Moving to District of Columbia as a general contractor: every state's rule

1. 1Business license. Obtain a business license ($99). Register a corporation, partnership or LLC with the DLCP Corporations Division, with a registered agent: $99 for a domestic for-profit entity or $220 for a foreign (out-of-District) for-profit entity. A sole proprietor does not register an entity. Every applicant also needs a District tax registration and a Clean Hands certification through the District's business portal..
2. 2Other. A Certificate of Occupancy for the business premises, or a Home Occupation Permit if the business is run from a home. Post office boxes are not accepted as the premise address..
3. 3Insurance. Carry the required insurance. Certificate of commercial general liability insurance filed before the license is issued and kept in force for the whole license period: at least $2,500,000 per occurrence (primary or umbrella) for Class A, $1,500,000 for Class B, $500,000 per occurrence with $1,000,000 aggregate for Classes C and D, and $500,000 per occurrence for Class E. The insurer must be authorized in the District and rated B+ or better by A.M. Best, the policy must give DLCP 30 days notice before cancellation or lapse, and the District of Columbia Treasurer must be named as an additional insured on a primary, non-contributory basis. The certificate names DLCP, 1100 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024, as certificate holder..
4. 4Financial responsibility. Show financial responsibility. A credit report from a credit reporting agency overseen by the Federal Trade Commission, and a statement of all outstanding judgments against the applicant. It is filed by the business and by each principal officer and anyone owning 25% or more of it, or by the sole proprietor. DLCP publishes no minimum credit score, net worth or working capital figure..
5. 5Other. Two pre-printed contracts in at least triplicate, on a form that complies with the D.C. Code and the D.C. Municipal Regulations, filed with the application. A contract clause waiving any part of the general contractor rules is void..
6. 6Other. If the business will do residential contracting, designate at least one Home Improvement Salesperson who holds their own Basic Business License, and follow the District's home improvement contract rules. (if applicable).
7. 7License fee. Pay the license or certificate fee ($99). Basic Business License fee: $99 for a two-year license, $49 for a six-month license or $198 for a four-year license. DLCP lists no separate application fee..

Published fees on this path total $99, excluding exam-vendor fees, bonds, and insurance.