The league was formed in 1957 under the name Dorset Football Combination League when a number of senior clubs within the county became disillusioned at being dictated to by junior and minor clubs.

The objective of the league on its formation was to increase the standard of football and competition throughout Dorset and neighbouring counties, an ideal that still holds today.

Clubs promoting from the DPL usually join the 2nd level of the Wessex League.

However, the conclusion of the 2005–06 season saw Sherborne Town move to the Western League Division One.

Bridport, who maintain a reserve team in the DPL, also play in the Western League.