# District of Columbia business license

Source: https://joinopenfile.com/business-licenses/district-of-columbia
Index: https://joinopenfile.com/llms.txt

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 fee (Two-year license; $49 for six months and $198 for four years): $99
- Local licenses: Also check your city and county

[Official source](https://dlcp.dc.gov/node/1614551). Last checked November 2026. Fees are set by the state and confirmed again before we file.

[Find my licenses for me](https://joinopenfile.com/existing?service=licenses&state=DC)

$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.