# Street vendor license in DC.

To sell on a DC street or sidewalk you need two things from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection: a Vending Business License and a public space permit for a specific location. Vending at a licensed special event is different, so ask the organizer which licenses the event covers.

_Updated 2026-10-11._

## Vending Business License and public space permit.

DLCP describes the Vending Business License as a basic business license with a vending endorsement. A Public Space Permit is a separate permit for vending from public space at a specified location. Street vending means selling exclusively from public space and for immediate delivery on purchase.

License fees depend on the vendor class, and DLCP lists separate fees for mobile and sidewalk site permits. A holder of the license may be assigned up to three sidewalk vending locations. The current amounts are on DLCP's vending FAQ, so confirm there before you plan a budget.

- Give DLCP a current email address when you apply. It uses email to tell you when vending locations open up.
- Employees who run your unit need a Vendor Employee Identification Badge if you are not there.

## Food street vendors have extra rules.

DLCP says all food preparation must comply with DC Health regulations and food for sale may be prepared only in a commercial kitchen, which may be someone else's. A home kitchen does not qualify. Class A licensees and their employees must hold a current Certified Food Manager card. DLCP also sets size limits for vending carts and food trucks unless it approves otherwise.

- Home-baked goods under cottage food rules are a different route. See the cottage food guide.

## Street vending is not event vending.

Selling at a special event, flea market, holiday market or farmers market is a different setup from vending on the street. DLCP notes that many vendors waiting for a public space permit to open up have started at special events, flea markets, holiday markets and farmers markets. For a licensed special event, DC law lets the Mayor authorize vending without a basic business license or vending site permit, but whether your event does depends on its event license, so confirm with DLCP.

Event vendors still register for sales tax with the Office of Tax and Revenue and, for food, follow DC Health's special event guidelines.

- Apply to markets and events on bzar and pay booth fees by card.
- Keep your licenses, permits and insurance certificates on file and reuse them across applications.

## What happens if you vend without them.

DLCP says operating a vending business without a Vending Business License or Public Space Permit is illegal and can bring fines and penalties. Its Vending Enforcement Team monitors vending seven days a week, and vendors must post their current license where it can be seen.

- Ask DLCP at the number on its site before you start selling in public space.
- Read our DC vendor license guide for event vendors.

## Confirm with DLCP.

This guide summarizes official sources and is not legal or tax advice. Rules, limits and fees change; confirm with the agency before you sell.

DLCP's pages and its fee schedule do not always agree on amounts, so ask DLCP at its published phone number before you pay for anything.

## Questions

**Do I need a license to sell on the street in DC?**

Yes. Street and sidewalk vending needs a Vending Business License and a public space permit for the location, both from DLCP.

**How much is a vending license in DC?**

It depends on the vendor class, and site permits cost extra. DLCP lists the current amounts on its vending FAQ page.

**Can I sell at a DC market without a street vending license?**

Sometimes. A licensed special event may cover its vendors, and other markets have their own rules. Ask the organizer and DLCP.

**Can I cook food at home to sell as a DC street vendor?**

No. DLCP says food sold by vendors must be prepared in a commercial kitchen, which can be someone else's.

## Related

- [Vendor licenses and tax in DC](https://bzar.app/guides/vendor-license-dc)
- [Washington, DC permits](https://bzar.app/permits/washington-dc)
- [What is a vendor license?](https://bzar.app/glossary/vendor-license)
- [How to start a food truck business](https://bzar.app/guides/how-to-start-a-food-truck-business)

## Sources

- https://dlcp.dc.gov/page/vending-licensing-faqs
- https://dlcp.dc.gov/service/business-licensing-division
- https://otr.cfo.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/otr/page_content/attachments/2025%20FR800SE%20instructions%20v1.0%20_Final_08262024.pdf
- https://dchealth.dc.gov/node/170672