January 2026
Dear Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,
Whew! 2026 came in with a bang! Between historic cold, and catching up on the last bits of 2025, January has been quite a month. January has also tested the limits of what the Government can do without people behind it. Citizens like you – entrepreneurs and consumers who keep communities going.
At the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), we are ready to support this community at every stage — whether you are launching a new venture or expanding an existing one, having trouble with an unlicensed business in your neighborhood, or just have questions. This season is a reminder that progress is built step by step. January is a time when many entrepreneurs set their vision for the year ahead. As you do this, don’t forget that DLCP’s Business Resource Center continues to offer guidance, tools, and one-on-one support to help you navigate licensing, compliance, and growth opportunities. Our goal is to make starting or expanding a business in DC as seamless and accessible as possible.
This month, we are proud to acknowledge the return of Metropolitan Washington Winter Restaurant Week, which took place January 19–February 1, 2026. Restaurant Week is more than a dining tradition — it is a celebration of the creativity, resilience, and cultural richness of our local food community. DLCP conducted an exclusive interview with Shawn Townsend, President and CEO of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), to highlight the impact of Restaurant Week and the region’s vibrant culinary landscape. To read the full interview, visit our DLCP Hub.
Your engagement as entrepreneurs, consumers, and community partners continues to inspire our work and shape the services we provide. Thank you for your partnership and trust. We look forward to supporting your goals and sharing more resources, updates, and opportunities throughout the year.
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 Tiffany Crowe
Director
Interested in learning more about DLCP’s boards and commissions or considering serving on one? Join us for an in-person Meet & Greet to connect, ask questions, and explore opportunities to get involved.
Date: Monday, February 3, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) 1495 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
This event is hosted by DLCP in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments (MOTA).
For questions, contact Demetrius Norman at demetrius.norman@dc.gov.
Know someone who’s ready to start or expand a business in the District? DLCP is making it easier than ever with a clear, four-step roadmap to help entrepreneurs navigate the process.
No matter if it’s registering a trade name, securing tax IDs, applying for permits, or submitting a Basic Business License (BBL) application, this guide lays out everything needed to get started all in one place.
It’s a great way to kick off the new year with purpose and momentum. Feel free to share the roadmap with friends, family, or community members who may benefit.
The Anacostia Arts Center, powered by the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF), hosted a virtual panel on Tuesday, January 27, bringing together leaders from the District’s small business and economic‑development agencies for a forward‑looking discussion on the state of entrepreneurship in the District. The event, The State of Small Business in DC: 2026 Outlook, explored emerging trends, sector performance, and the evolving needs of local businesses as they navigate a shifting economic landscape.
Among the featured speakers was DLCP Director Tiffany Crowe, who provided a data‑driven perspective on business licensing trends across the District. Director Crowe highlighted notable shifts in both new license issuances and renewals, offering insight into which industries showed resilience and which experienced changes over the past year. The restaurant and real estate sectors saw adjustments in licensing activity, while occupational and professional categories such as security officers and special police officers continued to gain momentum.
Panelists emphasized that DC’s evolving business environment calls for creativity, flexibility, and strong alignment with local opportunities. The meeting concluded with a reminder of the importance of collaboration, innovation, and technical assistance in supporting the success of small businesses in 2026.
Events like this are important because they create space for shared insights, cross‑agency coordination, and practical guidance that helps entrepreneurs navigate an ever‑changing business landscape.
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On Wednesday, January 14, DLCP hosted the Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic in collaboration with the DC Bar Pro Bono Center. The in‑person clinic drew a strong turnout of both established and emerging entrepreneurs who were eager to connect with attorneys and deepen their understanding of key legal issues. |
Participants received individualized guidance on topics such as business formation, contracts, leases, and taxes, and many used the opportunity to ask questions about their specific business needs or potential areas of concern. |
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DLCP’s Business Resource Center continues to serve as a vital hub for tools, expertise, and partnerships that empower District entrepreneurs. The success of this clinic highlights the ongoing demand for accessible, practical business support and highlights the agency’s commitment to helping small businesses grow and succeed across the District. |
DLCP reminds licensees across multiple Boards and Commissions to review upcoming renewal deadlines and requirements for the 2026 cycle. Please see the summaries below to support timely submission of your renewal application.
Architecture License Renewal
Opens: February 1, 2026 Deadline: April 30, 2026
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Renew online through Access DC (Sign Up required for new users).
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CE Requirement: 24 hours of Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) approved by AIA or NCARB, unless this is your first renewal by examination.
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Licenses not renewed by June 30, 2026 convert to Inactive – Reinstatement Eligible.
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More information available at dlcp.dc.gov.
Real Estate Appraisal License Renewal
Opened: December 1, 2025 Deadline: February 28, 2026
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Renew online through Access DC (Sign Up required for new users).
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CE Requirement: 28 total hours, including
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7 hours USPAP, and
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21 hours general electives
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CE must be dated March 1, 2024 – February 28, 2026.
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CE credits are subject to audit for five years.
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Licenses not renewed by February 28, 2026 convert to Inactive.
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More information available at dlcp.dc.gov.
Industrial Trades License Renewal
Deadline: March 31, 2026
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Renew online through Access DC (Sign Up and email verification required).
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Approved licensees may view and download their digital license through the My Licenses tab in Access DC.
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Important for Plumbers:
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Licenses not renewed by March 31, 2026 convert to Inactive.
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More information available at dcra.dc.gov/industrial-trade.
Combat Sports License Renewal
Deadline: March 31, 2026
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Renew online through Access DC (Sign Up and email verification required).
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Licensees are encouraged to renew early to avoid additional fees.
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Licenses not renewed by March 31, 2026 require reinstatement.
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Reinstatement is allowed for up to five years; after that, applicants must reapply as first‑time licensees.
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Approved licensees may view and download their digital license through Access DC.
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More information available at dlcp.dc.gov.
Barber and Cosmetology License Renewal
Opened: January 15, 2026 Deadline: April 15, 2026
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Renew online through Access DC (Sign Up required for new users).
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CE Requirement: 6 hours total, including
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2 hours Health, Safety, and Welfare, and
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4 hours General Electives
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CE is waived for first‑time renewals and owner license renewals.
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All licenses in this category expire April 15 of even‑numbered years.
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Licenses not renewed by June 15, 2026 convert to Inactive – Reinstatement Eligible.
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More information and approved CE providers available at dlcp.dc.gov.
Board of Accountancy Licensure Update: On December 12, 2025, the Board of Accountancy voted to update the pathway to licensure for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). The Board will now recognize applicants who hold a baccalaureate degree with an accounting concentration, have two years of experience, and possess a CPA license in a jurisdiction that has adopted the new alternative pathway to licensure. This update is intended to strengthen mobility and expand the pipeline of accounting professionals in the District. For more information, see the Professional Licensing Advisory issued by DLCP on January 15, 2026.
New DLCP‑Related Laws: Three bills pertinent to DLCP passed Congressional review on December 31, 2025, and are now official law.
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L26‑0077, the Entertainment Establishment Employee Safety Extension Temporary Amendment Act of 2025 (B26‑0395), which allows certain retail establishments, including restaurants, nightclubs, and taverns, to be exempt from the cashless retail prohibition and refuse cash as a form of payment.
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L26‑0078, the Revised Business Licensing Reform Temporary Amendment Act of 2025 (B26‑0363), which assists businesses in obtaining and retaining basic business licenses by continuing the four‑year license and allowing licenses expired for more than nine months to be renewed.
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L26‑0080, the Rebalancing Expectations for Neighbors, Tenants, and Landlords (RENTAL) Act of 2025 (B26‑0164), part of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Fiscal Year 2026 Grow DC budget plan to promote and preserve affordable housing in the District.
Fiscal Year 2026 Performance Oversight: The District of Columbia Council has begun its Fiscal Year 2026 Performance Oversight period. Committees are holding public oversight hearings on agency performance for Fiscal Year 2025 and Fiscal Year 2026 to date. Hearings began January 22, 2026, and will conclude March 6, 2026, unless otherwise noted. Additional information is available in the Performance Oversight 2026 section of the Council website.
Real Estate Commission and Appraisers Oversight Hearing: On January 29, 2026, the Committee on Housing, chaired by Councilmember Robert C. White Jr., held a performance oversight hearing for the Real Estate Commission and the Board of Real Estate Appraisers. Real Estate Commission Chairman Edward Downs and Board of Real Estate Appraisers Chairman Andrew Sullivan provided testimony. Their statements and a link to the Council’s recording are available on the DLCP Legislative Affairs and Policy Division page.
DLCP Code Books Now Available: DLCP Code Books are now available for DLCP staff, members of the professional licensing boards and commissions, and the public. These resources compile District laws and regulations related to DLCP operations and the professional licensing boards and commissions. Code Books can be accessed through the Boards and Commissions links on the DLCP Legislative Affairs and Policy Division page.
Board and Commission Acknowledgments: DLCP recognizes two members of the Board of Professional Engineering for their service and accomplishments.
- Congratulations to Dr. Samuel Wilson, a Board member since 2017, on being elected President‑Elect of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Dr. Wilson has held several leadership roles within NCEES, including Northeast Zone president since 2023 and Northeast Zone assistant vice president from 2021 to 2023. He will serve as NCEES President from 2026 to 2027.
- DLCP extends its appreciation to Barry Lucas for his nine years of dedicated service to the Board. Mr. Lucas served as Vice Chairman from July 2016 to September 2021 and Chairman from September 2021 to December 2025. His leadership has helped strengthen and shape the practice of engineering in the District.
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.
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