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?

Until you are licensed and registered, DC law bars you from filing for possession, so you cannot evict — and DLCP can fine you: a Class 1 infraction, $2,549 for a first offense, escalating with each repeat. 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.

See what your DC rental license requires — free 60-second check · Done-for-you DC rental licensing

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