View Business Licenses Offered (Get a Business License)

Business activity in and/or to the District requires owners/operators to be licensed according to the business activity conducted (i.e. convenience stores, home improvement contractors, residential rentals, restaurants, etc.).  

Basic Requirements
Each licensed activity has a set of requirements, but all licenses have to complete the four requirements outlined in the 4 Steps to Obtaining a Basic Business License.

Online  
“Skip the Trip” and use the DC Business Portal to conduct business wherever and whenever you choose. Application requirements may be found below for which each category for which an application may be submitted online. If you have more detailed questions about the requirements and/or categories, contact us at (202) 442-4400. We also invite you to use our Business Portal Wizard system to review frequently asked questions. A license is issued for a 2-year or 4-year term.

In Person (Unavailable during Public Health Emergency declared by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser)
Visit us at 1100 4^th Street, SW, 2^nd Floor, Washington, DC 20024 to submit your application and receive your license. Depending the license type, your license may be issued the same day.