US City Business License Requirements

Washington, DC business license requirements

A new business in Washington, DC needs a general local business license or registration, called Basic Business License (General Business category), according to the source cited below.

General local business license required
Yes
License name
Basic Business License (General Business category)
Issuing office
Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP)
Fee
$49.00 for a 6-month license; $99.00 for a 2-year license; $198.00 for a 4-year license
Renewal
License term of 6 months, 2 years or 4 years as chosen at application
Where to apply
https://boss.dc.gov/
Official source
https://dlcp.dc.gov/page/general-business
Verified date
2026-10-05
How this summary was compiled
An AI agent fetched the official source page above and read it.

The verified date is the day this summary was compiled. Fees, forms and deadlines change: confirm them with Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) before filing.

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