Charitable Solicitation Registration in District of Columbia
Heads Up: District of Columbia requires charitable solicitation registration before you fundraise.
Before your nonprofit can solicit donations in District of Columbia, you'll need to complete the registration process with the state. This guide walks you through the requirements, fees, and timeline.
District Of Columbia requires charitable solicitation registration before your nonprofit can solicit donations in the state.
The filing agency is the DC Department of Licensing & Consumer Protection (DLCP).
Governing law: DC Code Title 44, Chapter 17 - Charitable Solicitations.
What's Required
Registration form: Charitable Services Business registration
Who's Exempt
*Primary Exemptions:
1. Revenue Threshold:
Gross annual contributions under $25,000 per calendar year (adjusted for inflation)
2. Membership Solicitation:
Solicit exclusively from members
Solicit exclusively from members' families
No public fundraising
3. Workplace Giving:
Engage solely in workplace giving campaigns
No other solicitation method
4. Religious Organizations:
Soliciting solely for religious purposes
Soliciting solely for educational purposes (if religious organization)
5. Unpaid Solicitors:
Solicitor is unpaid (volunteer)
No part of contributions paid to any officer, member, or solicitor
No contributions used for benefit of any officer or member
Fees & Costs
Annual renewal fee: Same as initial license ($99 or $198 depending on license term selected)
Related Resources
View the full District of Columbia formation guide
Complete step-by-step guide to forming and registering a nonprofit in District of Columbia
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View all District of Columbia compliance requirements
Annual filings, tax obligations, charitable solicitation registration, and more
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