D.C. Code § 50-301.19: Regulation of taxicab operation and license requirement.

(a)

(1)

No person, corporation, partnership, or association shall operate a limousine, sedan, or taxicab, a limousine, sedan, or taxicab company, association, or fleet, a limousine, sedan, or taxicab service, or any public vehicle-for-hire service within the District without procuring applicable licenses required by the DFHV pursuant to this subchapter.

(2)

In the case of licensure by another jurisdiction, a taxicab or public vehicle-for-hire may provide service in the District only pursuant to, and in compliance with, a DFHV-approved reciprocity agreement or regulation.

(b)

The length of time a license is valid to operate a taxicab company, association, or fleet, and application for renewal of such license, shall be determined in a manner and at a fee prescribed by the DFHV.

(b-1)

Repealed.

(c)

Any license issued pursuant to this section shall be issued as an Inspected Sales and Services endorsement to a basic business license under the basic business license system as set forth in subchapter I-A of Chapter 28 of Title 47.

(d)

Any violation of this section shall be punishable by a civil fine or other penalty provided by law or DFHV regulations.

(e)

For the purposes of this section, the term “operate” shall include providing taxicab service or public vehicle-for-hire service of any type that physically originates in the District.