Welcome to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) Business and Professional Licensing Administration Vending Unit. The Vending Unit is comprised of both Vending Licensing and Vending Licensing Enforcement. Below, you are provided with the resources and tools to apply for a license to vend on public space within the District of Columbia, as well as the resources to file a vending related complaint regarding licensing compliance and illegal vending.
License Categories
Class A
Authorizes a person to manage a public/farmers markets on public. All employees are also required to obtain a Vending Employee Identification Badge.
Class B
Authorizes a person to vend merchandise, other than merchandise prohibited from public space. For vending purposes, the term “merchandise” shall include non-hazardous and non-controlled cut flowers, dried flowers and potted plants. All employees are also required to obtain a Vending Employee Identification Badge.
Class C
Authorizes a person to manage public markets on public or private space for the sale of agricultural goods and other farm products, or other food as designated by DC Department of Health (DC Health) Director, and other non-food merchandise or services as designated by the DLCP Director.
Class D
Authorizes a person to vend services (e.g., street photography, sale of tickets) from public spaces. All employees are also required to obtain a Vending Employee Identification Badge.
Apply for a New Vending License
Please read our Vending Steps to Licensing guide. It will help you navigate the application process to obtain a Class A, B, C or D Vending Business License. If you have questions, you can contact the Vending Team at [email protected].
To submit an application, please visit the DC Business Licensing Portal. Select “New Business License” from the Business Licensing section of the left-hand menu. Then select “Street Vendor License” from the Category drop-down menu and select “Street Vending Business” as the Business Activity.
Other Vending Business Applications
- To submit a Vending Employee Badge application visit boss.dc.gov and select “XXXX” from the left-hand menu and follow the prompts.
- To add or replace a mobile vending truck/unit, visit boss.dc.gov and select “xxxx” from the left-hand menu and follow the prompts.
Renew a Vending License
Vending Site Permits
Mobile Site Permit: Mobile Vendors ONLY (Class A, B, or D)
All Vending Business Licensees who operate Mobile Vending Vehicles are required to obtain a Mobile Site Permit. Each Mobile Site Permit authorizes a specific Mobile Vending Vehicle to operate in accordance with Title 24 of DC Municipal Regulation Chapter 5§ 534-535. A valid vehicle registration must be provided for each Mobile Vending Vehicle. If the vendor is not the owner of the Mobile Vending Vehicle, the vendor must provide a Letter of Authorization from the owner of the vehicle. The fee for a 2-year Mobile Site Permit is $300.00 per vehicle. This fee will be pro-rated to be concurrent with the Vending Business License period.
Sidewalk Site Permit: Sidewalk Vendors ONLY (Class A, B, or D)
All Vending Business Licensees who operate from sidewalk locations are required to obtain a Sidewalk Site Permit. Each Sidewalk Site Permit authorizes a Vending Business Licensee to vend from one specific sidewalk location. Sidewalk locations must meet the requirements of Title 24 of DC Municipal Regulation Chapter 5 § 525. Each Sidewalk location application will be reviewed and approved by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), and applicants will be notified by phone or e-mail of approval of sidewalk locations. The fee for a 2-year Sidewalk Site Permit is $150.00 per vessel. This fee will be pro-rated to be concurrent with the Vending Business License period.
Licensing Fees
License Duration: 2 Years
License Fee:
- Class A: $99.00
- Class B: $99.00
- Class C: $99.00
- Class D: $99.00
- Employee Badge: $55.00
Site Permit Fee:
- Mobile: $300.00
- Sidewalk: $150.00
Cancel a Vending License
Stationary Roadway
Authorizes a Class A or Class B licensee to vend from a stationary vehicle at an approved stationary roadway location(s) assigned to them by monthly lottery around the National Mall. There is no fee to enter the monthly lottery, but you must request a passcode from the agency.
Reference the map of designated Stationary Roadway Vending Locations.
National Stadium Lottery
Authorizes a Class A or Class B licensee to vend from an approved vending cart/stand at an approved sidewalk location assigned to them by monthly lottery around National Stadium. There is a fee to enter the monthly lottery, and you must request a passcode from the agency.
Reference the map of designated Nationals Stadium Vending locations.
Request a Refund / File a Complaint
If you feel you are due a refund due to excess, duplicate, or erroneous payment, submit the online Refund Request. You must submit all of the required documentation in order to process your claim.
If you observe a vendor operating beyond the scope of its license or without a license, you may Submit a Vending Complaint.
DLCP Announces the Street Vending Amnesty Program
Starting October 1, 2023, DLCP will administer the Street Vending Amnesty Program (the “Amnesty Program”) pursuant to D.C. Act 25-94. The Amnesty Program will be available to applicants for 5 years. The purpose of the Amnesty Program is to allow street vendors with certain debt to qualify to obtain a Vending License. Additionally, a street vendor who qualifies for the Amnesty Program will also be eligible to have this unpaid debt forgiven.
Agency Contact
Phone: (202) 671-4500
Email: [email protected]