District of Columbia business license
District of Columbia issues a Basic Business License through the District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. Your city or county may want its own license on top.
District of Columbia details
- Statewide license
- Yes
- What it's called
- Basic Business License
- Issued by
- District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
- State feeTwo-year license; $49 for six months and $198 for four years
- $99
- Local licenses
- Also check your city and county
Official source. Last checked November 2026. Fees are set by the state and confirmed again before we file.
Find my licenses for me
$99, for any company.
Questions
Do I need a business license in District of Columbia?
Most businesses need the state's Basic Business License, and many cities and counties want their own as well.
Is an LLC the same as a business license?
No. Forming an LLC creates the company. A license is permission to operate, and you often need both.
What about a sales tax permit?
If you sell taxable goods or services, the state's tax agency issues that separately.