Contractor Licensing in District of Columbia: Which Trades Need a License
Yes, District of Columbia requires a statewide license for 5 of 5 contractor trades, issued by 2 separate agencies. Initial costs run $162 to $655.
The District of Columbia requires contractor licensing through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP, formerly DCRA). DC offers two main contractor licenses: General Contractor/Construction Manager and Home Improvement Contractor. Trade professionals (electricians, plumbers, HVAC) are licensed through the Board of Industrial Trades under DLCP. A license is required for any project over $1,000. Operating without a license carries a minimum $2,000 fine.
General Contractor
RequiredOversees and manages construction projects, coordinating subcontractors, materials, and timelines for residential and commercial builds.
View full requirements →Electrician
RequiredInstalls, maintains, and repairs electrical wiring, systems, and fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
View full requirements →Plumber
RequiredInstalls and repairs water supply lines, drainage systems, fixtures, and appliances in buildings and other structures.
View full requirements →HVAC Technician
RequiredInstalls, services, and repairs heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
View full requirements →Roofing Contractor
RequiredInstalls, repairs, and replaces roofing systems on residential and commercial structures.
View full requirements →District of Columbia Licensing Overview
District of Columbia requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor — are regulated by 2 separate agencies: Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Board of Industrial Trades, Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (BIT/DLCP). Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $162 to $655, including application fees, exams, license issuance, fingerprinting, and any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
District of Columbia Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $655 | — | — | $5,000 | $655 |
| Electrician | $52 | — | $110 | $5,000 | $162 |
| Plumber | $52 | — | $110 | $5,000 | $162 |
| HVAC Technician | $65 | — | $110 | $5,000 | $175 |
| Roofing Contractor | $288 | — | — | $25,000 | $295 |
Estimated totals include application, exam, license, and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Set up the business before you apply in District of Columbia
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in District of Columbia. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
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Form an LLC with Northwest→Key Facts About District of Columbia Contractor Licensing
- License required for any project over $1,000
- Operating without a license: Class 1 infraction, minimum $2,000 fine
- Must have DC corporate registration through DLCP
You're licensed in District of Columbia — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
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Form the business and get an EIN.
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection issues the General Contractor/Construction Manager; the business that invoices District of Columbia customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Post the bond.
District of Columbia requires a $5,000 surety bond. $5,000 surety bond for General Contractor/Construction Manager license. Bond must be maintained for the duration of the 2-year license period. How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the license requires.
District of Columbia requires general liability insurance for this license. Certificate of Liability Insurance required. Coverage amounts vary by license class. Must also have Certificate of Occupancy/Home Occupation Permit if applicable. Workers' compensation is required once you hire employees. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck home-service businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Cities in District of Columbia
Frequently Asked Questions
Does District of Columbia require a contractor license?
Yes, District of Columbia requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 trades: general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor.
How much does a contractor license cost in District of Columbia?
Initial licensing costs range from $162 to $655 depending on the trade, including application, exam, license and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
Does District of Columbia have license reciprocity with other states?
District of Columbia does not currently have reciprocity agreements with other states. Contractors from other states must apply and meet the full requirements.
Official District of Columbia Licensing Resources
- Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) — for general contractor, roofing contractor
- Board of Industrial Trades, Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (BIT/DLCP) — for electrician, plumber, hvac technician