DC Basic Business License: Requirements, Fees, and Timeline (2026)

Complete 2026 guide to the DC Basic Business License (BBL) — categories, fees, prerequisites, timeline, and renewal.

How to get a DC Basic Business License (BBL) for a rental

  1. Register the entity and EIN — Form an LLC (or use your existing entity) and obtain a Federal EIN. Register with the DC Office of Tax and Revenue using form FR-500.
  2. Pull a Clean Hands certificate — Confirm under $100 owed to DC. Pull the Clean Hands certificate via MyTax.DC.gov — it is valid for 30 days.
  3. Register with RAD — File RAD registration (or claim an exemption) with the Rental Accommodations Division. Required for every residential rental, rent-controlled or not.
  4. Pass the housing inspection — Schedule the DLCP housing inspection. Use the 36-item RentReadyDC checklist to clear the unit before the inspector arrives.
  5. File the BBL application — Submit the BBL application on MyDC.dc.gov with the correct rental endorsement (One-Family, Two-Family, Apartment, or Short-Term Rental). Pay application + endorsement + technology fees.
  6. Calendar the 2-year renewal — On the day your BBL issues, calendar renewal 60 days before expiration and put RAD annual amendments on the same calendar.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Basic Business License the same as a rental license in DC?

For residential rentals, yes — the BBL with a rental endorsement (One-Family, Two-Family, Apartment, or Short-Term Rental) is what most people call a "DC rental license." There is no separate standalone rental license.

How much does a Basic Business License cost in DC?

The DLCP published fee for a One-Family Rental BBL is $159 for the full two-year term — that is the whole DC bill for most small landlords. Multi-unit Apartment endorsements scale with unit count. Clean Hands and RAD registration are free and the first inspection is included; a re-inspection after a failed check is $90.

Do I need a BBL if I only rent one room in my home?

If you live in the home and rent a single room, you may qualify for a simpler licensing path. A separate dwelling (basement unit, English basement, full apartment) requires a full BBL with the appropriate rental endorsement.

What happens if I operate without a BBL?

DC courts will not enforce evictions filed by unlicensed landlords, DLCP can fine you, and tenants can sue to recover rent paid during the unlicensed period. The financial exposure usually dwarfs the cost of just getting licensed.

How long is a Basic Business License valid?

Two years from issuance. You can renew up to 60 days before expiration through MyDC.dc.gov. Late renewals trigger reinstatement fees and a gap in lawful operating status.

Can I apply for the BBL online?

Yes. DC moved business licensing to MyDC.dc.gov. You will need a registered MyDC account, scanned supporting documents, and a credit card or ACH for the filing fee. Most rejections come from missing Clean Hands or RAD steps, not the online form itself.

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Questions? Call (202) 883-8275, Mon–Fri 9–6 ET · support@rentreadydc.com