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District of Columbia licensing

Do I need a contractor license in District of Columbia?

Yes. District of Columbia requires a contractor license issued by DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP).

State Laws

District of Columbia licensing laws

7 verticals covered for District of Columbia

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Reviewed by Cornerstone Staff28 years of financial services state licensing experienceLast verified August 3, 2026

This guide covers 7 regulated activities in District of Columbia: District of Columbia Contractor License Bond Requirements, District of Columbia Charitable Solicitation Registration, District of Columbia Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Requirements, District of Columbia Notary Bond Requirements, District of Columbia Debt Collection Laws & Regulations, District of Columbia Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements, and District of Columbia Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing. For each one, the summary below names the state agency in charge. It shows whether a license or registration is required. It also shows whether District of Columbia calls for a surety bond before you can operate.

Oversight in District of Columbia runs through DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, DC Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications, and DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking. 6 of the 7 need a surety bond before you can operate. The bond protects the state and your customers if you break the rules tied to your license.

States change their statutes and fee schedules often. Treat the details below as a starting point. Confirm the current rule with the regulator before you file. When you are ready, Cornerstone Licensing can prepare and submit the District of Columbia filings for you. We track every renewal date and keep your license in good standing year after year.

contractor license

District of Columbia Contractor License Bond Requirements

The contractor license bond District of Columbia requires as a condition of holding a contractor license or registration: the required amount, the statute behind it, and how the bond is filed with DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP).

Application process

The bond is filed with DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) as part of the contractor license or registration application (or renewal). The surety issues the bond on the state's required form naming the state as obligee; most contractors qualify on the owners' personal credit and the bond is often issued the same day. Note this is the license bond only, project bid, performance, and payment bonds are separate obligations posted per job.

Renewals

The bond must stay continuously in force for the license to remain active. Sureties renew the bond on its own term and file continuation certificates; a lapse or cancellation is reported to DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) and can suspend the license.

Local jurisdictions in District of Columbia may layer their own permit or license bond requirements on top of the statewide bond. Confirm the current required amount with DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) before filing.

Key statutes

  • Home improvement contractor bond (D.C. Code § 47-2883.02) . District law requires home improvement contractors to file a bond for consumer protection as part of licensure; confirm the current amount with DLCP.

charitable registration

District of Columbia Charitable Solicitation Registration

A guide to charitable solicitation registration in District of Columbia: who must register with the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection before asking District of Columbia residents for donations, common exemptions, renewal timing, and the professional fundraiser and charitable gaming rules that run alongside it.

Application process

Charitable organizations register with the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection before soliciting contributions in District of Columbia, whether the ask happens in person, by mail, by phone, or online to District of Columbia residents. A typical filing includes the state registration form (or the multistate Unified Registration Statement where accepted), the IRS determination letter, articles of incorporation and bylaws, a list of officers and directors, the most recent IRS Form 990 or financial statements, and disclosure of any professional fundraiser contracts.

Common exemptions cover religious organizations, educational institutions, and small organizations under a revenue threshold, but exemption is rarely automatic; many states require an exemption filing. Registration fees are typically tiered to annual contributions; confirm the current schedule with the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.

Renewals

Charitable registrations in District of Columbia renew annually, generally keyed to the organization's fiscal year end, with updated financial reporting (IRS Form 990 or audited financials above the statutory revenue threshold) and the renewal fee. Late renewals can incur penalties and suspend the organization's authority to solicit.

Professional fundraisers, professional solicitors, and fundraising counsel must register separately in District of Columbia before working with charities, and paid solicitors typically post a surety bond. Charitable gaming (raffles, bingo, casino nights) is licensed separately where District of Columbia permits it. Nonprofits registering in multiple states also need a registered agent in each state where they are incorporated or qualified to do business.

Key statutes

  • District of Columbia charitable solicitation law (DC charitable solicitation statute) . Requires charitable organizations to register with DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection before soliciting contributions in District of Columbia, subject to statutory exemptions.

auto dealer

District of Columbia Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Requirements

District of Columbia requires a $25,000 motor vehicle dealer bond under 18 DCMR ch. 8, filed with the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles.

Application process

Apply for or renew your motor vehicle dealer license with the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles and file a $25,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond runs with the motor vehicle dealer license term and renews on the same cycle (about every 1 year).

Key statutes

  • DC dealer licensing regulations (18 DCMR ch. 8) . Statutory basis for the District of Columbia motor vehicle dealer bond requirement.

notary

District of Columbia Notary Bond Requirements

District of Columbia requires a $2,000 notary bond under D.C. Code § 1-1231.24, filed with the DC Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications.

Application process

Apply for or renew your notary public commission with the DC Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications and file a $2,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond runs with the notary public commission term and renews on the same cycle (about every 5 years).

Key statutes

  • District of Columbia notary law (D.C. Code § 1-1231.24) . Statutory basis for the District of Columbia notary bond requirement.

debt collection

District of Columbia Debt Collection Laws & Regulations

Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in District of Columbia. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in District of Columbia.

Application process

To obtain a debt collection license in District of Columbia, applicants generally need to submit a completed application to the DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking, provide a surety bond of $25,000, pass background checks for all control persons, and meet net worth or financial requirements. The application review typically takes 30-90 days.

Renewals

Debt collection licenses in District of Columbia generally require annual renewal. Renewal generally involves submission of a renewal application, payment of renewal fees, updated surety bond confirmation, and any required annual reports. Late renewals may incur additional penalties.

Third-party debt collectors operating in District of Columbia are also generally expected to comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). District of Columbia may impose additional requirements beyond federal standards, including restrictions on communication methods, required disclosures, and limitations on fees that may be collected.

Key statutes

  • DC Debt Collection Licensing (D.C. Code § 28-3814) . Debt collection regulation in DC

mortgage

District of Columbia Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements

Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in District of Columbia. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in District of Columbia.

Application process

Mortgage companies generally apply through the NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System) for District of Columbia mortgage licensing. Requirements include a completed MU1 form, surety bond, audited financial statements, business plan, background checks (FBI criminal and credit) for all control persons, and net worth requirements. Individual MLOs are generally required to complete pre-licensing education (20 hours minimum including 3 hours of federal law, 3 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional lending, plus District of Columbia-specific hours), pass the SAFE MLO test, and submit an MU4 form through NMLS.

Renewals

Mortgage licenses in District of Columbia are renewed annually through NMLS. Company renewals require updated financial statements, bond confirmation, and payment of renewal fees. MLOs are generally required to complete continuing education (8 hours minimum annually, including District of Columbia-specific requirements) and pay renewal fees through NMLS. The renewal period typically runs November 1 through December 31.

All mortgage companies and MLOs operating in District of Columbia are generally required to be registered through NMLS. District of Columbia participates in the CSBS multi-state licensing process. Additional requirements may include maintaining a physical office, appointing a qualified individual, and filings with both state and federal regulations including TILA, RESPA, and the Dodd-Frank Act.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • SAFE Act (12 U.S.C. § 5101) . Federal framework for MLO licensing through NMLS

money transmitter

District of Columbia Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing

Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in District of Columbia. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in District of Columbia.

District of Columbia money transmitter requirements at a glance

District of Columbia money transmitter licensing requirements
Surety bond $25,000
Minimum net worth $100,000
Renewal cadence Annual
FinCEN MSB registration Required

Application process

To obtain a money transmitter license in District of Columbia, applicants generally need to submit a completed application to the DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking, provide a surety bond of $25,000-$500,000, demonstrate minimum net worth of $100,000, provide audited financial statements, implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program, and pass background checks for all control persons. Many states now accept applications through NMLS. The application process typically takes 3-12 months depending on the state and complexity of the applicant's business model.

Renewals

Money transmitter licenses in District of Columbia generally require annual renewal. Renewal typically requires submission of audited financial statements, updated surety bond, quarterly or annual transaction reports, BSA/AML filing documentation, and payment of renewal fees. Some states require call report filings on a quarterly basis throughout the year.

Money transmitters operating in District of Columbia are also generally expected to register with FinCEN as a money services business (MSB) and implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program. This includes appointing a filings officer, developing written policies and procedures, conducting employee training, filing Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs), and submitting Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs). District of Columbia may have specific requirements for cryptocurrency and virtual currency businesses.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. § 5311) . Federal BSA/AML requirements for money services businesses

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State Laws

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Licenses in District of Columbia

District of Columbia licenses by industry

Every regulated vertical we track in District of Columbia, with the full law summary and the direct application path for each license type.

charitable registration licensing

Regulated by DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection

debt collection licensing

Regulated by DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking

mortgage licensing

Regulated by DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking

money transmitter licensing

Regulated by DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking

Bonds and insurance in District of Columbia

Where District of Columbia conditions a license on a posted surety bond, these pages carry the statutory bond amount and filing steps.

District of Columbia regulator contacts

The state agencies that issue and oversee the licenses above.

Planning tools and data

Scope a District of Columbia expansion before you file.

Registered agent coverage in District of Columbia

Every registered entity in District of Columbia needs an agent of record. Requirements, live pricing, and same-day ordering.

Ready to apply in District of Columbia?

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Ready to apply in District of Columbia?

Start your mortgage application with District of Columbia-specific requirements pre-loaded. Most filings open in under three minutes.

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Start your money transmitter application with District of Columbia-specific requirements pre-loaded. Most filings open in under three minutes.

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Regulatory Watch

Stay Ahead of the Rules

Recent rule changes, deadline announcements, and state agency updates we are tracking for you.

  • Action CSBS Aug 4, 2026

    CSBS MTMA Adoption Tracker Updated, 31 States Enacted in Full or Part

    CSBS updated its Money Transmission Modernization Act tracker in August 2026 and reported that 31 states had enacted the law in full or in part. The update is not a single state rule, but it is a meaningful cross-state licensing development for money transmitters.

  • Action CSBS Aug 4, 2026

    CSBS Comment Letter on Federal Reserve Payment System Risk and Account Access Proposal

    On July 24, 2026, CSBS posted a comment letter on proposed revisions to the Federal Reserve Policy on Payment System Risk and the guidelines for account and services requests. This is a policy advocacy item rather than a binding regulatory change.

  • Action NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS Remote Work Status Details Due for 2027 Renewal Readiness

    NMLS directed companies to complete MLO remote work status details by August 31, 2026 to prepare for the 2027 renewal cycle. This was an active operational requirement during the review period.

  • Action NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS 2026 Disclosure Question Updates Require Completion Before 2027 Renewal Activity

    NMLS implemented revised MU4 and MU2 disclosure questions earlier in 2026, and the system urged affected users to complete updates by August 31, 2026. The change remained active during the July 21 to August 4 period and could affect filing workflows.

  • Watch CSBS / NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS Modernization Phase Three Scheduled for August 2026

    CSBS indicated that NMLS Modernization Phase Three is scheduled for August 2026. The planned changes include state agency task management for the individual licensing process and improved two-way communication for review items.