payment online to satisfy a fine. Payments may be made using debit or credit cards using our online payment portal. 

Pay a Fine Online

The Office of Enforcement includes the Consumer Protection Unit (CPU), a team of investigators who are dedicated to enforcing District regulations in many areas, including, but not limited to: 

• Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices;
• Unlicensed Business Operations or Operation Beyond the Scope of a License;
• Unlicensed Rental or Short-Term Rental Activity;
• Home Improvement Services and Warranty Claims;
• Trash Noise Complaints;
• Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Prohibition;
• Flavored Tobacco Prohibition;
• Special events;
• Mobile and stationary vendors (including food trucks and sidewalk vendors).

Visit DLCP's Consumer Protection page for more information, or proceed directly to file a complaint using CPU's universal intake form.

CPU Universal Intake Form

Try DLCP's one-stop-shop concierge service where aspiring and existing business owners can become equipped with the step-by-step process of navigating the District’s regulatory process, providing business owners with information, guidelines, and support, thereby identifying opportunities to succeed in today’s business environment. 

Register for a One-on-One Session

The DC Business Portal is the place where entrepreneurs can find all information related to growing and maintaining local businesses.

Apply for a Business License

Apply for a Short-Term Rental License

Apply for a Special Event License

Apply for a Vending License

Apply for a Vending Employee Badge

Scout makes it easy to verify a business license. In order to operate legally in the District of Columbia, all businesses must be licensed. Scout allows you to check if a business entity has an active license(s). You can search by license number, address, name, or category. Looking for a place to rent and need to verify the business of a potential landlord? You can also find out if your landlord is licensed by searching on Scout. 

Verify a Business License

Form and register all domestic and foreign filing entities online at CorpOnline. View a complete list of Corporation Services online at CorpOnline. 

Visit CorpOnline

Apply online with non-health occupational and professional boards, commissions, and programs and enforces regulations and offers licenses in more than 125 occupational and professional categories. 

Apply for an Occupational or Professional Licensing Online

Learn the status of a occupational or professional license.

Search for an Occupational or Professional License

Obtain a license certification/verification. 

Request a OPL License Verification/Certification

New Merchants

• Name
• Business Email Address
• Business Name
• Business Address

Existing Merchants

File a complaint if you believe a merchant overcharged you, that you did not receive the quality/quantity; advertised/paid for, or have another complaint. 

File a Complaint