Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in District of Columbia

You will likely need a general business license everywhere that you conduct business.

Aside from that, there is no federal license or registration required for collection agencies. However, in some states debt collectors must register or apply for a state license. Licensing requirements vary from state to state. Many states also require collection agencies to be bonded. In some states, such as California, there may have been prior requirements for licensing of collectors, resulting in state regulations being retained on the books of the state even after the regulatory agency has been disbanded. These regulations may provide additional details and support for legal arguments of what is considered proper. To learn more about the licensing and bonding requirements for collection agencies operating in your state, link to your state's collection law through Attachment A, www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs27plus.htm. If your state is not listed, contact your state's attorney general through the National Association of Attorneys General web site, www.naag.org.

You may also contact your state's consumer protection office through the federal government's Consumer Action web site, www.consumeraction.gov/state.shtml.

Best of luck.******The above does not establish an attorney-client relationship and is intended for informational purposes only.******