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41 Home Businesses with No License in District of Columbia

Skip the state boards and licensing fees. These 41 occupations can be started from home in District of Columbia with only basic business registration.

View All District of Columbia Rules →

These occupations don't require a state-issued occupational license in District of Columbia. You still need basic business registration (LLC or sole prop), but you can skip the licensing fees, training requirements, and exams.

41 license-free · 61 require a license · LLC cost: $99

No License

41

License Required

61

LLC Cost

$99

Sales Tax

6%

Other

Construction and Home Services

Locksmith
No license

Median

$35.81/hr

Annual

$74,470

Full guide →

Median

$34.27/hr

Annual

$71,270

Full guide →

Median

$22.84/hr

Annual

$47,510

Full guide →

Health

Median

$31.28/hr

Annual

$65,060

Full guide →
Optician
No license

Median

$28.42/hr

Annual

$59,110

Full guide →

Median

$27.50/hr

Annual

$57,210

Full guide →

Median

$22.16/hr

Annual

$46,100

Full guide →

Median

$21.96/hr

Annual

$45,670

Full guide →

Entertainment and Hospitality

Animals, Agriculture, and Outdoors

Personal Care Services

Shampooer
No license

Median

$17.46/hr

Annual

$36,320

Full guide →

Transportation and Machinery

Education

What You Still Need (Even Without a License)

Business Registration

Form an LLC ($99 in District of Columbia) or register as a sole proprietor. An LLC protects your personal assets.

EIN (Tax ID)

Free from IRS.gov. Required for opening a business bank account and filing taxes. Takes 5 minutes online.

Home Occupation Permit

Most cities/counties require a permit to run a business from home. Usually $0-150. Check your local zoning office.

Business Insurance

General liability insurance runs $15-40/month for home businesses. Protects you from lawsuits and property damage claims.

Data: Institute for Justice License to Work 3. BLS OEWS May 2024 (wage data). "No license" means no state-issued occupational license — local permits and general business registration may still apply.