DCRA now offers customers the ability to apply for and receive several business license categories online.

By using the Online Submission (OSUB) program, customers in the categories listed below will be able to submit their license application and have it reviewed, approved, and issued to them online.

During this first phase of the OSUB program, only the below nine license categories are available. We expect to add additional license categories during the next phase of upgrades to the program.

General business license is ONLY for those not in the 153 specific license categories.

License Categories Available via OSUB

• General Business License (non-food retail categories)
• Patent Medicine
• Cigarette Retail
• Cigarette Wholesale
• Auto Wash
• Bed and Breakfast
• Cooperative Association
• Security Agency (Firm)
• Security Agent (Person)

Click here for all business license categories.

Apply for your Basic Business License Online

BBL EZ Form for those license categories not available online; other supplemental forms 

Expedited Home Occupation Permit

Note: a business that is conducted out of a home or apartment (Home Occupation) that qualifies for an Expedited Home Occupation Permit (EHOP) may also be approved as part of the OSUB on-line submission. 

The EHOP will be issued online in conjunction with and at the same time as the license. This includes 'office only' types of home occupations--OSUB allows approval of zoning conformance online - without a paper application or a visit to DCRA offices.