What Does DC’s Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection Do?

If you own a business, rent an apartment, hire a professional or make purchases in the District, there’s a good chance the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) plays a role somewhere along the way.

DLCP is one of the District government agencies residents and business owners may encounter when dealing with licenses, registrations and consumer protection issues.

What Does DLCP Do?

The agency oversees a range of functions related to doing business in the District and protecting consumers. Its responsibilities include:

  • Business Licensing: DLCP administers many of the licenses businesses need to legally operate in DC, including Basic Business Licenses and other licensing requirements.

  • Corporate Registration: Businesses and organizations can register corporations, LLCs, partnerships and other entities through DLCP.

  • Professional and Occupational Licensing: The agency supports licensing and regulation for a variety of professions and occupations in the District.

  • Consumer Protection: Residents can turn to DLCP for information and assistance involving certain consumer complaints and potentially unlawful or deceptive business practices.

  • Weights and Measures: DLCP helps make sure commercial weighing and measuring devices used in the District meet applicable requirements.

  • Vending and Special Licensing: The agency also handles licensing and registration requirements affecting certain vendors and specialized businesses.

Starting or Running a Business in DC?

For entrepreneurs, DLCP can be an important stop when figuring out what is required to start and maintain a business in the District.

That can include registering a business entity, determining whether a business license is required, renewing an existing license and making sure required registrations remain current.

Home-based businesses may have additional requirements depending on the type of business and where they operate, so entrepreneurs should check which licenses, registrations and approvals apply to their particular situation.

Ward 7 and Ward 8 Have DLCP Account Managers

Ward 7 and Ward 8 residents and business owners should also know that DLCP has account managers specifically serving Wards 7 and 8.

The Ward 7 and Ward 8 account managers are:

Tamika Wood
Tamika.Wood@dc.gov

Aurice Long
aurice.long@dc.gov

Having designated account managers can be particularly helpful for entrepreneurs and small business owners who aren't sure where to start, have questions about DLCP requirements or need help navigating the agency.

DLCP Is Also a Consumer Resource

DLCP isn't just for business owners.

Consumers can use the agency's resources to research businesses and professional licenses, learn about their consumer rights and determine where to file complaints when they believe a business has engaged in an unfair or deceptive practice.

Knowing which DC agency handles an issue can sometimes be half the battle. For licensing, business registration and many consumer-protection matters, DLCP is a good agency to have on your radar.

Learn more: Visit the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection at dlcp.dc.gov.

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