How do I Start a Business in Washington DC?

There are many non-government business opportunities in Washington Dc.

Most people think of Washington DC as the government headquarters of the US. Although there are many government jobs in DC, the city's Department of Employment Services notes only 27 percent of residents are employed by state, local or federal governments. This leaves many opportunities for other business sectors to thrive. Starting a business in Washington DC requires that you register your business and obtain a DC business license.

Instructions

1. Research the business structures available to register with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs is responsible for reviewing the applications for limited liability companies, corporations and general partnerships doing business in Washington, DC. The agency only accepts applications from business structures that have a physical mailing address located in Washington.

2. Perform a Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs name search. Before you complete the application process, you must perform a company name search to ensure your desired name is available. You may search the city's business name database on the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs website.

3. Register your business. Business registrations can be completed online, in person or by mailing your application forms. Business applications are obtained and filed with the DCRA Corporations Division. Each business structure has unique application forms and required information. Download applications from the DCRA Corporate Registration website. When registering a corporation, LLC or partnership, you must pay a registration fee at time of registration.

4. Obtain a DC business license. Most businesses are required to hold A DC business license to operate legally in DC. There are 14 different categories of business licenses available in DC. If your business does not fit within one of the 14 categories, you must apply for a General Business License. Most business licenses can be applied for and paid for online. Some business licenses, however, are not available online. For example, an Electronics Repair License must be filed via mail.

Tips & Warnings

• Searching for a name on the corporate name search does not reserve or register that business name. It simply provides information of existing companies and the availability of your desired name.

References

• Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs: Corporate Registration
• Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs: Search for Name Availability
• Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs: Apply for a Business License
• District of Columbia: Establish Your Organization

Resources

• Washington, DC Economic Partnership: 2010 Doing Business in DC