Last Updated: February 2026
Organizations that solicit charitable contributions in Washington, DC must typically obtain authorization before fundraising. The District regulates charitable solicitations through a licensing structure rather than a traditional “charitable registration” filing used in many states.
Managing registrations across multiple jurisdictions? Contact Ironwood Registrations
Explore all charitable solicitation registration requirements by state
At-a-Glance Overview
Primary Regulator
Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP)
Registration Required Prior to Solicitation
Yes — a charitable solicitation Basic Business License (BBL) is generally required before requesting donations.
Applies to Out-of-State Nonprofits
Yes. Organizations not formed in DC must complete additional corporate and tax registrations.
Registration Term
Typically valid for two years.
Annual Financial Reporting
Not required for charitable solicitation licensing.
Registered Agent Requirement
Yes, for organizations qualifying to do business in DC.
Registration Form
Basic Business License (BBL)
Form BRA-25
Form FR-164 – tax Exemption often required
When Registration Is Required
Nonprofits must obtain a charitable solicitation license before requesting donations within the District. This requirement is broad and includes:
- Direct fundraising from DC residents
- Online or national solicitations reaching DC
- Requests for grants or other funding connected to charitable activity in the District
Operating without the license may expose the organization to enforcement actions. nonprofitfundraisingregistratio…
Initial Registration Process
Filing Method
- Online submission is generally recommended
- In-person filing is also available
Core Application Components
Typical submission elements include:
- Basic Business License application
- Documentation confirming federal tax-exempt status
- Authorization showing who is permitted to file on behalf of the organization
- Evidence of corporate registration (if the nonprofit is formed outside DC)
- Confirmation of local tax registration or exemption
Estimated Processing Timeline
Often several weeks, depending on completion of prerequisite filings.
Additional Requirements for Out-of-State Nonprofits
Organizations formed outside the District must usually complete several preliminary steps before the charitable solicitation license can be issued:
- Register with the DC Office of Tax and Revenue
- File business tax registration and exemption paperwork.
- Qualify to Do Business in DC
- Submit a foreign registration filing with the Corporations Division.
- Provide a certificate of good standing from the home state.
- Appoint a Registered Agent
- The agent must have a physical presence in the District.
These steps are often the most time-consuming part of DC compliance.
Exemption Overview
DC provides relatively limited exemptions compared with many states.
Common exempt categories may include:
- Certain religious organizations
- Membership-only fundraising organizations
- Very small charities operating entirely through volunteers under specified contribution thresholds
Organizations typically must submit documentation to confirm exemption eligibility.
Guide to exemption rules nationwide
Renewal Requirements
Renewal Frequency
- License is generally valid for two years.
Renewal Timing
- Renewal must be completed before the expiration date listed on the license.
Late Fees
- Penalties may apply if renewal is filed after expiration.
Financial Reporting
- No annual financial report is typically required as part of the renewal.
Financial Statement & Audit Considerations
Although DC does not require audited financial statements specifically for charitable solicitation licensing, many organizations fundraising in multiple states will still need:
- IRS Form 990 reporting
- Audited or reviewed financial statements (depending on other state requirements)
Maintaining organized financial documentation supports multi-state compliance.
Multi-State Fundraising Strategy Considerations
Because DC uses a licensing framework tied to tax and corporate registration, nonprofits fundraising nationally should:
- Integrate DC filings into broader compliance calendars
- Track expiration dates carefully
- Coordinate tax, corporate, and solicitation registrations together
For a strategic overview: Multi-State Fundraising Compliance Guide
Need Help Coordinating DC Registration and Multi-State Compliance?
Ironwood Registrations assists nonprofits with:
- Determining where registration is required
- Managing multi-state filings
- Tracking renewal deadlines
- Handling complex jurisdictions like DC
Or contact our team directly