50-State Construction Licensing Compliance Guide
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Guide Contents
Overview

Washington D.C. Construction Licensing

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Licenses are typically required for individuals and businesses that provide construction industry services. This guide contains information about construction industry licensing in Washington D.C..

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Company Licenses

Washington D.C. Construction and Contracting Company Licenses

District of Columbia Basic Business License - Asbestos Abatement Business

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Business and Professional Licensing Administration - Business Licensing Division

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$962.50

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$962.50

Due:
  • Biennially by the end of the month prior to the registration anniversary month.
  • Renewals can be filed as early as 75 days prior to the expiration date.

District of Columbia Basic Business License - General Contractor/Construction Manager

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Business and Professional Licensing Administration - Business Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Yes
Insurance Requirements:

For Class A licenses: $2,500,000 in general liability insurance coverage, Class B licenses: $1,500,000, Class C or G licenses: $500,000 per occurance and $1,000,000 in aggregate, Class H licenses: $500,000 in general liability insurance coverage.

Bond Requirements:

There is no bond requirement for this license.

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Yes

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$654.50

Original Ink:Not required
Notarization Required?:Not required
How to Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  1. Register your business entity with the District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.
  2. Register with the DC Office of Tax and Revenue.
  3. Register with the Office of the Zoning Administrator.
  4. Apply for a license using the Basic Business License Online Application

 

Foreign Applicants:

  1. Foreign qualify your business entity with the District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.
  2. Register with the DC Office of Tax and Revenue.
  3. Register with the Office of the Zoning Administrator. (only if operating an office location in the District)
  4. Apply for a license using the Basic Business License Online Application
Required Attachments:

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$654.50

Due:
  • Biennially by the end of the month prior to the registration anniversary month.
  • Renewals can be filed as early as 75 days prior to the expiration date.
Required Attachments:
  • Certificate of Liability Insurance 
  • Certificate Holder is:  Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
  • Police Criminal History Report
  • Police Criminal History Report (Form PD-70)
  • All applicants for a Basic Business License for the Home Improvement Contractor category must provide a certified copy of his/her Police Criminal History Report from the jurisdiction of residence. A resident of the District of Columbia may obtain a Police Criminal History Report (PD-70) from the DC Metropolitan Police Department, Police Criminal History Report Division, 300 Indiana Avenue, NW, Room 3055, Washington, DC 20001. Call (202) 727-4245 for details. A non-resident shall obtain this report from the jurisdiction in which he/she resides. All partners in a partnership and the president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer of a corporation must provide a Police Criminal History Report. The report must be no older than 30 days from the
    time of application. Please provide court documentation/dispositions regarding any criminal convictions(s) to avoid delay in the review of your application.
  • Designation Letter
  • Surety Bond - Home Improvement Surety Bond
    • All applicants for a Basic Business License for the Home Improvement Contractor category must post a Surety Bond in the amount of twenty-five thousand ($25,000) for the duration of the two-year license period. The Surety Bond may be issued by an authorized insurance carrier, or the applicant may post a cash bond with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
  • Three (3) Contract Samples
  • All applicants for a Basic Business License for the Home Improvement Contractor category must submit two (2) pre-printed Contracts in at least triplicate, on the form which shall comply with existing regulations pursuant to Code and DC Municipal Regulations.

District of Columbia Basic Business License - Home Improvement Contractor

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Business and Professional Licensing Administration - Business Licensing Division

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$288.20

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$288.20

Due:
  • Biennially by the end of the month prior to the registration anniversary month.
  • Renewals can be filed as early as 75 days prior to the expiration date.

District of Columbia Electrical Contractor License

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Board of Industrial Trades

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99 license fee due after application is approved

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Due:

By November 30 of odd-numbered years.

District of Columbia Gasfitter Contractor License

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Board of Industrial Trades

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99 license fee due after application is approved

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Due:

By March 31 of even-numbered years.

District of Columbia Plumbing Contractor License

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Board of Industrial Trades

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99 license fee due after application is approved

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Due:

By March 31 of even-numbered years.

District of Columbia Plumbing/Gasfitter Contractor License

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Board of Industrial Trades

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99 license fee due after application is approved

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Due:

By March 31 of even-numbered years.

District of Columbia Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor License

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Board of Industrial Trades

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99 license fee due after application is approved

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Due:

By September 30 of even-numbered years.

Individual Licenses

Washington D.C. Individual Construction and Contracting Licenses

District of Columbia Apprentice Electrician License

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Board of Industrial Trades

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99 license fee due after application is approved

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Due:

By November 30 of odd-numbered years.

District of Columbia Apprentice Gasfitter License

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Board of Industrial Trades

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99 license fee due after application is approved

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Due:

By March 30 of even-numbered years.

District of Columbia Apprentice Plumber License

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Board of Industrial Trades

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99 license fee due after application is approved

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Due:

By March 30 of even-numbered years.

District of Columbia Apprentice Plumber/Gasfitter License

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Board of Industrial Trades

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99 license fee due after application is approved

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Due:

By March 30 of even-numbered years.

District of Columbia Apprentice Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic License

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Board of Industrial Trades

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99 license fee due after application is approved

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Due:

By March 30 of even-numbered years.

District of Columbia Asbestos Supervisor License

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Board of Industrial Trades

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99 license fee due after application is approved

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Due:

By July 31 of odd-numbered years.

District of Columbia Asbestos Worker License

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Board of Industrial Trades

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99 license fee due after application is approved

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Due:

By July 31 of odd-numbered years.

District of Columbia Journeyman Electrician License

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Board of Industrial Trades

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99 license fee due after application is approved

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Due:

By November 30 of odd-numbered years.

District of Columbia Journeyman Gasfitter License

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Board of Industrial Trades

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99 license fee due after application is approved

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Due:

By March 30 of even-numbered years.

District of Columbia Journeyman Plumber License

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Board of Industrial Trades

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99 license fee due after application is approved

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Due:

By March 30 of even-numbered years.

District of Columbia Journeyman Plumber/Gasfitter License

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Board of Industrial Trades

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99 license fee due after application is approved

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Due:

By March 30 of even-numbered years.

District of Columbia Journeyman Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic License

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Board of Industrial Trades

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99 license fee due after application is approved

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Due:

By March 30 of even-numbered years.

District of Columbia Lead Risk Assessor License

Agency:Government of District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment - Lead Safe and Healthy Housing Division - Lead Compliance Branch
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No
Qualifying Individual Requirements:
  • Successfully complete an initial EPA-accredited, DOEE-accredited, or accredited by an EPA-approved state leadbased paint inspector and risk assessor training course;
  • Successfully complete any required refresher training course(s) for risk assessors;
  • Document completion of the courses by submitting certificates to DOEE;
  • Provide documentation of one (1) of the following:
    • A bachelor's degree and one (1) year of experience in a related field, such as lead, asbestos, or other environmental hazard identification or remediation work, or in construction;
    • An associate degree and two (2) years of experience in a related field, such as lead, asbestos, or other environmental hazard identification or remediation work, or in construction;
    • A high school diploma or its equivalent, and at least three (3) years of experience in a related field, such as lead, asbestos, or other environmental hazard identification or remediation work, or in construction; 
    • Certification as an industrial hygienist, professional engineer, or registered architect, or as another environmental or construction-related professional;
  • Demonstrate the applicant’s skills are directly transferable to the job activities a risk assessor is typically engaged in, and unless provided with a DOEE waiver** for this requirement, provide a list of ten (10) different addresses where the applicant has conducted work while certified as a lead-based paint inspector, which shall include the following information:
    • Address of each property, including unit number if applicable;
    • Type of activity conducted at each property, such as an XRF survey, paint chip sampling, dust sampling, or soil sampling;
    • Date each activity took place; and 
    • Signature of supervisor or other name of senior management who confirms that each activity provided took place as described by the applicant;
  • Pass the third-party certification exam offered by DOEE, if a passing test score is not provided from an EPAaccredited, DOEE-accredited, or accredited by an EPA approved state;
  • Pass the DOEE-administered exam, that tests the applicant’s knowledge of the District’s relevant legal requirements pertaining to the relevant discipline

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$350 + An additional fee of $100 for applicants if non-DOEE accredited training provider certificate is submitted with this application.

Before you Apply:
  • Successfully complete an initial EPA-accredited, DOEE-accredited, or accredited by an EPA-approved state leadbased paint inspector and risk assessor training course;
  • Successfully complete any required refresher training course(s) for risk assessors;
  • Document completion of the courses by submitting certificates to DOEE;
    Provide documentation of one (1) of the following:
    • A bachelor's degree and one (1) year of experience in a related field, such as lead, asbestos, or other environmental hazard identification or remediation work, or in construction;
    • An associate degree and two (2) years of experience in a related field, such as lead, asbestos, or other environmental hazard identification or remediation work, or in construction;
    • A high school diploma or its equivalent, and at least three (3) years of experience in a related field, such as lead, asbestos, or other environmental hazard identification or remediation work, or in construction;
    • Certification as an industrial hygienist, professional engineer, or registered architect, or as another environmental or construction-related professional;
  •  Demonstrate the applicant’s skills are directly transferable to the job activities a risk assessor is typically engaged in, and unless provided with a DOEE waiver** for this requirement, provide a list of ten (10) different addresses where the applicant has conducted work while certified as a lead-based paint inspector, which shall include the following information:
    • Address of each property, including unit number if applicable;
      Type of activity conducted at each property, such as an XRF survey, paint chip sampling, dust sampling, or soil sampling;
    • Date each activity took place; and
    • Signature of supervisor or other name of senior management who confirms that each activity provided took place as described by the applicant;
  • Pass the third-party certification exam offered by DOEE, if a passing test score is not provided from an EPAaccredited, DOEE-accredited, or accredited by an EPA approved state;
  • Pass the DOEE-administered exam, that tests the applicant’s knowledge of the District’s relevant legal requirements pertaining to the relevant discipline
  • Pay DOEE the appropriate certification fee required under 20 DCMR § 3322 ($350 if course is from DOEEaccredited training provider / $450 if course is not from DOEE-accredited training provider).
Required Attachments:
  • Valid training certificate
  • Credit card to pay the applicable certification fee
  • Certificate of Clean Hands from http//mytax.dc.gov/_/ for the applicant
  • Proof of experience (risk assessor, supervisor)
  • Proof of education (risk assessor)
  • DC law and third-party exam scores (inspector, risk assessor, supervisor, dust sampling technician)
  • Passport style photo
  • Photo identification

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online 

Agency Fee:

$350 + An additional fee of $100 for applicants if non-DOEE accredited training provider certificate is submitted with this application.

Due:
  • Biennially by date of issuance. 
  • An individual seeking certification renewal shall submit the application materials and shall pay the appropriate certification renewal fee to DOEE, in accordance with § 3322, at least five (5) business days before their certification expires. Payment of such fee shall be waived if the applicant is an employee of a District agency.
Before you Apply:
  • Successfully complete any required refresher training course(s) for risk assessors;
  • Document completion of the courses by submitting certificates to DOEE;
  • Pay DOEE the appropriate certification fee required under 20 DCMR § 3322 ($350 if course is from DOEEaccredited training provider / $450 if course is not from DOEE-accredited training provider).
Required Attachments:
  • Valid training certificate
  • Credit card to pay the applicable certification fee
  • Certificate of Clean Hands from https://mytax.dc.gov/_/ for the applicant

District of Columbia Master Electrician License

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Board of Industrial Trades

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99 license fee due after application is approved

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Due:

By November 30 of odd-numbered years.

District of Columbia Master Gasfitter License

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Board of Industrial Trades

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99 license fee due after application is approved

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Due:

By March 30 of even-numbered years.

District of Columbia Master Plumber License

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Board of Industrial Trades

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99 license fee due after application is approved

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Due:

By March 30 of even-numbered years.

District of Columbia Master Plumber/Gasfitter License

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Board of Industrial Trades

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99 license fee due after application is approved

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Due:

By March 30 of even-numbered years.

District of Columbia Master Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic License

Agency:District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Board of Industrial Trades

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99 license fee due after application is approved

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$99

Due:

By March 30 of even-numbered years.

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