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Does Your Business Need A License?
The DC Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) licenses more than 30,000 small businesses citywide more than 150 different categories. In order to operate legally in District of Columbia, most businesses must get a Basic Business License (BBL) from the DCRA.
For a copy of the relevant laws and rules applicable to these BBL categories, or for applications that are not available by downloading, visit the DCRA Licensing Center in person at 941 North Capitol Street, NE, First Floor, Washington, DC, 20002.
Before applying for a license, please read the requirements on the application and download/print all required forms for the category.
New General Business License Information Center
Beginning December 31, 2008, the District of Columbia will begin requiring all businesses that pay business taxes to have a valid District of Columbia Basic Business License (BBL). Under the Business Licensing Processing Adjustment Act of 2008 passed by the DC Council, an estimated 10,000 previously unlicensed businesses will be required to obtain a General Business License.
The introduction of the new license will allow the District government to identify businesses now subject to licensure and take enforcement action against businesses operating without a license in the District. This will prevent illegal business from negatively influencing legitimate commerce and protect consumers in the District from poor business practices.
DCRA has created a comprehensive information center where you can get all the information you need including requirements, deadlines, fees and application and exemption request materials.
New Application and Endorsement Fees as of October 1, 2008
DCRA has adjusted its BBL application and endorsement fees for the first time in five years. The BBL Application Fee is now $70 and the BBL Endorsement Fee is now $25. The license fees remain unchanged.
New Regulations for Used Motor Vehicle Sales
Emergency regulations became effective December 23, 2008, and were published in the District of Columbia Register on January 2, 2009, that strengthen the business licensing requirements for motor vehicle dealers and salespersons, limit the number of vehicles that can be stored outdoors in commercial zones, require a permanent structure on all lots, and limit the number of salesmen based on the size of the lot, among others. Please review the information below if you are a current dealer or if you are interested in starting a new dealership.
DCRA Instant License Search
DCRA now offers Web site visitors the opportunity to check if a business is licensed in the following categories: All housing licenses, motor vehicle sales, service and repair, and home improvement contractors. You can search by address, name or entire list.
Thinking of Starting a New Business in the District of Columbia?
Need Supplemental Forms To Complete Your Application?
Need to Register Your Trade (Business) Name?
You can register and use a business (trade) name that's different from your individual, corporation, partnership, or company name.
Need to Get Your Equipment Inspected from the DCRA Office of Weights & Measures?
The DCRA is continually striving to make its Web site more user-friendly and efficient. We are currently working on ways to expand services and bring all license categories to the Instant License Check. Please view our site regularly for updates. If you have ideas, email us.
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