General Contractor License Requirements in District of Columbia
| Licensing Authority | Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) |
| License Type | General Contractor/Construction Manager |
| Experience Required | 3 years of construction experience required. Must provide three copies of at least two sample contracts and receipts as part of application. |
| Exam Required | No |
| Bond Required | Yes — $5,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $655 |
| Est. Initial Total | $655 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Basic Business License | $70 |
| Clean Hands Certification | $0 |
Renewal: $655 every 2 years
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.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→Notes
- 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
- Clean Hands Self-Certification required (no outstanding debts to DC government)
- License valid for 2 years
Local requirements on top of your District of Columbia license
The DLCP general contractor license is the credential that lets you work anywhere in District of Columbia. On top of it, most District of Columbia cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) to operate, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit. These are in addition to your state license, not a replacement — always confirm the rules with the city or county where the job is.
You're licensed in District of Columbia as a general contractor — 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→
Register locally.
Most District of Columbia cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) on top of the state credential, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit — confirm with the city or county where the job is.
City rules we have on file: Washington DC.
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 general contractor 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→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 2 years at $655.
General Contractor licensing by city in District of Columbia
Other licenses in District of Columbia
- Electrician license in District of Columbia
Statewide license required · $162 in initial government fees · BIT/DLCP
- Plumber license in District of Columbia
Statewide license required · $162 in initial government fees · BIT/DLCP
- HVAC Technician license in District of Columbia
Statewide license required · $175 in initial government fees · BIT/DLCP
- Roofing Contractor license in District of Columbia
Statewide license required · $295 in initial government fees · DLCP
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in District of Columbia?
Yes, District of Columbia requires a statewide general contractor license through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.
How much does a general contractor license cost in District of Columbia?
The estimated initial cost is $655, including application, exam, and license fees. A $5,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a general contractor license in District of Columbia?
3 years of construction experience required. Must provide three copies of at least two sample contracts and receipts as part of application.
Do I need a bond for a general contractor license in District of Columbia?
Yes, a $5,000 surety bond is required. $5,000 surety bond for General Contractor/Construction Manager license. Bond must be maintained for the duration of the 2-year license period.
How long does it take to get a general contractor license in District of Columbia?
Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for general contractors in District of Columbia?
No, District of Columbia does not currently require continuing education for general contractor license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for general contractors in District of Columbia— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DLCP