January 2022
 Here at the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), we've heard many of your stories as we have worked with you to get your businesses properly licensed. We recognize the opportunity to communicate better with you and we are introducing this newsletter to keep you better informed. Each quarter a new issue will be published ensuring that you are up to date on licensing and vending matters.
We look forward to partnering with you as our vending community regains its vibrant presence in the District of Columbia, and as we approach 2022, we wish you a very happy New Year.
 Captain Cookie and the Milkman
Established in the District in 2012, Captain Cookie and the Milkman is a mobile bakery and dairy bar serving fresh-basked cookies, local creamery milk, and made-to-order ice cream sandwiches.
Kirk Francis, co-owner of Captain Cookie, started baking when he was four years old and has now gone on to grow his business to three food trucks and three brick-and-mortar stores. DCRA is proud to have assisted Kirk with his business and vending licensing needs.
Learn more about this local business at www.captaincookiedc.com.
As of February 1, 2022, all vending business licenses not renewed by their expiration date will encounter a late fee and penalty. Once a license has expired, it is no longer valid. Individuals found vending after the expiration of their license will be subject to fines and penalties as noted below.
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One (1) Day after Expiration Date
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$250 Late Fee
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One (1) Month after Expiration Date
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$500 Late Fee
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Six (6) Months after Expiration Date
License is no longer eligible for renewal and a new application will be required.
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$500 Late Fee + *Penalty Fee(s)
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*Penalty Fee = (License Fee x Number of Unlicensed 2 or 4 Year Period(s)
Section 546, Title 24 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations states that no vending vehicle, including any display or attachments to the vehicle, shall exceed the followings dimensions:
- Eighteen feet-six inches (18 ft. 6 in.) in length;
- Eight feet (8 ft.) in width; and
- Ten feet-six inches (10 ft. 6 in) in height, measured from bottom of the tire.
If your vending vehicle exceeds these dimensions, you will be required to follow the steps below to continue to operate a vehicle larger than the design standards listed in the regulations. Failure to follow the steps will disqualify you from continuing to operate a larger vehicle.
Requirements Starting February 1, 2022
Starting February 1, 2022, the following guidelines must be followed for all vendors that have a licensed vehicle larger than the design standards in the regulations to continue to operate that vehicle:
- You must maintain an active license and submit your renewal application no later than 45 days prior to the expiration of your license each renewal cycle. If your license expires, your vehicle will be required to meet the current design standards in the regulations to obtain a new license.
- You will be classified as a Stationary Roadway Vendor (SRV) and may not vend in any roadway location other than the authorized Roadway Vending Location for which you have been assigned via the SRV Lottery.
- New vehicles added to your license must meet current design standards in the regulations. This includes replacement vehicles.
Licenses that Expired During the Public Health Emergency
If your license expired during the Public Health Emergency (a license that expired on either March 31, 2020, September 30, 2020, or March 31, 2021) and you had a licensed vehicle larger than the design standards in the regulations, you must submit a complete Vending Business License application by January 31, 2022 to continue operating.
DCRA will issue a new license for any vehicles that were previously licensed in our system and have an active health certificate and propane permit, if applicable. If you have an active license, the submission of a new application is not required.
Licenses that Expired After the Public Health Emergency
If your license expired on September 30, 2021, and you had a licensed vehicle larger than the design standards in the regulations, you must submit a complete Vending Business License renewal application by January 31, 2022 to continue to operate a vehicle larger than the design standards in the regulations.
The most convenient and quickest way to obtain vending services is online.
Use of our online services and virtual appointments is encouraged and all Vending Business License applications are available online. Unlike in the past, in-person vending services are often not the fastest way to be served. For those customers that choose to make the trek to our building, the experience will look a little different.
There are no scanners available. All customer-provided documents that may be needed must be available online and ready to be uploaded from a cloud-based location as part of an online transaction.
Please visit dcra.dc.gov/service/vending-service to access Vending Business License applications and additional information.
For questions pertaining to the content of this newsletter, please email the DCRA Vending Program at vending@dc.gov.
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