At a Glance: District of Columbia Contractor License
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing Board | DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) |
| License Types |
|
| License Threshold | All work requires license or permit |
| Application Fee | $100–$500 |
| Exam Required | Yes |
| Exam Provider | PSI Exams |
| Exam Cost | $85–$130 |
| Experience Required | 3 years minimum |
| Insurance Required | General Liability ($300,000+); Workers' Comp required |
| License Renewal | Annual; $100–$400 |
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your District of Columbia Contractor License
- Document 3 years experience
- Pass DC-specific exam via PSI
- Obtain insurance and workers' comp
- Apply through DCRA
- Background check required
- License issued in 30–60 days
Exam Requirements
Provider: PSI Exams
Cost: $85–$130
Topics covered: DC Business & Law, Trade Knowledge
Most state contractor exams test two main areas: Business & Law (contracts, lien law, workers' comp, licensing regulations) and Trade Knowledge (construction practices, building codes, safety). Prepare for both sections — even experienced contractors struggle with the Business & Law portion without dedicated study.
Study Resources
- PSI Candidate Handbook (available on PSI website — free, covers exactly what's on the exam)
- ICC Study Guides for code-based exams
- Contractor's Business & Law Study Guide by Craftsman Book Company
- Online prep courses from Contractor Exam Prep and similar providers
Insurance & Bonding Requirements
General Liability ($300,000+); Workers' Comp required
Beyond what District of Columbia requires, consider these coverage types for complete protection:
- General Liability: Protects against third-party bodily injury and property damage claims
- Workers' Compensation: Required if you have employees; protects against job-site injury claims
- Commercial Auto: Your personal auto policy won't cover your work truck
- Inland Marine (Tools & Equipment): Covers tool theft from job site or vehicle
Reciprocity
District of Columbia has the following reciprocity agreements with other states:
- Maryland (limited)
- Virginia (limited)
Important: Reciprocity agreements change over time. Always contact the District of Columbia licensing board directly to confirm current reciprocity status before assuming your out-of-state license qualifies for expedited licensure.
Important Notes for District of Columbia
DC has strict licensing and code enforcement. The DCRA actively investigates unlicensed contractors. Home improvement work requires separate registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do I need a contractor license in District of Columbia?Yes. In District of Columbia, contractors are required to be licensed for projects valued at All work requires license or permit. The licensing is managed by the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). Operating without a license can result in fines and inability to enforce contracts.
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How much does a District of Columbia contractor license cost?The application fee for a District of Columbia contractor license is $100–$500. An exam fee of $85–$130 is also required for the PSI Exams exam. Renewal is Annual; $100–$400.
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Is an exam required for a District of Columbia contractor license?Yes. District of Columbia requires passing the PSI Exams exam (cost: $85–$130) covering DC Business & Law and Trade Knowledge. Passing the exam is a prerequisite before applying for your license.
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What insurance is required for a District of Columbia contractor license?District of Columbia requires the following insurance for contractor licensing: General Liability ($300,000+); Workers' Comp required. This is the minimum required — most contractors carry higher limits for additional protection on job sites.
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How long does it take to get a contractor license in District of Columbia?Getting a District of Columbia contractor license typically involves 6 steps: obtaining required experience (3 years minimum), passing the exam, securing insurance, and submitting the application to the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). Processing times vary but most applications are decided within 4–8 weeks after submission.
Official Resources
- DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) — Official Website
- PSI Exams — Schedule Your Contractor Exam
- Contractor Insurance Guide
- Contractor Bonding Guide
- How to Start a Construction Business
Always verify requirements directly with the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). Requirements, fees, and exam procedures change frequently — this guide is updated periodically but may not reflect the most recent changes.