State reference · DC
District of Columbia lending rules
District of Columbia has 1 Census places covered on Paydayloaning, with a combined estimated population of 678,972. Payday and small-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.
Advertising disclosure: Paydayloaning may receive a referral fee if you apply through the link above. That fee does not change the rate you are offered, and it does not change our content. We are not a lender. The lowest rates are only available to the most qualified applicants. Read the full disclosure.
The verdict
Not permitted
Source: Council of the District of Columbia — D.C. Code § 26-319 · as of 2026-09-16
- Maximum rate
- 24% per annum (exemptions apply, including certain loans over $2,500 and mortgage-secured loans)
- Council of the District of Columbia — D.C. Code § 28-3301
- Licensing
- Money lender license required to lend at more than 6% per annum
- Council of the District of Columbia — D.C. Code § 26-901
- Regulator
- District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB)
- District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking
Rules are quoted from the cited sources. How payday lending is regulated.
Key rules for borrowers in District of Columbia
Quoted from the statute, regulator or agency named in each row.
| 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
All District of Columbia citiesWe cover 1 Census place in District of Columbia.
Advertising disclosure: Paydayloaning may receive a referral fee if you apply through the link above. That fee does not change the rate you are offered, and it does not change our content. We are not a lender. The lowest rates are only available to the most qualified applicants. Read the full disclosure.