Business License Cost in District of Columbia (2026): $99/year
Basic Business License. Local fees N/A (city-state)/year. 5–10 business days to process.
Washington, DC requires a Basic Business License (BBL) from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. The standard fee is $99 for a 2-year license ($49.50/year effective). Some business categories require additional endorsements, raising the total cost. DC also charges a Certificate of Occupancy fee for physical locations.
State License Fee
$99
per 2 years
Local License Fee
N/A (city-state)
city/county, per year
Processing Time
5+
business days
District of Columbia Business License: Key Facts
| License Name | Basic Business License |
| Issued By | Dc department of consumer and regulatory affairs |
| State Fee | $99 |
| Local Fee Range | N/A (city-state)/year |
| Renewal | Every 2 Years |
| Processing Time | 5–10 business days |
| State Income Tax | Yes |
What You Need to Apply
Before applying for a business license in District of Columbia, have these ready:
- ✓ Business name and structure — whether you're a sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation changes which forms you file
- ✓ EIN (Employer Identification Number) — free from IRS.gov, required for most licenses
- ✓ Business address — physical location in District of Columbia or a registered agent address
- ✓ Business description and NAICS code — the license fee may depend on your business category
- ✓ Payment method — credit card or check for the license fee
District of Columbia-Specific Licensing Note
DC requires a Basic Business License (BBL) for most businesses. The base fee is $99 for a 2-year license. Some industries require additional endorsements.
Also Starting a District of Columbia LLC?
Forming a District of Columbia LLC costs $99 in state filing fees and takes 5–10 business days. Business licenses and LLC formation are separate — you'll need both to legally operate.
How to Form a District of Columbia LLC →Professional and Industry-Specific Licenses
A general business license isn't the only license you may need. Most regulated professions require separate state-issued licenses regardless of your general business license status:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a business license cost in District of Columbia?
Washington, DC requires a Basic Business License (BBL) from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. The standard fee is $99 for a 2-year license ($49.50/year effective). Some business categories require additional endorsements, raising the total cost. DC also charges a Certificate of Occupancy fee for physical locations.
Do I need a business license in District of Columbia?
Yes. District of Columbia requires businesses to obtain a Basic Business License before operating. DC requires a Basic Business License (BBL) for most businesses. The base fee is $99 for a 2-year license. Some industries require additional endorsements.
How do I get a business license in District of Columbia?
Apply for a Basic Business License through the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. Processing takes 5–10 business days in most cases. You'll need your business name, entity type, EIN, and physical address before applying.
What is the difference between a business license and an LLC in District of Columbia?
An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a legal business structure registered with the Secretary of State — it gives you liability protection and separates personal and business assets, costing $99 in District of Columbia. A business license is an operating permit from your state or local government that allows you to legally conduct business in that jurisdiction. Most small business owners need both.
Plan Your Business Costs
Business licenses are one piece of your startup budget. Use these calculators to plan the rest:
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