The District of Columbia has introduced the Business and Entrepreneurship Support to Thrive (BEST) Act. This new law brings significant changes to how businesses obtain licenses, the fees they pay, and the consequences of failing to renew on time.

At Harbor Compliance, we’re here to help you understand what these changes mean and how they may affect your business.

Fewer License Categories

In the past, D.C. had more than 100 different license categories. That made it confusing for business owners to figure out which license they needed. The BEST Act has simplified this by reducing it to 13 categories. This makes it easier to find the right license and reduces the chance of errors.

Lower and More Consistent Fees

The BEST Act also changes the cost of licenses. Instead of each category having a different price, fees are now the same across all categories:

• $99 for a 2-year license
• $198 for a 4-year license (now available to all license categories)
• $49 for a 6-month license (available for select categories)

For many businesses, this is a big savings compared to the old system. It also provides more flexibility in choosing a license term that suits your business needs.

Standard Penalty Fees

If your license expires, the penalties are now the same for all categories:

• $75 if your license is up to 30 days late
• $150 if your license is less than 6 months late
• $350 if your license is less than 9 months late (the maximum penalty)

These set amounts make it easier to know what to expect if you miss a deadline.

What This Means for Businesses

The BEST Act is designed to simplify, make licensing more affordable, and streamline the process in D.C. Business owners no longer have to sort through a lengthy list of categories or guess about fees. The clear structure helps reduce confusion and keeps costs predictable.

How Harbor Compliance Can Help

Even with these positive changes, keeping up with licensing can still feel overwhelming. Renewals, deadlines, and filings often compete with the day-to-day demands of running a business. Harbor Compliance makes this process easier. Our award-winning software provides a clear view of all your licenses in one place, while our managed services team ensures that deadlines are never missed. With expert support and automation working behind the scenes, you can stay in good standing and focus on growing your business with confidence. Contact us today to learn how Harbor Compliance can help.