November 2024
Dear Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,
As we embrace this season of gratitude, I want to take a moment to reflect on what I am most thankful for this year. At the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), our team of 200 dedicated professionals fulfills a critical mission with outstanding results. I deeply appreciate the commitment, collaboration, and resilience each team member brings to their work. Through unity and determination, we transform challenges into opportunities, achieving success together in meaningful ways.
This year, I am especially thankful for what we’ve achieved together. Our Basic Business License (BBL) team has expanded the number of licenses from approximately 32,000 to nearly 38,000—an incredible milestone.
Additionally, the collaboration between our Occupational and Professional Licensing (OPL) and Office of Information Systems (OIS) teams has resulted in a 13% increase in licenses, thanks to focused system improvements and a steadfast focus on customer service. The dedication of the team and the feedback from our business community help us grow and better serve the District. Read more below for details.
Looking ahead, I encourage everyone to be on the lookout for more festivals and events across DC during the holidays. These celebrations not only build community spirit, but also play a significant role in boosting the city’s economy and generating additional revenue.
Please remember to stay safe and support local businesses. Your support keeps our small businesses and community entrepreneurs thriving, making DC the vibrant and dynamic place we all love.
Best regards,
|
 Tiffany Crowe
Director
DLCP is committed to meeting the business licensing needs of our customers while streamlining operations for a smoother, more efficient experience. Enhancements to the Occupational and Professional Licensing (OPL) system include updates to portal features, review procedures, and application workflows. Below are a few key improvements we've implemented:
Portal Enhancements: Improvements to the OPL portal, including search functionality, application persistence, and digital license printing.
- A new 'License Type' filter was added to narrow search results and optimize efficiency.
- A 'Date Range' filter button was added to the OPL Admin Search site to prevent system slowdowns and timeouts.
Review Process Improvements: Introduction of a new interface and process for Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) reviews, focusing on increased efficiency and transparency.
- A new process was established for MPD to review and approve or deny applications with greater efficiency.
- Age validation was implemented for Security Officer (SO), Private Detective (PD), Special Police Officer (SPO), and University Campus Police (SCP) licenses to ensure applicants meet the minimum age requirements without additional manual intervention.
Application Process Modernization: Updates to applications across multiple license types to enhance clarity, accuracy, and efficiency.
- New and renewal license applications were updated.
- The attestation statement on the Real Estate Commission (REC) renewal application was revised, and related Continuing Education (CE) uploads were made optional, reducing the time it takes applicants to complete their applications.
Starting a business can seem daunting. But the good news is, the first step is easy. Whether your endeavor is big or small, involves food or pets, or is high-tech or no tech at all, you should start with DLCP’s Corporations Division.
Why Start with Corporations Division?
Whether you're forming a new business or bringing an existing one to the District, Corporations Division is your first stop. If you're just starting out and have not yet created your legal entity, that’s where we come in. We'll help you form your new business entity. If you've already formed your business in another state or country, we'll help you register it here in the District. Either way, we're here to help you get on DC’s corporate registry.
Choosing Your Entity Type
There is one important step you should take on your own before visiting us online – choosing what type of entity you’d like to form. Corporation? LLC? Non-profit? Each has its own characteristics, and choosing the right one matters. Consider:
- How you want to share those future profits (optimism is free!)
- The way you'll organize your capital (fancy way of saying "money stuff")
- Your preferred tax reporting structure (because even the most special businesses have to think about taxes)
Once you’ve decided, head to CorpOnline to register your entity. It’s quick and simple and if filed online, will take only 5 business days for us to review.
You're Official! Now What?
Congratulations on registering your entity! This is where things get exciting. Your new registration is like a golden ticket that opens doors across the District. From here, you’ll need to
- Get your tax account set up at the Office of Tax and Revenue
- Secure your certificate of occupancy from the Department of Buildings
- Obtain your business license from the licensing department
For a very helpful checklist of all the things you’ll need to do for your specific business type, go to the DC Business Portal.
Keeping Your Corporate Registration Active
Now that you're part of the District's business community, let's talk maintenance. We will need you to check in with us from time to time. You do this by filing what’s called a BRA-25 Biennial Report. Here's what you need to know:
- Mark your calendar: First report is due by April 1st the very next calendar year after you register
- After that, it's due by April 1st, every two years
Experience the magic of the season at the 2024 DowntownDC Holiday Market, running from November 22 to December 23 (closed on Thanksgiving) on F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets NW.
This annual tradition transforms the heart of DC into a festive wonderland, featuring over 100 unique vendors offering handcrafted goods, one-of-a-kind gifts, and delicious seasonal treats. Director Crowe was among the many attendees representing DLCP who helped kick off the event. With live performances, holiday-themed decorations, and photo opportunities, it’s the perfect destination for families, friends, and anyone looking to embrace the holiday spirit.
Don’t miss this vibrant celebration of local artistry and holiday cheer. Visit the DowntownDC Holiday Market for more details!
Special Police Officers (SPOs) are essential to protecting people, property, and communities in the District. With approximately 6,234 licensed SPOs, the numbers continue to grow—444 are up for renewal in 2024, and 5,790 in 2025.
SPOs licensed to carry firearms undergo rigorous training, meeting the same standards as Metropolitan Police officers. This includes 40 hours of initial training and eight hours of annual recertification, covering firearms proficiency, de-escalation, crisis response, cultural competency, and emergency procedures. At DLCP, we support individuals like Conor Lafferty who are dedicated to making a positive impact in security.
Conor Lafferty, a former paramedic, transitioned to security in February 2022 after being inspired by a colleague’s success in the field. He completed specialized SPO training, passed the required qualifications, and was hired by Securitas, a security services group. Driven by a commitment to preparedness, Conor pursued advanced firearms training which included learning firearm mechanics and maintenance. “Handling a firearm comes with tremendous responsibility,” he said, stressing the importance of understanding every aspect of the equipment. Conor also highlights the significance of personal responsibility in an armed role and says he remains current with annual recertification.
His paramedic background helps him manage stress and respond effectively in emergencies. “I believe my knowledge and training help people feel more secure around me,” Conor said. He also introduced a mass casualty incident aid bag at his site, further enhancing safety and preparedness. Conor’s dedication to continuous training and calm demeanor has made a lasting positive impact on his team and those he serves.
If you're inspired by Conor's story and are interested in becoming a SPO in DC, visit DLCP’s SPO Licensing Page for more information on qualifications, training requirements, and the application process.
 |
As the holiday season approaches, we invite everyone to participate in Small Business Saturday on November 30, right here in DC. Supporting local businesses after Thanksgiving not only helps you discover unique and thoughtful gifts for the season but also strengthens our community.
Shopping local sustains DC’s 70,000-plus small businesses, creating jobs and boosting the city’s economy. This year, the holiday market in Penn Quarter-Chinatown has expanded its footprint to feature over 70 vendors, including more than 30 small businesses from DC Department of Small & Local Business Development (DSLBD) Made in DC program.
DC Mayor Bowser highlights the importance of shopping small: “When you shop small, you’re not just checking off your gift list—you’re helping to fuel our city’s economy and supporting the people who make our neighborhoods vibrant and unique."
Mallory Shelter, Founder of DC Shop Small
One inspiring initiative fueling local shopping is DC Shop Small, a platform founded during the pandemic to connect shoppers with local businesses. Created by Mallory Shelter, the site began as a response to help businesses sustain sales while storefronts were shuttered. “Businesses were able to just send in their information to me. As long as they had a web presence, like a product for sale online, they could be added,” said Shelter.
Since launching, DC Shop Small has made an incredible impact. On its first day alone, it generated over $200,000 in sales for 100 local businesses. Today, it serves as a directory for over 400 businesses. “I regularly hear from businesses that it’s their top referrer. It really drives traffic to people’s businesses,” said Shelter.
Though Mallory runs the platform alongside her primary work and doesn’t plan to expand it further, DC Shop Small continues to help shoppers discover new businesses while directing support to the local economy.
This Small Business Saturday, let’s come together to celebrate and uplift our small business community. By choosing to shop small, you’re making a meaningful investment in the entrepreneurs and shops that make DC special.
Look below for DLCP-related Council happenings and new laws in December
Actions of the Executive Branch and Independent Agencies
Erika Black is reappointed as a real estate salesperson licensed in the District member of the Real Estate Commission, for a term to end December 13, 2027.
Edward Downs is reappointed as a real estate broker licensed in the District member of the Real Estate Commission, for a term to end December 13, 2027.
Reminders
A reminder that Council period 25 ends on December 31, 2024, and the new council period begins in January 2026.
The Council's winter recess is from December 23, 2024, through January 2, 2025.
DLCP has issued essential updates on renewing Occupational and Professional Licenses (OPL). Don’t delay—take action now to meet the following renewal deadline:
-
Accountancy: Tuesday, December 31
You will receive a renewal notification 30 days before your license is eligible for renewal and a final reminder seven (7) days before it expires. Log into Access DC today to renew!
Remember to check your inbox regularly for any updates specific to your account.
Contact DLCP via email, or our online inquiry form at any time. We’re also available through the live chat on dlcp.dc.gov or by phone at 202-671-4500 during normal business hours.
|
