# What Are the Requirements for a Basic Business License?

> I want to apply for a Basic Business License. What are the requirements? Each licensing group/category has different document, inspection and/or investi...

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Last updated: 2022-11-03T21:27:27.254Z

**I want to apply for a Basic Business License. What are the requirements?**

Each licensing group/category has different document, inspection and/or investigation requirements. However, there are five basic requirements for ALL licensed business activities which must be satisfied prior to submitting a Basic Business License application:

*   If you are a corporation, partnership or limited liability company (domestic or foreign), you must be registered and in good standing with the [Corporations Division](https://corponline.dcra.dc.gov). You must also have a Registered Agent; 
*   You must have a valid Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN) or Social Security Number (SSN);
*   You must register your tax number with the [Office of Tax and Revenue](https://mytax.dc.gov) (My Tax.dc.gov);
*   If your business operates from a location in Washington, DC, you must have a _Certificate of Occupancy_ for a commercial premise address or a _Home Occupation Permit_ if you work out of your home;
*   You must submit a _Clean Hands Self-Certification_ form attesting that you do not owe more than $100.00 to the DC government. 

  

**Helpful Tips**

If you apply via the [DC Business Center](https://mybusiness.dc.gov/):

*   a paper _Clean Hands Self-Certification_ is not required as a Clean Hands Compliance Check occurs within the online process
*   a Expedited Home Occupation Permit (eHOP)may be secured during the online application process.