Start a Business in Washington Dc

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 4 permits⏱ 4-10 weeks💰 $70–$500

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Overview

Starting a business in Washington Dc requires a Basic Business License through the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) / Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). Base fee: $70–$500. DC is its own jurisdiction — no state or county layers. Business licenses through DCRA cover 600+ activities.

Required Permits

✓Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)
✓State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration
✓County: health department permit + fire inspection
✓City: business licence/tax certificate

Step-by-Step Process

1

Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

2

State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

3

County: health department permit + fire inspection

4

City: business licence/tax certificate

Costs

Estimated total: $70–$500 depending on permits and inspections.

General Business$70–$500
Restaurant$200–$1,000+

Contact

Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) / Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP)

Phone: 202-442-4400

1100 4th St SW, Washington, DC 20024

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Common Mistakes

⚠ DC is its own jurisdiction — no state or county layers
⚠ 600+ business activity categories each with own license
⚠ Certificate of Occupancy required before many licenses
⚠ Historic preservation overlay adds zoning complexity
⚠ Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board handles alcohol licenses with public notice requirements

Choose Your Business Type

RestaurantFood TruckBarber ShopRetail StoreCoffee ShopBar / NightclubGym / Fitness StudioNail SalonCannabis DispensaryDog GroomingBakeryCleaning ServiceDaycare CenterAuto Repair Shop

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