Washington, DC Business License Guide

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The Ultimate Washington, DC Business License Guide (No Fluff, All Facts)

Last updated: August 2025

This guide walks you step-by-step through the actual process District entrepreneurs follow to get legally licensed. You’ll find real timelines, fees where officially published, direct links to DC government pages, phone numbers, hard-won tips, and reality checks. If something can snag your application, we call it out.

Quick Help (Read This First)

  • If you’re opening soon, start by creating your Access DC account and register for taxes at MyTax DC. You’ll need both to apply for your Basic Business License (BBL).
  • Register for DC taxes (FR-500) at Register for DC business taxes at MyTax.DC.gov (official registration portal, no fee). Questions? OTR Customer Service: (202) 727-4829.
  • Most DC businesses need a Basic Business License (BBL) through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). Start at DLCP Business Licensing (official agency site). General info line: DLCP Contact Center: (202) 671-4500.
  • Working from home? You generally need a Home Occupation Permit before you can get a BBL. See Zoning/Home Businesses overview on DLCP (official DLCP portal with links).
  • Selling taxable goods or meals? DC general sales tax is 6%; restaurant/ready-to-eat meals are 10%; parking is 18%; hotels are 14.95%. Details at DC OTR Sales and Use Tax Rates (official rate table; accessed August 2025). OTR help: (202) 727-4829.
  • Food business? You need a DC Health food establishment license and pre-approval. Start at DC Health Food Safety and Hygiene (official division page). DC Health: (202) 442-5955.
  • Serving alcohol? You’ll need a license from the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) in addition to your BBL. Start at ABCA Licensing (official site). ABCA: (202) 442-4423.
  • Contractors (home improvement): DC requires a Basic Business License with the Home Improvement Contractor endorsement and a surety bond of $25,000. See DLCP Licensing for Contractors (official site with category links). DLCP: (202) 671-4500.
  • Corporate/LLC filings and two-year reports are with DLCP Corporations Division. Two-year report fee is $300. See DLCP Corporate Registration (official page; accessed August 2025). Corporations help: (202) 671-4500.
  • Clean Hands is required for licensing (you can’t owe qualifying DC debts). Request the certificate at OTR Clean Hands (official). OTR: (202) 727-4829.

What license do you actually need? (Start here)

The District issues a Basic Business License (BBL) based on your business activity (called an “endorsement”). You may need more than one endorsement if you do multiple things (e.g., retail + restaurant + short-term rental).

Key actions to take right now:

  • Verify whether your activity requires a BBL endorsement (most do).
  • Check if you need a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for a commercial space or a Home Occupation Permit (HOP) if you work from a DC residence.
  • Register for taxes, get Clean Hands, and then file your BBL application with DLCP.

Popular situations and what’s likely required

Situation Likely DC requirements Notes
Selling goods in a shop BBL (Retail or General Business), Certificate of Occupancy, DC Tax Registration Sales tax 6%. See OTR Sales & Use Rates.
Running a restaurant/cafe BBL (Food), DC Health Food License/Inspections, Certificate of Occupancy, DC Tax Registration Meals tax 10%. Health plan review required.
Home-based online store BBL (General Business), Home Occupation Permit, DC Tax Registration HOP rules limit storage, signage, and foot traffic.
General contractor or home improvement BBL (Contractor), surety bond $25,000, DC Tax Registration Bond is mandatory for Home Improvement Contractors.
Short-term rental (Airbnb/VRBO) Short-Term Rental license, primary residence proof, DC Tax Registration Subject to hotel tax 14.95%; platforms often collect/remit.
Serving alcohol ABCA license + BBL, Certificate of Occupancy, DC Tax Registration Alcohol licensing is a separate process at ABCA.

Sources and verification:

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Contact DLCP Business Licensing for a category check: (202) 671-4500 or use the contact form at DLCP Contact.
  • For unusual businesses, ask DLCP in writing for a determination and save their response for your records (helpful if an inspector asks later).
  • If your landlord won’t allow a C of O, consider a co-working or shared commercial kitchen that already has the proper occupancy approvals.

The step-by-step path to being legal in DC

The order below is the most efficient for most businesses. Completing steps out of order is a common cause of delays.

Step 1: Choose your structure and (if needed) register your company

Most formal entities (LLC, corporation, LP, etc.) must register with the DLCP Corporations Division. Sole proprietors can operate under their legal name without entity registration, but most still register for protection and bank compliance.

  • Where to file: DLCP Corporate Registration (official).
  • Trade names (DBA): If you use a business name different from your legal name, register a trade name with DLCP. Start at DLCP Trade Name info (official overview).
  • Two-year report: Most entities must file a two-year report with DLCP. The current fee is $300. See Two-Year Report guidance (official; accessed August 2025).
  • Registered agent: DC requires a registered agent with a physical DC street address (no P.O. boxes).
  • Timeline: Standard filings can take days to a couple of weeks depending on volume. Expedited options are available at additional cost (see DLCP fee schedule on the corporate page).

Required documents (typical):

  • Formation documents (Articles of Organization for an LLC; Articles of Incorporation for a corporation), approved by DLCP.
  • Registered agent consent details.
  • Government-issued ID (for account/portal setup).
  • Trade name certificate (if applicable).

Reality checks:

  • Your bank will usually require DLCP-approved formation documents and your EIN letter before opening a business account.
  • If you formed your entity in another state, you must register as a foreign entity in DC before applying for a BBL.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Call DLCP Corporations Division: (202) 671-4500 or use the contact form at DLCP Corporate Registration.
  • If your filing is stuck, ask about expedite options or whether a minor correction is needed (name conflicts and registered agent issues are common).
  • For legal structure questions, consider the DC Bar Pro Bono Center’s resources at DC Bar Pro Bono Center Small Business Program (well-established local resource).

Step 2: Get your EIN from the IRS (free)

  • Apply online: IRS EIN Online Assistant (official).
  • Cost: $0.
  • Timeline: Immediate issuance online (you can download the EIN letter).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If the IRS online system is down, you can apply by fax or mail as outlined on the IRS page. The IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line: (800) 829-4933.

Step 3: Register for DC taxes with OTR (FR-500)

Most businesses must register for DC taxes with the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR).

  • Where: Register for DC business taxes (MyTax.DC.gov) (official portal).
  • Cost: $0.
  • What to register for: Sales and use tax, employer withholding, unincorporated business franchise tax or corporate franchise tax, and any special industry taxes that apply.
  • Common DC sales/use tax rates (as of August 2025; see official table below and verify on OTR):

DC sales and use tax rate highlights

Taxed item/activity Rate Official reference
General sales and use 6% OTR Sales and Use Tax Rates (official; accessed Aug 2025)
Restaurant/ready-to-eat meals (including liquor served on premises) 10% Same as above
Soft drinks 8% Same as above
Parking 18% Same as above
Hotel/accommodations 14.95% Same as above
Alcohol for off-premises consumption Often listed as 10% Same as above (confirm exact current rate on the OTR page)

Note: DC also has a use tax at the same rate as sales tax for taxable items used in DC that weren’t taxed at purchase.

  • Clean Hands: You must be compliant with DC tax obligations. Obtain your Clean Hands certificate via OTR at OTR Clean Hands (official; accessed August 2025).
  • Employer accounts: If you will have employees in DC, you’ll register for employer withholding (OTR) and unemployment insurance (with DOES) separately.
  • Unemployment Insurance (DOES): Register at DOES Employer UI Contributions (official). For help, DOES Customer Service: (202) 724-7000.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • OTR Customer Service: (202) 727-4829 or message through MyTax.DC.gov.
  • For detailed taxability questions, request a ruling or written guidance from OTR so you have documentation if audited.

Step 4: Get your space approved (C of O or HOP)

Before DLCP will issue many BBL endorsements, your location must be approved.

  • Commercial spaces: You generally need a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for your specific use (e.g., restaurant, retail, office). Start at DLCP Certificates of Occupancy (official hub with links).
  • Home-based businesses: You generally need a Home Occupation Permit (HOP). Start at DLCP Home-based business guidance (official hub). HOPs limit signage, deliveries, and customer visits.
  • Inspections: Depending on your use, building, fire, and health inspections may be needed before the C of O is issued.
  • Timelines:
    • HOP applications can be faster when straightforward.
    • C of O timing varies widely based on inspections and whether any construction or change of use is involved.

Required documents (typical):

  • Lease or proof of property control.
  • Floor plan/site plan.
  • If buildout is needed, approved building permits and inspection results.

Reality checks:

  • Many commercial leases in DC require a C of O for the intended use before you can open to the public. Budget time for this.
  • A change of use (e.g., office to restaurant) triggers building code upgrades and delays.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • DLCP main line: (202) 671-4500 and ask for help with zoning/occupancy routing.
  • Consider a location that already has a suitable C of O or use a coworking/commercial kitchen that meets your use.

Step 5: Apply for your Basic Business License (BBL)

Once you’ve handled tax registration, Clean Hands, and location approvals, you can apply for your BBL through DLCP.

  • Portal: Start from DLCP Business Licensing (official), then go to the online licensing portal via your Access DC account at Access DC.
  • Cost: Fees vary by endorsement and term. See the DLCP license fee schedule inside the licensing portal or the category page for exact amounts. If you can’t find a published fee, contact DLCP at (202) 671-4500.
  • Term: Most BBL endorsements renew every two years. Renewal notices come from DLCP via email/portal notifications.

Required documents (commonly requested):

  • Clean Hands certificate (from OTR Clean Hands).
  • DC tax registration confirmation (from MyTax.DC.gov).
  • C of O or HOP (if applicable).
  • Corporate/LLC documents (if applicable), two-year report status, and registered agent info.
  • Trade name registration (if using a DBA).
  • Insurance, bond, or background checks (varies by endorsement).

Popular BBL endorsements and extra requirements

Endorsement (example) Extra requirements Notes
General Business / Retail C of O or HOP, tax registration Clean Hands required
Restaurant/Food Service DC Health food license/plan review, C of O, tax registration Meals tax 10%
Home Improvement Contractor Surety bond $25,000, insurance, tax registration Bond is mandatory
Short-Term Rental Primary residence proof, STR license, tax registration Hotel tax 14.95%
Public/Street Vendor Health clearance if food, vendor badge, location approval May have background check

Sources:

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • DLCP Licensing support: (202) 671-4500 or use the portal’s help feature.
  • If your application is stuck for more than two weeks with no update, call and ask for status notes and a list of missing items.
  • You can visit DLCP in person; check the DLCP Contact page for current service hours and location.

DC-specific examples and lessons learned

  • Example: A home bakery in Petworth
    The owner registered a single-member LLC, got an EIN, registered for taxes at MyTax DC, obtained a Home Occupation Permit (to bake at home under DC Health’s rules), then applied for a General Business BBL. They needed a DC-certified food protection manager certificate for certain sales and made sure only prepackaged, labeled items were sold at pre-approved farmer’s markets. The slower part was HOP processing; once approved, the BBL moved quickly.
  • Example: A retail + cafe hybrid in H Street NE
    The team first negotiated a lease contingent on obtaining a C of O for retail/restaurant use. DC Health required plan review for the kitchen. Because they served alcohol later, they also obtained an ABCA license. The new operator budgeted several months from lease signing to final licensing due to coordinated inspections.
  • Example: A small contractor based in Ward 7
    The owner filed for a Home Improvement Contractor BBL, secured the 25,000∗∗suretybond,andregisteredforDCtaxes.Theyalsofiledatwo−yearreport(∗∗25,000** surety bond, and registered for DC taxes. They also filed a two-year report (**300) and kept their Clean Hands status current so they could pull permits without delays.

Timelines you can actually use

Every business is different, but these are reasonable planning ranges based on agency guidance and typical experience. Always verify current processing times with the agency.

Task Typical timeline Notes
EIN (IRS) Same day online Free ($0).
Tax registration (OTR FR-500) Same day to a few days MyTax DC portal.
HOP (home-based) Days to a few weeks Depends on volume and completeness.
Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) Weeks to months If construction/inspections required.
DC Health food approval Weeks to months Plan review can extend timelines.
BBL issuance A few days to a few weeks Depends on the endorsement and prerequisites.
ABCA alcohol license Weeks to several months Hearings and placarding can add time.

Sources:

  • IRS EIN (official; accessed August 2025)
  • OTR MyTax DC (official; accessed August 2025)
  • DLCP and ABCA (official; accessed August 2025)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Ask the agency if your application is “complete and ready for review.” Missing documents cause the biggest delays.
  • Consider hiring a local expediter if you’re on a tight opening date and construction is involved.
  • For ABCA, meet with a Community Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) early; community agreements can speed the process.

Money: what it really costs (and how to budget)

Here’s a practical view of hard costs you’re likely to see. Some fees vary by category and change over time. Where official numbers are not consistently published online, we link you directly to the agency to confirm current amounts before you pay.

Cost item Typical amount Where it’s from
IRS EIN $0 IRS EIN
OTR FR-500 business tax registration $0 MyTax DC
DLCP Two-Year Report (LLCs/corps) $300 DLCP Corporate Registration
Home Improvement Contractor bond $25,000 surety bond (premium varies) DLCP Licensing for Contractors
BBL endorsement fees Varies by endorsement and term DLCP Business Licensing
DC Health food license/plan review Varies by category DC Health Food Safety
ABCA alcohol license Varies by class and seats ABCA Licensing

Notes:

  • Surety bond premium for a 25,000∗∗bondisnot∗∗25,000** bond is not **25,000 out of pocket. You pay an annual premium to a bonding company based on credit—get quotes.
  • BBL fees and DC Health fees are published by the agencies and can change with legislation. Always check the official page before you budget.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If the license fee seems off in the portal, call DLCP at (202) 671-4500 and ask for the fee schedule for your endorsement.
  • If a bond quote is too high due to credit, ask your insurance broker about co-signer options or other carriers.

Taxes and returns (District-specific details you can’t ignore)

  • Sales and use tax: File on MyTax DC. Filing frequency depends on your tax due. Rates are published at OTR Sales & Use Tax (official; accessed August 2025). General rate is 6%; meals 10%; soft drinks 8%; hotel 14.95%; parking 18%.
  • Income/franchise taxes:
    • Corporations: DC corporate franchise tax (rates and brackets at OTR Business Taxes — official).
    • Unincorporated businesses: DC unincorporated business franchise tax (see OTR’s official pages).
  • Employer taxes: Withholding via OTR; Unemployment Insurance via DOES at Employer UI Contributions.
  • Clean Hands: You must be in compliance to obtain/renew licenses. Get a certificate at OTR Clean Hands. If you owe DC taxes/fees above the Clean Hands threshold, resolve with OTR.
  • Marketplace facilitators (e.g., short-term rental platforms) usually collect and remit hotel tax, but you are still responsible for registration and compliance. Verify with your platform and OTR.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Call OTR: (202) 727-4829 for account issues, taxability questions, or filing frequency changes.
  • Call DOES: (202) 724-7000 for UI rate and contribution questions.
  • If an old address or ID is causing Clean Hands mismatches, update your information in both MyTax DC and DLCP portal accounts.

Industry spotlights (high-traffic DC categories)

Food businesses (restaurants, cafes, caterers, food trucks)

Most food operations require both DC Health approval and a BBL.

Required documents (often):

  • Floor plan/equipment list, menu, food protection manager certification, grease management plan (for full-service).
  • For mobile vending/food trucks: commissary agreement, vehicle inspections, vendor badge approvals.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • DC Health main line: (202) 442-5955 (ask for Food Safety & Hygiene).
  • ABCA help: (202) 442-4423.
  • Consider a shared commercial kitchen with existing approvals to shorten timelines.

Contractors and trades

  • Home Improvement Contractor license: Requires $25,000 surety bond and BBL endorsement through DLCP. See DLCP Business Licensing (official).
  • Pulling permits: Ensure Clean Hands is current or you may be blocked from permits.
  • Specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, etc.) have their own license requirements and exams. See DLCP for details.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • DLCP Licensing: (202) 671-4500 for category requirements.
  • If you’re repeatedly delayed, request a supervisor review or submit a written inquiry via DLCP’s contact page for a documented response.

Short-term rentals (STR)

  • License: DC requires a Short-Term Rental license, usually for your primary residence. Details are maintained by DLCP at DLCP — Short-Term Rental Licensing (official hub).
  • Taxes: Hotel/accommodations tax 14.95%. Many platforms collect/remit, but verify your obligations with OTR and keep records.
  • Caps/restrictions: The law includes limits for “vacation rentals” when the host is not present. Always confirm current caps and host-present rules on DLCP’s STR page.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • DLCP assistance: (202) 671-4500.
  • If your listing is blocked by platform compliance checks, contact the platform with your DLCP license number and OTR registration confirmation.

Renewals, reporting, and ongoing compliance

Staying legal is a cycle. Put dates on your calendar now.

Ongoing task When Amount Where
BBL renewal (most endorsements) Every 2 years Varies by endorsement DLCP Business Licensing
Two-year report (LLCs/corps) Every 2 years; check entity’s cycle $300 DLCP Corporate Registration
Sales tax returns Monthly/quarterly (depends on volume) N/A MyTax DC
Employer withholding & UI Regularly per filing schedule N/A OTR & DOES UI
ABCA alcohol license Per license class schedule Varies ABCA Licensing

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you miss a BBL renewal, don’t delay—late penalties can add up. Contact DLCP at (202) 671-4500 for reinstatement options.
  • If you miss tax filings, file as soon as possible to reduce penalties/interest and contact OTR at (202) 727-4829 if you need a payment plan.

Document checklist (save this)

You’ll likely need Where you get it Notes
EIN letter IRS $0 via online.
DC tax registration confirmation MyTax DC FR-500 online.
Clean Hands certificate OTR Clean Hands Must be current.
C of O or HOP DLCP Proves your space is approved.
Corporate/LLC filings DLCP Corporations Division Include two-year report $300.
Trade name (DBA) certificate DLCP If using a different name.
Insurance/bonds Your insurer/surety HIC bond $25,000.
Food safety certs (if food) DC Health guidance E.g., food protection manager.
Alcohol license (if alcohol) ABCA Separate from BBL.

Common mistakes to avoid (and how to fix them)

  • Skipping the space approval step
  • Applying for your BBL without a C of O or HOP slows everything. Confirm space approvals first.
  • Fix: Verify with your landlord and DLCP. If your use requires a change of use, budget weeks/months for C of O.
  • Clean Hands mismatch
  • Your legal name/SSN/EIN must match OTR’s records or the Clean Hands pull will fail.
  • Fix: Update MyTax DC and DLCP account info. Call OTR at (202) 727-4829 to resolve ID mismatches.
  • Wrong license category
  • Choosing the wrong endorsement leads to rejections.
  • Fix: Call DLCP at (202) 671-4500 and confirm your endorsement before submitting. Keep notes of the guidance you’re given.
  • Missing two-year report
  • Your entity can fall out of good standing and block licensing.
  • Fix: File the two-year report (fee $300) through DLCP Corporate Registration.
  • Food businesses skipping plan review
  • DC Health requires plan review for most buildouts.
  • Fix: Start at DC Health Food Safety and follow their checklist before building the kitchen.
  • Underestimating timelines
  • Coordinated inspections take time.
  • Fix: Build a buffer into your opening date; communicate with your landlord and suppliers.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Ask DLCP to schedule a one-on-one with their Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) through DLCP Contact or call (202) 671-4500.
  • Reach out to the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) at (202) 727-3900 or DSLBD Small Business Services for coaching and referrals.

Inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility resources in DC

DC has targeted programs and certifications to expand opportunity for underrepresented founders.

  • CBE certification (Small and Local Business) — women-, minority-, veteran-, and disadvantaged-owned businesses
    • Program: Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) by DSLBD
    • Benefits: Preferential procurement points, set-asides, subcontracting opportunities with DC agencies.
    • Start at DSLBD CBE Certification (official). Help line: (202) 727-3900.
  • Veteran-owned businesses
    • DSLBD recognizes veteran-owned status within CBE.
    • Connect through DSLBD Veteran resources (official hub). Phone: (202) 727-3900.
  • Women-owned businesses
    • DSLBD’s programs, including training and grant opportunities.
    • See DSLBD Programs and Grants (official). Phone: (202) 727-3900.
  • Minority-owned businesses
    • CBE has categories that recognize minority ownership.
    • Start with CBE Certification (official). Phone: (202) 727-3900.
  • LGBTQ+-owned businesses
  • Disabled-owned businesses
    • DC government agencies provide ADA compliance guidance, and CBE categories include disadvantaged businesses.
    • Start at Office of Disability Rights (official). Phone: (202) 724-5055.
  • Immigrant-owned businesses and language access
  • Financing and capital access
    • DC Capital Access Program (DISB) helps lenders extend credit to small businesses.
    • See DISB Capital Access (official). Phone: (202) 727-8000.

Tips:

  • Combine CBE certification with ABCA and BBL timelines if you plan to bid on DC agency work.
  • If you need ASL/interpretation at DLCP, request it in advance via DLCP Contact.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Contact DSLBD’s help desk: (202) 727-3900 for a navigator.
  • Reach the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs ((202) 727-5634), Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs ((202) 727-3120), or Latino Affairs ((202) 671-2825) for community-specific assistance (see each office’s official site on dc.gov for up-to-date contacts).

Reality checks: landlords, insurance, and inspections

  • Leases often require licensing contingencies and proof of insurance. Get a certificate of insurance aligned with your lease requirements.
  • Inspections are sequenced; one failed inspection can delay the next. Keep a checklist and confirm what must be ready before an inspector arrives.
  • Build relationships early: DLCP, OTR, DC Health, ABCA, and your ANC can all influence your schedule.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • For inspection disputes, ask for the inspector’s supervisor and request written citing of the code section.
  • For lease issues, contact the DC Bar Pro Bono Center Small Business Clinic: DC Bar Pro Bono Center Small Business Program.

Helpful contacts (bookmark this)

Agency What they handle Website Phone
DLCP (Department of Licensing & Consumer Protection) BBL, C of O/HOP, corporate registration dlcp.dc.gov (202) 671-4500
OTR (Office of Tax and Revenue) Business tax registration, sales tax, Clean Hands otr.cfo.dc.gov / mytax.dc.gov (202) 727-4829
DC Health (Food Safety & Hygiene) Food establishment licensing and inspections dchealth.dc.gov (202) 442-5955
ABCA Alcoholic beverage licensing abca.dc.gov (202) 442-4423
DOES (Unemployment Insurance) Employer UI contributions and rates does.dc.gov (202) 724-7000
DSLBD CBE certification, grants, small business support dslbd.dc.gov (202) 727-3900

Frequently asked questions (DC-specific)

  • Do all businesses in DC need a Basic Business License?

    Most for-profit activities require a BBL endorsement through DLCP, though the exact category depends on your activity. Confirm at DLCP Business Licensing or call (202) 671-4500.

  • What’s the DC sales tax rate?

    General sales tax is 6%. Restaurant/ready-to-eat meals are 10%; soft drinks 8%; hotel 14.95%; parking 18%. See OTR Sales & Use Tax Rates (official).

  • How much is the two-year report fee?

    The DLCP two-year report fee is $300 (LLCs/corporations). See DLCP Corporate Registration.

  • What is Clean Hands and how do I get it?

    It’s a certification that you don’t owe qualifying debts to DC above the threshold. Request it at OTR Clean Hands. OTR: (202) 727-4829.

  • I’m a home-based business. Do I need a permit?

    Usually yes, a Home Occupation Permit (HOP) before the BBL. Start at DLCP Home-based guidance or call (202) 671-4500.

  • How fast can I get a BBL?

    If all prerequisites are done (tax registration, Clean Hands, C of O/HOP), many BBLs are issued in days to a couple of weeks. Complex endorsements take longer. Always verify current timelines with DLCP.

  • I sell crafts online with no storefront. Do I still need sales tax?

    If you sell taxable goods to DC customers, you generally need to collect DC sales tax and register at MyTax DC. Call OTR at (202) 727-4829 for taxability questions.

  • I want to serve alcohol. Where do I start?

    Check license classes, fees, and steps at ABCA Licensing. You’ll still need a BBL and C of O for your space. ABCA: (202) 442-4423.

  • Do I need a DC registered agent?

    Yes, registered entities need a DC registered agent with a DC street address. This is part of DLCP corporate filings.

  • What if I miss my BBL renewal?

    Renew as soon as possible through the DLCP portal. Late fees can apply. If you’re stuck, call DLCP at (202) 671-4500 for reinstatement options.

What to do if you’re stuck at any stage (Plan B menu)

  • Documentation cleanup
  • Create a single folder with your EIN letter, OTR registration confirmation, Clean Hands certificate, C of O/HOP, entity filings, and insurance/bond. Upload clean, readable PDFs.
  • Live person escalation
  • DLCP: (202) 671-4500
    OTR: (202) 727-4829
    ABCA: (202) 442-4423
    DC Health: (202) 442-5955
  • Ask for a supervisor or case notes
  • Request written notes on your file and the exact missing items.
  • Consider a temporary pivot
  • Use a shared kitchen, co-retailing space, or delay alcohol service until after you open with food/retail only.
  • Get local help
  • DSLBD help desk: (202) 727-3900 — ask for a small business navigator.

Source list (official and well-established)

About this guide

This guide focuses on Washington, DC’s current licensing and tax framework and links directly to official pages so you can confirm every step. We aim to give you clear, practical instructions and realistic timelines—not hype. If something is unclear or your situation is unusual, call the agency listed. The right phone call can save you weeks.

Disclaimer

Program details, fees, tax rates, forms, and contacts can change at any time. Always verify information with the relevant DC agency before you apply or pay. Use the official links in this guide or call: DLCP **(202)