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Permits: Washington DC

Selling at events in DC: licenses and tax.

To sell at a market or special event in DC, you generally need a business or vending license from DLCP, sales tax registration with the Office of Tax and Revenue (special event vendors can register in advance with Form FR-500B), and, for food, DC Health approval. Ask the organizer which licenses their event covers.

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Licenses

DLCP vending licenses.

DC's Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) issues vending licenses: a Basic Business License with a vending endorsement. DLCP's fee schedule lists Vending Class A through D licenses at $99 each for a two-year term, while its vending FAQ lists higher totals (for example $408.10 for Class B). Check the current amount with DLCP when you apply.

For some large events, DC has issued event-specific licenses. For WorldPride 2025, merchandise vendors needed a Temporary Class B Merchandise License at $99 per day.

  • Food vendors (Class A) and their staff need a Certified Food Manager card, and food must be prepared in a commercial kitchen.
  • Vendors waiting on public space permits can still sell at special events, flea markets, holiday markets and farmers markets.
Sales tax

Register with OTR before the event.

  • Special event vendors register in advance with Form FR-500B.
  • File a special event return, Form FR-800SE, by the 20th of the following month.
  • Ongoing businesses register with Form FR-500 on MyTax.DC.gov.
Food

DC Health at special events.

  • DC Health enforces the DC Food Code at special events, whether food is sold or given away.
  • Expect hot water for handwashing and a three-compartment sink setup.
  • Cooking with propane needs a DC Fire and EMS propane permit, applied for at least a week ahead.
Note

Before you rely on this.

This guide summarizes official sources and isn't legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the agency before you apply.

DLCP: 202-671-4500.

Questions

Common questions.

Do I need a DC vendor license to sell at a market?

Usually yes, plus sales tax registration. Some event organizers hold licenses that cover vendors; ask the organizer and DLCP which applies to your event.

How do I pay DC sales tax for one event?

Register in advance with Form FR-500B and file Form FR-800SE by the 20th of the month after the event.

Related

Keep reading.

Special event permits for organizersCollecting vendor permitsSelling at events in MarylandSelling at events in Northern VirginiaHow to get food vendors for your eventSales tax at craft fairs and markets
Sources

Sources.

Facts on this page come from these sources, checked on 2026-10-10. Details change; tell us at hello@bzar.app if something here is out of date.

  1. https://dlcp.dc.gov/page/dlcp-license-corporate-filing-fees
  2. https://dlcp.dc.gov/page/vending-licensing-faqs
  3. https://dlcp.dc.gov/blog/become-vendor-worldpride-2025-washington-dc
  4. https://otr.cfo.dc.gov/node/1794936
  5. https://otr.cfo.dc.gov/page/new-business-registration
  6. https://dchealth.dc.gov/node/170672
  7. https://hsema.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/hsema/publication/attachments/2nd%20Edition_2025%20MSETG%20Special%20Events%20Planning%20Guide.pdf
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