District of Columbia lending rules
District of Columbia has 1 Census places covered on Loansloth, with a combined estimated population of 678,972. Personal-loan terms in District of Columbia are set by licensed lenders under state law; the sourced rules below apply to every borrower in the state.
Key rules for borrowers in District of Columbia
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 24% per annum (exemptions apply, including certain loans over $2,500 and mortgage-secured loans) Source says: "may contract therein for the payment of interest on the principal amount thereof at a rate not exceeding 24% per annum". |
Council of the District of Columbia — D.C. Code § 28-3301 as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Not permitted — check cashers may not advance money on post-dated checks; the 24% usury ceiling applies to loans Source says: "No licensee shall at any time cash or advance any monies on a post dated check". |
Council of the District of Columbia — D.C. Code § 26-319 as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Money lender license required to lend at more than 6% per annum; $500 annual license tax; issued as a financial services endorsement Source says: "loaning money upon which a rate of interest greater than 6% per annum is charged on any security of any kind"; "without procuring license". |
Council of the District of Columbia — D.C. Code § 26-901 as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) Source says: "DISB regulates the following financial services entities"; including "check cashers, money transmitters, consumer sales finance companies, money lenders". |
District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking as of 2026-09-16 |
Cities in District of Columbia
We cover 1 Census places in District of Columbia.
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Frequently asked questions
What interest rate can a lender charge in District of Columbia?
It depends on the product and the statute that governs it. The sourced table on this page lists District of Columbia's usury cap and the licensing rules, each with its publisher and a link to the primary source.
Are payday loans legal in District of Columbia?
Payday lending is regulated state by state; some states permit it, some cap it, and some prohibit it outright. See the sourced figure on this page for the current position.
Do I need a license to lend money in District of Columbia?
Most consumer lenders must be licensed by the state regulator named on this page. You can verify a lender's license with that regulator before you sign anything.