You must have an Employment Agency License to provide job assistance for a fee. This includes helping employers find employees and helping jobseekers find work. Jobseekers can include nurses and people in theater.
You don't need an Employment Agency License if you are:
- A staffing agency, where you are the employer and you contract out your employees, all of whom receive a W-2 form from you at the end of the year.
- A theatrical personal manager, where your primary business is managing artists.
- Exception: If your primary business is finding employment or engagements for artists, you are a ‘theatrical employment agency’ and need an Employment Agency License.
- An employer fee paid agency, where you place only commercial, clerical, executive, administrative, and professional applicants, and never charge the applicant a fee of any kind.
Employment Agency Managers
Employment Agencies must have an Employment Agency Manager who is responsible for directing and operating the placement activities of the employment agency. This person can be the owner. The person (either the owner or another individual) who will act as the agency's manager must complete and certify Part II of either the Employment Agency or Theatrical Employment Agency Self-Certification.
The Self-Certification is available online in the DCWP Business Toolbox and in the Employment Agency license application packet.
Go to the DCWP Business Toolbox.
Fee
The fee for the full two-year license term is based on the number of placement employees:
- 1 to 4 employees: $500
- More than 5 employees: $700
Expiration Date
The license expires May 1 in even-numbered years.
