A Basic Business License starts at $95, valid for two years. A General Business License costs $200, also valid for two years. There is no fee for a sales tax license. Other license fees vary.
You may apply for a Basic Business License in-person with cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card at the DCRA Business License Center, 1100 4th Street, SW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20024. No appointment needed. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
To apply for a small business:
- Get a Basic Business License
- Obtain an Employer Identification Number from the IRS
If your company is a DC corporation, partnership, or limited liability company, perform the following:
- Register with the DCRA Corporation Division
- Appoint a DC registered agent and office