The following steps need to be completed before submitting a Basic Business License (BBL) application.
General Information
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.
How to Apply for a 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 4th Street, SW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20024 to submit your application and receive your license. Depending the license type, your license may be issued the same day.
Get a Home Occupancy Permit
Business Licensing Categories
Beauty & Grooming Services
Charitable Services
Elevator/Conveyors
Employee/Independent Salesperson Licenses
Employment Services
Entertainment Services
Flammable Product Sales & Services
Food Services
General Sales/Services Business
Health Services
Rental Housing
Regulated Businesses
- Asbestos Abatement Business
- Auction Sales
- Auto Repossession Business
- Consumer Goods (Auto Repair)
- Driving School
- Funeral Establishment
- General Contractor/Construction Manager
- Health Spa/Sales
- Home Improvement Contractor
- Massage Establishment
- Motor Vehicle Dealer
- Moving and Storage
- Parking Facility
- Pawnbroker
- Public Hall
- Secondhand Dealers (A, B & C)
- Security Alarm Dealer
- Solicitor
- Solid Waste Collector
- Solid Waste Vehicle
- Tow Truck
- Tow Truck Business
- Tow Truck Storage Lot
- Valet Parking