This form is for Merchandise and Snack Vendors only. Snacks must be pre-packaged and not require refrigeration. Food vendors or vendors wishing to operate from any type of mobile unit should not complete this form. 

For a full listing of all restrictions, please refer to our 2025 Temporary Inaugural Vending License Overview located at https://inauguration.dc.gov/.   

IMPORTANT!

Vending Carts (Hot Dog Carts/Sidewalk Food Vendors)

• Four feet six inches (4 ft. 6 in.) in width, unless the vendor vends food from the vending cart, in which case the vending cart shall not exceed five feet (5 ft.) in width;

• Seven feet (7 ft.) in length, unless the vendor vends food from the vending cart, in which case the cart shall not exceed eight feet (8 ft.) in length; and

• Eight feet six inches (8 ft. 6 in.) in height, measured from the bottom of the tire.

• Vending carts shall be covered by an umbrella, which shall not exceed nine feet (9 ft.) in diameter nor extend more than four and one half feet (4.5 ft.) in any direction from the body of the cart.

• Vending carts shall be parallel to the curb, with the longest side of the vending stand or vending cart parallel to the curb and located two feet (2 ft.) from the curb face, unless otherwise specified by the DLCP Director on the Vending Site Permit.

• The vending cart shall be equipped with a chock to be used to prevent the cart from rolling or moving.

Vending Vehicles (Mobile Roadway Vendors)

• Without DLCP approval shall not exceed:

• Eighteen feet six inches (18 ft. 6 in.) in length; Eight feet (8 ft.) in width; and

• Ten feet six inches (10 ft. 6 in) in height, measured from bottom of the tire.

• Vending vehicles classified as Stationary Roadway Vending vehicles are not required to meet these design standards.

Vending Stands (Sidewalk Merchandise Vendors)

• The stand shall not exceed a maximum horizontal surface area of seven feet by four feet six inches (7 ft. x 4 ft. 6 in.);

• The surface area of the table (or the highest surface area of the stair-stepped structure) shall be at a height of between one foot (1 ft.) and four and a half feet (4.5 ft.);

• The stand shall have a canopy that shall not exceed seven feet nine inches by five feet three inches (7 ft. 9 in. x 5 ft. 3 in.)

• The uppermost point of the canopy shall not exceed more than nine feet (9 ft.) in height and the lowest point on the canopy, inclusive of any canopy flap, shall not be less than seven feet (7 ft.) in height, measured from the sidewalk pavement.

• The canopy shall be clean and in good repair.

• A skirt or tablecloth shall be attached to the table surface on all sides and shall extend from the table surface to no more than one inch (1 in.) from the sidewalk pavement. The skirt shall be clean and in good repair.

Download 2025 Presidential Inauguration Vending Application Clean Hands Self-Certification

Licensing Fees

Current DC Licensed Vendor – $100.⁰⁰

Unlicensed DC Resident – $100.⁰⁰

Non-District Licensed Vendor – $500.⁰⁰

* Late Application fee after 1/1/2025 – $75.⁰⁰

Upon pre-approval of your application, you will receive detailed instructions for submitting the required payment. Please note that an "Approved" status will only be granted after payment has been successfully processed.

Note: All fees are non-refundable.

I hereby submit this application and required forms for a 2025 Temporary Inaugural Vending License. License is based on the information in this application. I/We understand that, anyone who makes a false statement on this form can be criminally prosecuted; and, if convicted, fined up to $1000, imprisoned up to 180 days, or both, under D.C. Official Code § 22-2405.

DC INSPECTOR GENERAL HOTLINE: If you are aware of corruption, fraud, waste, abuse or mismanagement involving any DC government agency, official or program, contact the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at (202) 727-0267 or (800) 521-1639 (toll free). All reports are confidential and you may remain anonymous by law. Government employees are protected from reprisals or retaliation by their employers for reporting to the OIG. The information you provide may result in an investigation leading to administrative action, civil penalties or criminal prosecution in appropriate cases.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION: In accordance with DC Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, DC Code Section 2.1401.01 et seq., (“the Act”) the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disabilities, source of income, or place of residence or business. Discrimination in violation of this act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.