February 2026
Dear Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,
As we move further into 2026, The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) continues to advance its work with a strong focus on transparency, innovation, and engagement with the communities we serve. This week, I had the opportunity to appear before the Council of the District of Columbia for DLCP’s Fiscal Year 2025 - 2026 Performance Oversight Hearing. The discussion offered a moment to highlight our progress, share updates on major initiatives, and outline the direction we are charting for the year ahead.
I also testified in support of Mayor Bowser’s legislation, Bill 26370, the Vending Compliance and Modernization Amendment Act of 2025, as well as Bill 26332, the Vending Modernization Amendment Act of 2025.
February has also been a particularly active month, marked by strong collaboration and several initiatives that advance our mission. DLCP joined the DC Chamber of Commerce for a small business matchmaking and pre‑solicitation event to help businesses prepare for future contracting opportunities tied to the RFK Stadium redevelopment.
We also recognized Black History Month by featuring Civic on Eighth, a newly opened neighborhood coffee salon that is already becoming a gathering place for connection and culture in DC. We had the privilege of speaking with the owner about how conversation, culture, and community shape her business. You can read more about her inspiring work in our featured article on the DLCP Hub.
As we look ahead to spring, we’re excited to continue uplifting the stories of local entrepreneurs. Next month, we will spotlight women business owners in honor of Women’s History Month, along with additional features that highlight the strength and diversity of business in the District.
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 Tiffany Crowe
Director
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DLCP officials welcomed residents and local professionals to an in‑person Boards & Commissions Meet & Greet on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the Washington DC Economic Partnership. Attendees connected with staff, asked questions, and explored opportunities to serve on DLCP’s Occupational and Professional Licensing boards and commissions. |
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The event drew strong interest from DC‑based professionals across several fields, including architects, engineers, beauty specialists, funeral directors, land surveyors, asbestos workers, and master electricians. Their engagement highlighted the essential role these boards play in supporting licensed professions and strengthening consumer protection.
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DLCP officials also shared updates on current vacancies and outlined how board members help shape policy, review applications, and uphold fairness and integrity across the District’s regulatory landscape. The strong turnout showcased the community’s enthusiasm for public service and civic engagement. |
DC Mayor Bowser and the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) released the FY26 Green Book on Monday, February 9, highlighting the District’s continued commitment to investing in small and local Certified Business Enterprises. The event, held at Capital One Arena, showcased more than a decade of progress in expanding opportunities for DC‑based businesses and increasing transparency in the District’s procurement process.
This year’s Green Book features a new section focused on opportunities connected to the RFK Memorial Stadium Campus redevelopment, a multi‑phase project with an estimated investment of $3.7 billion that will create significant contracting opportunities for local firms.
Since the Green Book was created in FY16, the Bowser Administration has increased the District’s annual CBE spending goal from $317 million to $1.4 billion and has consistently exceeded those goals, directing more than $11 billion to local businesses since 2015.
This continued growth reflects the Administration’s long‑standing commitment to expanding access to major opportunities for DC‑based businesses and supporting good‑paying jobs for District residents.
To view the FY26 Green Book, click here.
Washington Nationals Opening Day will take place on April 3, 2026. DLCP is sharing important information for Class A and Class B sidewalk vendors interested in participating during the 2026 Washington Nationals Baseball Season. The application period for the April 3 Opening Game is March 2 through March 10.
Available Vending Locations
A total of fourteen sidewalk vending spaces will be available near Nationals Park. These include:
- Six merchandise vendor locations on Half Street SE
- Eight food vendor locations on 1st Street SE between M Street and N Street SE
License and Safety Requirements
All vendors must be fully licensed and in compliance before submitting a lottery application. Required approvals include:
- A valid DLCP license
- DC Health approval for food vendors
- Fire and Emergency Medical Services requirements
- Micro Enterprise Vendors are not permitted to enter the lottery
- Ice Cream and Food Trucks are not eligible to participate in the lottery
Vendors who are not compliant may not be able to vend during the season.
Before applying, vendors are encouraged to review the DLCP website for licensing and lottery information and to consult the Nationals Park map to view approved vending locations.
For additional information, please visit the DLCP website or contact Business Licensing Manager Kelechi Ukwuoma at kelechi.ukwuoma@dc.gov.
Vendors should also visit the Nationals Baseball Lottery page for specific registration dates.
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DLCP will host a series of community outreach events in recognition of National Consumer Protection Week and National Weights and Measures Week. Throughout the week, the Consumer Protection Unit and the Office of Weights and Measures will meet with District residents to strengthen awareness of consumer rights and marketplace protections.
These events reflect DLCP’s ongoing work to support a fair and transparent marketplace. This includes business licensing enforcement, consumer protection investigations, and the inspection of commercial weighing, measuring, and scanning devices to promote accuracy and fair pricing.
CPU investigators will be available to share guidance on avoiding scams, reporting violations, and understanding common consumer protection concerns. OWM inspectors will explain how routine device inspections help ensure accurate measurements and protect consumers during everyday transactions.
Outreach Dates and Locations
Monday, March 2, 2026
Safeway: 1100 4th Street SW
Hours: 10:00 AM-2:30PM
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Giant Food: 1535 Alabama Ave SE
Hours: 10:00 AM-2:30PM
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Giant Food: 3336 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Hours: 10:00 AM-2:30PM
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Walmart: 310 Riggs Road NE
Hours: 10:00 AM-2:30PM
We encourage community members to stop by, engage with our teams, and learn more about how DLCP works every day to protect consumers across the District.
The Consumer Protection Unit (CPU) is a team of investigators dedicated to enforcing District regulations. Do you have a complaint about a business? Didn’t get what you paid for? Or do you believe a business or individual is operating without a license? We want to hear from you.
The CPU investigates several consumer protection and regulatory matters including:
- Auto Repair Services
- Business: Unlicensed/Operating Outside License Scope
- Electronic Smoking Devices
- Flavored Tobacco Sales
- Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
- Motor Vehicles Sales
- Rental Property
- Tow Truck
- Trash Noise
- Vending
- Cashless Retailer Prohibition
- Home Improvement Services/Warranty Claims
The CPU also enforces based on the Districts Consumer Protection Procedures Act, which is a general protection law, prohibiting a wide variety of deceptive, unlawful and unfair trade practices of businesses or individuals offering services or goods in the District.
If you’ve been the victim of unfair or deceptive practice, unsure of a business's license status, or have any other consumer protection matter, please submit a complaint here and our investigators will reach out to you to help you with your concern.
On Wednesday, February 18, DLCP staff joined Director Tiffany Crowe, the Board of Professional Engineers, and representatives from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying at the British Embassy for a signing ceremony formalizing the District’s participation in the United States–United Kingdom Mutual Recognition Agreement.
Participation in this agreement advances DLCP’s work to expand professional licensure pathways by reducing administrative barriers and recognizing comparable engineering standards across jurisdictions. With this signing, the District becomes the sixteenth jurisdiction to join the agreement, supporting greater global mobility and cross‑border collaboration for professional engineers.
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.
On February 18, 2026, Director Crowe, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Board of Directors, DLCP staff, and the Board of Professional Engineering attended a signing ceremony at the British Embassy for the District to participate in the United States-United Kingdom Mutual Recognition Agreement (US-UK MRA). The US UK MRA will facilitate licensure for professional engineers licensed in the District to practice in the UK and for UK-chartered engineers to practice in the District. In doing so, it continues DLCP’s efforts to enhance professional mobility and occupational and professional licensure pathways. Access a press release regarding the signing ceremony here! For more information on the DC Board of Professional Engineering or to apply for a license, visit here.
On February 24, 2026, Director Crowe testified at DLCP’s annual Performance Oversight Hearing before the Committee on Public Works and Operations (Committee), chaired by Councilmember Brianne Nadeau. Director Crowe highlighted the agency’s accomplishments during Fiscal Year 2025, including the implementation of the Business and Entrepreneurship Support to Thrive Amendment Act of 2022 (BEST Act) and the launch of the new CorpOnline System in December. Director Crowe also previewed the agency’s priorities for the remainder of FY 2026, including the completion of the DC Bridge Project. Visit the DLCP Legislative Affairs and Policy Division page to access her testimony and a link to a recording of the hearing!
Following the Performance Oversight Hearing, Director Crowe testified before the Committee on two bills pertinent to DLCP’s regulation of vending, the Vending Modernization Amendment Act of 2025 (B26-0332), introduced by Councilmember Nadeau along with Chairman Phil Mendelson, and the Vending Compliance and Modernization Amendment Act of 2025 (B26-0370), introduced by Chairman Mendelson at the request of Mayor Muriel Bowser. The bills would, among other things:
- Require vendors to obtain sidewalk vending and mobile vending licenses;
- Increase DLCP’s enforcement of illegal vending by establishing criminal penalties for unlawful vending and allowing the Mayor to seize unlawfully vended merchandise and tow and impound unlawfully operating vending trucks; and
- Help vendors establish and maintain legal vending businesses by facilitating partnerships between sidewalk vendors and brick-and-mortar businesses and establishing a centralized license application.
Director Crowe discussed the improvements that the bills would make to DLCP’s efforts to enforce illegal vending and to support legal street and mobile vending in the District. Visit the DLCP Legislative Affairs and Policy Division page to access the Director’s testimony and a link to a recording of the hearing!
On March 23, 2026, the Committee on Health, chaired by Councilmember Christina Henderson, will hold a performance oversight hearing for the Board of Funeral Directors. Board of Funeral Directors Chairperson John McGuire will testify about the Board’s accomplishments during Fiscal Year 2025 and the Board’s priorities for the remainder of FY 2026. Visit the DLCP Legislative Affairs and Policy Division page to access the Chairperson’s testimony and a link to the Council’s recording of the hearing! For more information on the DC Board of Funeral Directors or to apply for a license, visit here.
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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