Home Improvement Contractors (no examination):
a. A FEIN number or Social Security Number (SSN);
b. If business is located in DC, a certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Home
Occupation Permit (HOP);
c. A Certificate of Good Standing from the DCRA Corporations Division or a
Certificate of Registration from the Office of Tax and Revenue and a Trade Name
certificate from the DCRA Corporations Division;
d. A combined business registration from the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR);
e. Clean hands self-certification;
f. A resident agent appointment;
g. A designation of a Home Improvement Salesperson(s);
h. A Surety Bond requirement in the amount of $25,000;
1. A certificate of liability insurance policy in the amount of $50,000 to $100,000.
Property damage, $10,000 to $25,000;
J. 2 sets of Home Improvement sample contracts;
k. Police Criminal History Report, and
I. Other requirements must be met.
The application fee is $70, the Category license fee is $167 and the Endorsement fee is $25. There is also a 10% Technology fee of $26.20 for a total fee of $288.20. Licenses are valid for 2 years.
General Contractor (no examination):
a. A FEIN number or Social Security Number (SSN);
b. If business is located in DC, a certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Home
Occupation Permit (HOP);
c. A Certificate of Good Standing from the DCRA Corporations Division or a
Certificate of Registration from the Office of Tax and Revenue and a Trade Name
certificate from the DCRA Corporations Division;
d. A combined business registration from the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR);
e. Clean hands self-certification;
f. A resident agent appointment;
g. 3 copies of at least 2 sample of General Contractor sample contracts, invoices
and receipts;
h. Applicant applying for Class A license limits of at least $2,500,000 per
occurrence (umbrella) for bodily injury and property damage arising in any way
from the issuance of the license;
i. Applicant applying for a Class B license requires at least $1,500,000 per
occurrence (umbrella) for bodily injury and property damage arising in any way
from the issuance of the license;
J. Applicant applying for a Class C license requires at least $500,000 per
occurrence, $1,000,000 in the aggregate combined single limit for bodily injury
or property damage arising in any way from the issuance of the license;
k. Applicant applying for a Class G license requires at least $500,000 per
occurrence, $1,000,000 in the aggregate combined single limit for bodily injury
or property damage arising in any way from the issuance of the license;
I. Applicant applying for a Class H license requires at least $500,000 per
occurrence for bodily injury or property damage arising in any way from the
issuance of the license;
m. An investigation approval from the investigation unit;
n. Sub-constructions (i.e., plumbers, gasfitters, electricians, refrigeration and air
condition mechanic) are required to have a valid DC license; and
o. Other requirements must be met.
The application fee is $70, the Category license fee is $500 and the Endorsement fee is $25. There is also a 10% Technology fee of $59.50 for a total fee of $654.50. Licenses are valid for 2 years.
Master and Journeyman level licenses in Electrical, Plumbing, and Refrigeration and
Air Conditioning:
To qualify Applicants:
a. Must be at least 18 years old;
b. Submit a complete and notarized application;
c. Provide 2 passport-type photos and show proof of sponsorship and experience
by way of notarized employment verification letter, certification of completion,
and/or tax forms; and
d. Pass an examination with a minimum score of 70%.
Experience Requirements:
An apprentice license is granted without experience. 4
years experience is required to obtain a journeyman's license and cumulative of 8 years experience is required to obtain a master's license.
Extent of Financial Screening (Financial Statements, Credit Checks, Etc.):
Through self-screening questions, applicants are asked to certify that they are in compliance with the "Clean Hands Before Receiving a License of Permit Act of 1996" (DC Law 11-118, DC Code 47-2861 et seq.) and that they do not owe any outstanding debt to the District government as a result of any past due child support payments as stipulated in the "Child Support and Welfare Reform Compliance Amendment Act of 2000" (DC Law 13-269, DC Code 46-225.17).
Bonding Requirements:
To ensure businesses and consumers are protected, the
Occupational and Professional Licensing Administration requires its contractors and
their designated masters to be bonded. The following is the fee structure:
Trade / Contractor / Designated Master
Electrical / $4,000 / $2,000
Electrical (Low Voltage) / $2,000 / $l000
Elevator / $4,000 / N/A
Plumbing & Gas Fitting / $5,000 / $5,000
Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning / $5,000 / $5,000
Bond expiration dates must coincide with license expiration dates.
ASBESTOS
License Type / Worker / Supervisor
Asbestos / $175 / $175
ELECTRICAL, ELEVATOR, PLUMBING & GAS FITTING AND REFRIGERATION &
AIR-CONDITIONING
License Type / Apprentice / Journeyman / Master / Contractor
Electrical / $175 / $150-260 / $150-270 / $185
Plumbing & Gas-Fitting / $175 / $150-260 / $150-270 / $185
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning / $175 / $150-260 / $150-270 / $185
*Re-exam $150; Waiver (No exam required) - $175; Exam $270
**Re-exam $150; Exam $260
ELEVATOR
License Type / Mechanic / Inspector / Contractor / Temporary
Elevator / $150-410 / $325 / $325 / $325
***Re-e xam $150; Waiver $325; Exam $410
STEAM & OPERATING ENGINEERS
License Type / Apprentice / Engineer
Steam & Operating / $175 / $150-$260
**Re-exam $150; Exam $260
Licenses are val id for up to 2 years.
RECIPROCAL AGREEMENTS
The District of Columbia Board of Industrial Trades does not currently practice
reciprocity with any other jurisdictions.