November 2025
Dear Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,
As Thanksgiving approaches, it is a time for gratitude and reflection—a chance to pause and appreciate the things we value most.
I am grateful that my family is healthy, and in serving as Director at the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), I am thankful to work alongside smart, hardworking, and goal-oriented colleagues. I am thankful to Mayor Bowser for her steady leadership during unprecedented times, and each day, I am proud to serve the District of Columbia and help build a stronger, more resilient community.
This season also reminds us to honor service and support local entrepreneurship. DLCP is proud to spotlight Dog Tag Bakery in Georgetown, DC, in recognition of Veterans Day. Dog Tag is more than a bakery—it is a mission-driven business that empowers veterans and military families through its Fellowship Program. You can read more about their inspiring work in our featured article on the DLCP Hub.
As we move into the holiday season, we encourage residents across the District to shop local for Small Business Saturday on November 29. Supporting small businesses strengthens our economy and uplifts the entrepreneurs who bring creativity, character, and resilience to our neighborhoods.
We also urge residents to beware of holiday rental scams and fake listings. DLCP has issued an advisory highlighting the top scams and offering tips to stay safe when booking your stay. To read the full advisory, click here.
Looking ahead to December, DLCP invites public comment on the Short‑Term Rental Fees Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, open through December 6, 2025. Share your feedback here.
We’re also excited to announce a major upgrade to the District’s CorpOnline system, launching December 8. The enhanced platform will make corporate filings easier with guided steps, improved navigation, and new features to help businesses start, track, and complete registrations online. This upgrade reflects DLCP’s commitment to innovation and customer support.
Thank you for continuing to walk with us. Your engagement as business owners, consumers, and community partners helps drive our mission forward. We look forward to sharing more stories, resources, and opportunities with you in the months ahead.
|
 Tiffany Crowe
Director
The District’s CorpOnline system is being updated to improve how businesses file and manage corporate registrations. The current system will go offline after close of business on December 2, 2025, with in-person filing available from December 3 through December 5 at 1100 4th Street, S.W. During this transition period, expedited filings will not be offered. The new system will officially launch on December 8, 2025.
With this update, all corporate registration filings can now be completed online, including mergers and conversions, and users will be able to save and return to filings at any time with 24/7 access. Entity filing histories will transfer to the new system and remain publicly accessible, while all documents previously filed online will continue to be available for download, eliminating the need to refile anything already submitted.
Businesses will continue to use their existing Access DC accounts, with the added ability to manage multiple entities from a single login. Payments can be made online by credit card or e-check, and receipts will be issued instantly.
For more details you can click the link below to access the FAQs.
Beginning January 1, 2026, DLCP will implement additional sanctions against respondents who fail to pay civil fines after the Office of Administrative Hearings has issued a final order.
These sanctions may include:
-
Suspension of licenses or permits (D.C. Official Code § 2‑1802.03(f))
-
Placement of a lien on real or personal property (D.C. Official Code § 2‑1802.03(i))
-
Sealing of business premises or work sites (D.C. Official Code § 2‑1801.03(b)(7))
A respondent is an individual or corporate entity found liable for a violation issued by DLCP. To avoid these sanctions, respondents must follow the instructions outlined in their final order and take action within the specified timeframes.
For assistance, respondents subject to these sanctions may contact [email protected].
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser is opening applications for several business grant programs on December 12, offering opportunities for local businesses to grow and succeed. Programs include:
These grants are designed to support businesses at different stages of development from launching new ventures to expanding established operations.
Join us for the first two information sessions covering eligibility for the Great Streets and Emerging Retail Initiative grants. Additional sessions will be announced soon.
To learn more and find out which program may be the right fit for your business, visit: dmped.dc.gov.
 |
|
DLCP, with support from various DC government agencies, hosted Arts&Appetite at the Gallery Space in Gallery Place on 7th Street NW on Tuesday, November 4. The event was designed to encourage DC’s creative entrepreneurs including chefs, artists, makers, and innovators by providing tools, insights, and connections to help them build and grow successful businesses. |
Arts&Appetite brought together a diverse group of attendees eager to learn, connect, and be inspired. Guest speakers shared personal stories of launching their businesses in the DC economy, offering candid reflections on the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. |
|
 |
 |
|
Panelists provided practical guidance on how to start and expand a business in the District, covering essential topics such as licensing, compliance, and financial planning. Events like Arts&Appetite play a vital role in building connections, encouraging innovation, and supporting the growth of local businesses. DLCP remains committed to creating opportunities where creativity and commerce intersect, helping entrepreneurs move forward with confidence and clarity. |
|
On Friday, October 24, 2025, the DC Board of Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture hosted its annual Practitioners’ Forum at the MLK Jr. Memorial Library in DC. This in-person event offered continuing education credits to licensed professionals in the District.
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
Attendees engaged in sessions covering zoning updates, regulatory changes, and preparation for LEED v5. Guest speakers shared insights on emerging trends and best practices in design. The forum was open exclusively to those holding active DC licenses and emphasized professional development through accredited learning. |
|
As regulations evolve and sustainability goals become more ambitious, licensed professionals must stay informed and connected. The forum not only supports licensure requirements but also builds a culture of lifelong learning and civic responsibility among DC’s design community.
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
DLCP Director Tiffany Crowe and agency leaders participated in the Department of General Services’ 2nd Annual Small Business Networking Reception at DGS headquarters on Minnesota Avenue NE on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The event brought together Certified Business Enterprises, local entrepreneurs, and District staff to foster meaningful engagement around business development and public contracting. |
Director Crowe’s attendance highlighted DLCP’s commitment to supporting small businesses and guiding them through licensing and compliance processes. Throughout the evening, attendees connected with DGS staff and contractors, learned about upcoming procurement opportunities, and explored ways to collaborate on future projects that contribute to DC’s economic growth. DLCP is grateful to have taken part in this event and looks forward to future collaboration. |
|
 |
Georgetown University marked a major milestone with the ribbon cutting of its newly renovated Capitol Campus at 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW in Washington DC on Monday, October 20. DLCP Director Tiffany Crowe joined Georgetown University and local leaders to celebrate the grand opening of the new campus. DOB Director Brian Hanlon also attended the event, joining local partners to recognize this bold investment in DC’s built environment and in the future of its students and educators.
During the celebration, they connected with Chad Shuskey, Executive Vice President of the Washington DC Economic Partnership, and Kenyattah Robinson, President of the Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District.
This new space will serve as a central hub for several of the University’s leading schools and programs, including the School of Continuing Studies, the McDonough School of Business, and the Berkley School of Health.
The event culminated in a celebratory photo capturing these leaders together, a snapshot of the collaborative spirit driving DC’s future.
With the holiday season approaching, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your goals and prepare for new opportunities in business. The BRC is here to assist both new and existing entrepreneurs in developing strong, sustainable business plans.
The BRC offers resources and guidance on business operations, licensing, and compliance in DC, helping entrepreneurs build a solid foundation for success. We encourage you to take full advantage of the upcoming workshops to strengthen your business knowledge and skills as you head into the new year.
DLCP proudly supports the 2025 DowntownDC Holiday Market, running now through December 23. This annual tradition is more than a festive gathering—it’s an opportunity to shop local and support small businesses that strengthen DC’s economy. By choosing local vendors, residents and visitors help sustain entrepreneurs, build community, and celebrate the creative spirit of the District during the holiday season.
For details about the market schedule, activities, and vendors, click here to learn more.
Look below for DLCP-related Council happenings and new laws
New Legislation Introduced: On October 7, 2025, Council Member Janeese Lewis George introduced the Glazier Licensing Standards and Certification Act of 2025 (B26-0422). The bill would establish licensing standards and certification requirements for glaziers—those who install and maintain the glass and metal systems that shape District buildings—and glazing contractors. The DLCP-administered Board of Industrial Trades would oversee the licensure of glaziers, with the bill adding two members to the Board representing glaziers and glazing contractors.
Public Hearing on DLCP-Related Bills: On October 22, 2025, the Council’s Committee on Public Works and Operations held a public hearing on the following DLCP-related bills:
Close to 100 individuals testified, with strong public interest in the RESALE bill. DLCP’s Legislative Affairs Director, April Randall, and Chief of Enforcement, Anisah Crosby, testified on the consumer protection and housing bills. While the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) led testimony on the RESALE bill, Ms. Randall responded to Committee questions related to DLCP’s role in implementation and enforcement.
Housing Oversight Roundtable: On October 30, 2025, the Council Committee on Housing, chaired by Council Member Robert White, held a public oversight roundtable on housing in the District titled “From Neglect to Respect: Raising the Standard for DC Housing.” The roundtable convened DLCP, the Department of Buildings (DOB), and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to discuss improving conditions in the District’s multifamily apartment buildings. DLCP Director Tiffany Crowe testified on DLCP’s work to license housing operators and its collaboration with DOB and OAG to hold unlawful operators accountable.
Seasonal Pricing and Price Gouging Amendment Act of 2025: On November 19, 2025, the Council Committee of the Whole, chaired by Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, held a hearing on the Seasonal Pricing and Price Gouging Amendment Act of 2025 (B26‑0049). The bill would update the District’s price gouging law by allowing an alternative calculation of the normal average retail price for rental vehicles. It would also make a public health emergency a triggering event for the prohibition against price gouging. The hearing focused on the bill and alternative methods to determine price gouging.
Real Property Seller Disclosure Statement Rulemaking: On November 28, 2025, DLCP will publish the Real Property Seller Disclosure Statement Notice of Final Rulemaking in the D.C. Register. This rulemaking updates the Real Property Seller’s Disclosure Statement to align with District law and makes technical revisions to address confusing and ambiguous provisions.
Architect and Engineer Good Samaritan Amendment Act of 2025: On December 3, 2025, the Council Committee on Business and Economic Development, chaired by Council Member Kenyan McDuffie, will hold a hearing on Bill 26‑173, the "Architect and Engineer Good Samaritan Amendment Act of 2025". The bill would limit civil liability for professional engineers and licensed architects who provide assistance during an emergency—absent gross negligence or willful misconduct. By offering these protections, the legislation aims to encourage engineers and architects to volunteer their expertise to help communities in the District rebuild and respond to emergencies.
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.
|
