District of Columbia Business Permits & Licenses

Every filing this District of Columbia guide covers, laid out with cost, timeline, and the direct link to the District of Columbia agency that issues it.

All permits & licenses covered

• LLC Formation — anyone starting a business as a legal entity
• Business License — any business operating in a city or county that requires local licensing
• Food Truck Permit — mobile food vendors, food trucks, and mobile food carts
• Short-Term Rental Permit — Airbnb, VRBO, and other short-term rental hosts
• Cottage Food License — home bakers and home food producers of non-hazardous foods (bread, jam, cookies, granola)
• Sales Tax Registration — any business selling taxable goods or services in the state
• Employer Registration — any business with W-2 employees
• Contractor License — general contractors and specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing)
• Home Occupation Permit — anyone running a business from their residence
• DBA Filing — sole proprietors, partnerships, and LLCs operating under a name different from the legal registered name
• Sign Permit — commercial businesses installing exterior signage
• Sidewalk Cafe Permit — restaurants and cafes wanting to serve on the public sidewalk
• Building Permit — property owners and contractors doing structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work
• Health Department Permit — restaurants, food retailers, and any business serving prepared food to the public
• Alcohol License — restaurants, bars, and retail stores selling beer, wine, or spirits
• Cosmetology License — hair stylists, estheticians, nail technicians, and barbers
• Massage Therapy License — licensed massage therapists (LMT)
• Childcare License — in-home daycare providers and childcare centers
• Professional License — regulated professionals (real estate agents, insurance producers, financial advisors, private investigators, notaries)
• Reseller Permit — wholesalers and retailers buying inventory tax-free for resale

Top cities in District of Columbia

Most city-level rules follow state law, with the city adding its own business tax registration and zoning. This site's District of Columbia pages apply to all cities below.

Where to file in District of Columbia

• Business filings: https://mytax.dc.gov
• Secretary of State: https://dcra.dc.gov
• Tax authority: https://otr.cfo.dc.gov
• Labor / workforce: https://does.dc.gov