34 ©2018 WASHINGTON DC ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP BUSINESS REGISTRATION & LICENSING
STEP 7: BASIC BUSINESS LICENSE (BBL)
Whether you need a Basic Business License depends
on the business activity being conducted. There are
prerequisites for obtaining a Basic Business License such
as registration with the Corporations Division (202)
442-4432, corponline.dcra.dc.gov), the Office of Tax and
Revenue (202) 727-4829, otr.cfo.dc.gov), and in some
cases, the Permits Division (202) 442-4576). Review the
directory to locate the applicable business category, which
is based on the primary business activity, and determine
the licensing requirements for licensure at:
dcra.dc.gov/node/539512.
Please note that more than one license category may be
applicable. You may apply online at business.dc.gov.
STEP 8: BUSINESS TRADE NAME OPTIONAL
The District of Columbia enacted legislation establishing a
registration program for trade names. This law benefits the
business community by:
• Allowing businesses to use fictitious names (created words
and names) to conduct business, including transacting
business with vendors and financial institutions;
• Providing an official record of all owners associated with a
fictitious name;
• Allowing businesses with fictitious names to take legal
action under that name.
You can register your trade name online at Corponline site
at corponline.dcra.dc.gov as an individual or organization,
by completing Trade Name Registration Form TN-1 for
registered entities or for non-entities. Additional information
about trade name registration is also available by accessing
the agency’s website (dcra.dc.gov), navigating to Services
section then Corporations link followed by Corporations
division services section and Trade Name Registration
Services link.
You may opt to obtain a trade name at any step in the process.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE
CONTROL LICENSING
The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA)
is an independent DC government agency that issues licenses
to qualified applicants to sell and serve alcoholic beverages;
monitors compliance with District laws and regulations;
and takes appropriate enforcement action when a business
violates these laws. ABRA also implements new laws
regulating the manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcoholic
beverages in the District.
The Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board, which is
responsible for overseeing ABRA, meets once each week to
adjudicate, administer, and enforce alcoholic beverage laws.
There are several classes of alcoholic beverage licenses.
The agency recommends that businesses consult with an
ABRA representative to first determine the type of license
needed for the proposed operations of the establishment.
Additionally, the agency recommends that you discuss your
proposed location with an ABRA representative to ensure
that a license for your location is not prohibited by an existing
ABC license moratorium or any other provision of District
law. All alcoholic beverage license applications are subject to
the review and approval of the Board.
At business.dc.gov, you have
the ability to generate a
personalized checklist of the
appropriate Basic Business
Licenses and supporting
documents required by DCRA
to start your business.
/corponline.dcra.dc.gov
/corponline.dcra.dc.gov
/otr.cfo.dc.gov
/539512
/business.dc.gov
/business.dc.gov
/(dcra.dc.gov