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Washington, D.C. · State Guide

Charitable Solicitation Registration in Washington, D.C.

The District of Columbia requires most nonprofits to get a Basic Business License in the Charitable Solicitation category before fundraising in DC. Licenses last two or four years.

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At a glance

Washington, D.C. requirements

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RegulatorDC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP)
LawDC Charitable Solicitation Act (D.C. Code § 44-1701 et seq.)
When to registerBefore soliciting in the District.
Initial filingBasic Business License, Charitable Solicitation category · State fee $99 (2 years) or $198 (4 years)
Annual renewalLicense renewal, due By your license's expiration date (2- or 4-year term)

Information verified October 2026 from official Washington, D.C. sources (listed below).

Who must register

Who needs to register in Washington, D.C.?

Nonprofits that solicit donations, apply for grants, sell event tickets or otherwise fundraise in DC, by mail, phone, in person or online, unless exempt.

Exemptions: Organizations that received $25,000 or less in contributions last calendar year, expect $25,000 or less this year, use only unpaid people (including for fundraising) and don't use contributions to benefit officers, members or solicitors can claim the Charitable Exempt category ($0).

State fees

License fees

LevelState fee
Charitable Solicitation, 2-year license$99
Charitable Solicitation, 4-year license$198
Charitable Exempt$0

These are Washington, D.C.'s own fees, paid to the state. Our service fee is separate: $425 per state for 1–5 states, $375 per state for 6–13, or $4,950 flat for 14 or more (renewals from $325 per state). See pricing.

Financial reporting

Financial statement requirements

  • DC doesn't set a CPA review or audit threshold for the license.
  • DLCP may ask for additional documentation.

FAQ

Washington, D.C. registration questions

Who has to register for charitable solicitation in Washington, D.C.?

Nonprofits that solicit donations, apply for grants, sell event tickets or otherwise fundraise in DC, by mail, phone, in person or online, unless exempt. Timing: Before soliciting in the District.

How much does Washington, D.C. charitable registration cost?

State fees: Charitable Solicitation, 2-year license: $99; Charitable Solicitation, 4-year license: $198; Charitable Exempt: $0. These are the state's own fees. Our service fee is separate and shown before checkout.

When is the Washington, D.C. renewal due?

License renewal is due By your license's expiration date (2- or 4-year term).

Does Washington, D.C. require audited financial statements?

DC doesn't set a CPA review or audit threshold for the license. DLCP may ask for additional documentation.

Sources

Official sources

State rules and fees change. We confirm current requirements with the state before every filing.

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