District of Columbia Bitcoin ATM Regulations
The District of Columbia requires money transmitter licensing under D.C. Code § 26-1001 and has published bulletins on virtual currency transmission and Bitcoin ATM scams.
Licensing Requirements
The District’s banking licensing materials state that no person may engage in the business of money transmission in the District without a money transmitter license unless an exemption applies.
DISB has also published bulletins advising digital asset financial services companies that transmission of virtual currency in the District requires a money transmitter license.
The District has not enacted a separate stand-alone Bitcoin ATM statute with the same type of cap-and-fee structure used in some states, but it has issued BTM-specific warnings and bulletins.
Federal Requirements
Federal rules still matter even where a state has no Bitcoin ATM-specific statute.
- Register with FinCEN as a money services business when required by federal law.
- Maintain a written anti-money-laundering program, designate a compliance officer, and train kiosk support staff.
- Use customer identification, sanctions screening, and scam-escalation procedures sized to transaction risk.
- File Suspicious Activity Reports and Currency Transaction Reports when thresholds or facts require them.
Consumer Protection Resources
DISB / DC Office of the Attorney General is the main public contact for scam complaints and consumer questions in District of Columbia.
Consumers can start with DISB / DC Office of the Attorney General or call (202) 727-8000.
- DISB has published a dedicated warning page about virtual currency kiosks and scam tactics aimed at District residents.
- The District has also brought enforcement against a crypto ATM operator for exploiting District residents.
- Consumers should contact DISB or the DC Office of the Attorney General quickly if fraud is suspected.
Legislative Reference
Primary state framework: D.C. Code § 26-1001 and DISB virtual currency bulletins.
Primary regulator: District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking.
The District currently relies on D.C. Code § 26-1001 plus DISB bulletins and enforcement actions rather than a stand-alone Bitcoin ATM statute.
Official source: state licensing and guidance materials.