# 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.

_Updated 2026-10-10._

## 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.

## 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.

## 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.

## 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

**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

- [Special event permits for organizers](https://bzar.app/guides/special-event-permits-dmv)
- [Collecting vendor permits](https://bzar.app/guides/how-to-collect-vendor-insurance-and-permits)

## Sources

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