D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 16, r. 16-1100
No person or corporation shall offer for sale, sell, or cause to be offered for sale or sold, any real or personal property at public action in the District of Columbia, unless that sale is cried by a duly licensed auctioneer.
A wholesale dealer in perishable goods used for food may, in order to avoid loss from deterioration or decay, sell those perishable goods owned by the dealer to the highest bidders without procuring an auctioneers' license and without employing licensed auctioneers, but no dealer shall resort to such sales more often than three (3) times a week.
In addition to the permit required under § 2 of the Act of Congress approved Sept. 8, 1916 (D.C. Official Code § 47-2701 (2001 Ed.)), no personal property shall be offered or exposed for sale or sold at auction by any person in any street, avenue, alley or other public place unless by special permit from the Chief of Police.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 16, r. 16-1100