> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cslid.nascla.memorang.app/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# District of Columbia

> Contractor licensing thresholds, regulator routing, requirements, reciprocity, and license types for the District of Columbia's two-department construction regulation model.

The District of Columbia splits construction regulation between two departments. The Department of Buildings handles permits, inspections, and code compliance. The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) handles all business and trade licensing, with the Board of Industrial Trades administering exams for electrical, plumbing, elevator, HVAC, asbestos, and steam engineers.

<Warning>
  Always verify statutes, fees, and application details with the live regulator before making bidding, licensing, or legal decisions.
</Warning>

## At a glance

The fastest way to orient yourself in DC is to know that contractor licenses (home improvement and general) do not require exams, but all trade licenses do.

| Signal                                 | Value                                   |
| -------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| Home improvement contractor bond       | **\$25,000**                            |
| Home improvement total initial fee     | **\$288.20**                            |
| General contractor total initial fee   | **\$654.50**                            |
| General contractor insurance (Class A) | **\$2,500,000** per occurrence          |
| Trade exam passing score               | 70%                                     |
| Journeyman experience                  | 4 years                                 |
| Master experience                      | 8 years cumulative                      |
| License duration                       | 2-year terms (all categories)           |
| Reciprocity model                      | Electrical only (Maryland and Virginia) |

## Frequently asked questions

Pick the tab that matches your situation. Each FAQ gives a direct answer and points you to the full detail below.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Contractors" icon="hard-hat">
    <AccordionGroup>
      <Accordion title="What license do I need to perform home improvement work in DC?">
        You need a Home Improvement Contractor license from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). No exam is required, but you must post a **\$25,000** surety bond, carry liability insurance of **\$50,000**--**\$100,000**, and property damage insurance of **\$10,000**--**\$25,000**. The total initial fee is **\$288.20**. See [Home Improvement Contractors](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Do I need a separate trade license for electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work?">
        Yes. Trade licenses (electrical, plumbing, refrigeration and AC, elevator, steam, asbestos) are administered by the Board of Industrial Trades under DLCP and require exams with a 70% passing score. Your general contractor or home improvement license does not cover trade-specific work. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Where do I go to get licensed in DC?">
        All licensing goes through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) at 1100 4th Street SW. For trade licenses, the Board of Industrial Trades under DLCP administers the exams and issues the credentials. Permits and inspections are handled separately by the Department of Buildings. See [Who regulates construction](#who-regulates-construction).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How much does it cost to get a general contractor license?">
        The total initial fee for a general contractor license is **\$654.50**, which includes a **\$70** application fee, **\$500** category license fee, **\$25** endorsement fee, and **\$59.50** technology fee (10%). No exam is required. Insurance requirements vary by class, from **\$500,000** (Class C, G, H) to **\$2,500,000** (Class A). See [General Contractors](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What are the bonding and insurance requirements for contractors in DC?">
        Home improvement contractors need a **\$25,000** surety bond plus liability and property damage insurance. General contractors need insurance scaled by class: **\$2,500,000** (Class A), **\$1,500,000** (Class B), **\$500,000** (Class C, G, H). Electrical contractors need a **\$4,000** bond (standard) or **\$2,000** (low voltage). Plumbing and refrigeration contractors need **\$5,000** bonds. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Can I use my out-of-state license in DC?">
        Only if you hold an electrical license from Maryland or Virginia. DC reciprocity is limited to electrical licenses through the Board of Industrial Trades. No other trade or license category has reciprocity. All other applicants must go through the standard examination path. See [Reciprocal agreements](#reciprocal-agreements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Do sub-trades working under a general contractor need their own DC license?">
        Yes. Sub-trades such as plumbers, gas fitters, electricians, and HVAC mechanics working under a general contractor must hold their own valid DC trade license. The general contractor license does not cover trade-specific work performed by subcontractors. See [General Contractors](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What experience is required for journeyman and master trade licenses?">
        Apprentice licenses require no experience. Journeyman licenses require 4 years of experience. Master licenses require 8 years cumulative experience. All trade exams require a minimum passing score of 70%. Journeyman applicants may also apply via Waiver of the Examination in some cases. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What if my project involves both general contracting and electrical work?">
        You need both a general contractor license (no exam, documentation-based) and an electrical contractor license (exam required, bonds required). The electrical contractor needs a **\$4,000** bond and the designated master needs a **\$2,000** bond. Sub-trades must hold their own licenses. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Does DC require a license for residential remodeling or renovation work?">
        Yes. Residential remodeling falls under the Home Improvement Contractor license. You need a **\$25,000** surety bond, insurance, a police criminal history report, sample contracts, and designated home improvement salespersons. The total initial fee is **\$288.20**. See [Home Improvement Contractors](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How long are DC licenses valid, and when do they renew?">
        All DC licenses are issued on 2-year terms, but renewal dates are staggered by trade. Electrical licenses expire November 30 of odd years. Plumbing expires March 31 of even years. Refrigeration and steam expire September 30 of even years. Asbestos expires July 31 of odd years. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>
    </AccordionGroup>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Regulators" icon="shield-check">
    <AccordionGroup>
      <Accordion title="How does DC's licensing model compare to single-board states?">
        DC uses a two-department model: the Department of Buildings handles permits, inspections, and code compliance, while DLCP handles all licensing. Within DLCP, the Board of Industrial Trades administers trade-specific exams and licenses. This is simpler than multi-board states like Alabama (8 boards) but more structured than single-board territories. See [Who regulates construction](#who-regulates-construction).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does DC's licensing threshold structure compare to other jurisdictions?">
        DC does not use a dollar threshold to trigger licensing. Instead, licensing is triggered by the type of work performed. Home improvement and general contracting are licensed by category, not contract value. This contrasts with states like Alabama (**\$100,000** commercial threshold) or California (**\$500** threshold). See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What types of construction work are regulated at the department vs. board level in DC?">
        The Department of Buildings handles permits, inspections, code enforcement, and zoning. DLCP handles home improvement and general contractor licenses (no exam, documentation-based). The Board of Industrial Trades under DLCP handles all exam-based trade licenses: electrical, plumbing, elevator, refrigeration and AC, asbestos, and steam. See [Who regulates construction](#who-regulates-construction).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What is the difference between home improvement and general contractor licensing in DC?">
        Home improvement contractors handle residential property work with a **\$25,000** bond and **\$288.20** total initial fee. General contractors handle commercial and residential work with insurance scaled by class (up to **\$2,500,000** for Class A) and a **\$654.50** total initial fee. Neither requires an exam. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What are the fees across trades in DC?">
        Application fees are **\$70** for contractor licenses and **\$65** for trade licenses. Home improvement total initial cost is **\$288.20**; general contractor is **\$654.50**. Trade license fees are **\$110** for most levels and **\$120** for contractor levels. Renewal fees range from **\$110** to **\$180**. See [Requirements](#requirements) for complete fee tables.
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What license classifications does DC use?">
        DC classifies general contractors into Classes A, B, C, G, and H with insurance requirements scaled by class. Trade licenses use a tiered structure: Apprentice, Journeyman, Master, and Contractor for electrical, plumbing, and refrigeration. Elevator has Contractor, Mechanic, and Inspector tiers. See [Types of licenses](#types-of-licenses).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does reciprocity work in DC?">
        DC has extremely limited reciprocity. Only electrical licenses are recognized: Maryland for master electrical, and Virginia for master and journeymen electrical. No other trade (plumbing, elevator, HVAC, asbestos, steam) or contractor category has any reciprocity arrangement. See [Reciprocal agreements](#reciprocal-agreements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What exam requirements exist across DC's licensing categories?">
        Home improvement and general contractor licenses require no exams. All trade licenses (electrical, plumbing, refrigeration and AC) require exams with a 70% minimum passing score. Experience requirements are tiered: Apprentice (none), Journeyman (4 years), Master (8 years cumulative). Journeyman applicants may apply via Waiver of the Examination. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What are the renewal cycles across DC's license categories?">
        All DC licenses are 2-year terms, but renewal dates vary: electrical expires November 30 of odd years, plumbing expires March 31 of even years, elevator expires November 30 of odd years, refrigeration and steam expire September 30 of even years, and asbestos expires July 31 of odd years. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does DC compare to neighboring jurisdictions?">
        DC has reciprocity ties only with Maryland (master electrical) and Virginia (master and journeymen electrical). Both Maryland and Virginia have broader licensing structures. DC's no-exam contractor licenses and documentation-based approach distinguish it from Virginia's qualification-based system. See the [Territories and DC region guide](/docs/jurisdictions/regions/territories-dc).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How complex is DC's regulatory environment for cross-jurisdiction analysis?">
        DC is moderately structured: two departments, one sub-board, and clear separation between no-exam contractor licenses and exam-based trade licenses. The staggered renewal dates by trade add complexity for multi-trade operations. Limited reciprocity (electrical only) means most out-of-jurisdiction credentials do not transfer. See [Who regulates construction](#who-regulates-construction).
      </Accordion>
    </AccordionGroup>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Start with your goal

Pick the card that matches what you need right now. Each one links to the relevant section on this page.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Is licensure triggered?" icon="search" href="#construction-work-regulated">
    Start with work type to determine which license category and department applies.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Find the right regulator" icon="building" href="#who-regulates-construction">
    Use the regulator directory to route your question to the correct DC department.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Application and renewal details" icon="clipboard-list" href="#requirements">
    Exams, fees, bonds, continuing education, and renewal cycles for each trade.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Reciprocity direction" icon="arrow-left-right" href="#reciprocal-agreements">
    Find out which boards recognize out-of-state credentials.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Special considerations

Different roles need different things from a DC page. Use the tab that matches your situation to see what matters most before you read the full detail below.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Contractors" icon="hard-hat">
    <Tip>
      Start with the type of work. Home improvement and general contractor licenses have no exam — the gates are bonds, insurance, and documentation. Trade licenses require exams.
    </Tip>

    * Home improvement contractors need a **\$25,000** surety bond, liability insurance of **\$50,000**--**\$100,000**, and property damage insurance of **\$10,000**--**\$25,000**. No exam required.
    * General contractors need insurance scaled by class: **\$2,500,000** (Class A), **\$1,500,000** (Class B), **\$500,000** (Class C, G, H). No exam required.
    * Trade licenses (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, elevator) require exams with a 70% passing score and 4--8 years of experience.
    * All DC licenses are valid for 2 years. Renewal dates are staggered by trade.
    * Sub-trades (plumbers, electricians, HVAC mechanics) working under a general contractor must hold their own valid DC license.
    * Separate the no-exam contractor licenses (home improvement, general) from the exam-required trade licenses when planning applications.
    * Insurance requirements vary significantly by general contractor class — do not assume a single number covers all classes.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Regulators" icon="shield-check">
    <Info>
      DC is best understood as a two-department system: the Department of Buildings for permits and code, DLCP for licensing.
    </Info>

    * The Department of Buildings handles permits, inspections, code compliance, zoning, and third-party inspections.
    * DLCP handles all business licensing, consumer protection, and occupational licensing.
    * Within DLCP, the Board of Industrial Trades administers trade-specific exams and licenses for electricians, plumbers, elevator mechanics, HVAC technicians, asbestos workers, and steam engineers.
    * Reciprocity exists only for electrical licenses (Maryland and Virginia).
    * Renewal dates are staggered by trade across different months and years — check the renewal schedule before generalizing.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Readiness checklist

Four things you need to confirm before you can treat DC as "ready" for a bid or an application. If any of these are unclear, you are not ready yet.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Classify the license type" icon="tag">
    Identify whether you need a home improvement license, general contractor license, or trade-specific license (electrical, plumbing, elevator, HVAC, asbestos, steam).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Apply the right gate test" icon="receipt">
    For home improvement: `$25,000` bond + insurance. For general contractor: insurance by class (`$500,000`–`$2,500,000`). For trades: exam + experience.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Route to the correct department" icon="building">
    Permits and inspections go to the Department of Buildings. All licensing goes to DLCP or the Board of Industrial Trades.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the requirement set" icon="clipboard-check">
    Confirm exams, experience, fees, bonds, insurance, renewal dates, and reciprocity rules for the exact license category before filing.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Check>
  If you can identify license type, compliance gate, department, and requirement set, you have the minimum package needed for a DC readiness check.
</Check>

## Navigation

Use these links to jump to related cross-state comparisons and workflows.

* [New state evaluation](/docs/workflows/new-state-evaluation) if you are screening the District of Columbia for the first time.
* [Multi-state bid readiness](/docs/workflows/multi-state-bid-readiness) if you need to compare DC with nearby jurisdictions.
* [Licensing thresholds](/docs/compare/licensing-thresholds) or [prequalification patterns](/docs/compare/prequalification) for cross-state context.

## Construction work regulated

DC licenses construction work by category, not by dollar threshold. The type of work determines the license, and the license determines the compliance gate.

| Work lane                       | What triggers regulation                                                                                 |
| ------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Home improvement                | Repair, remodeling, alteration, conversion, modernization, or additions to residential property          |
| General contracting             | Remodeling, repair, improvement, demolition, or additions to commercial and residential property         |
| Electrical                      | Installation, maintenance, alteration, conversion, repair, removal, and inspection of electrical systems |
| Plumbing and gas fitting        | Installation, maintenance, alteration, repair, and removal of plumbing and gas systems                   |
| Elevator                        | Installation, maintenance, repair, and inspection of elevators                                           |
| Refrigeration and AC            | Installation, maintenance, alteration, repair, and removal of HVAC systems                               |
| Asbestos                        | Asbestos abatement work                                                                                  |
| Steam and operating engineering | Operation and maintenance of steam and power systems                                                     |

<Note>
  An exam is required for all Master and Journeyman trade licenses, except Journeyman applicants who apply via Waiver of the Examination. Home improvement and general contractor licenses do not require exams.
</Note>

## Common determination scenarios

If you are trying to figure out where to start, expand the scenario that is closest to your situation.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Home improvement work" icon="house">
    Apply through DLCP. No exam required, but you need a **\$25,000** surety bond, liability insurance (**\$50,000**--**\$100,000**), property damage insurance (**\$10,000**--**\$25,000**), a police criminal history report, sample contracts, and a designation of home improvement salespersons. Total initial fee is **\$288.20**.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="General contracting" icon="building">
    Apply through DLCP. No exam required. Insurance requirements vary by class: Class A requires **\$2,500,000**, Class B requires **\$1,500,000**, Classes C, G, and H require **\$500,000**. You must provide sample contracts, invoices, receipts, and pass an investigation review. Total initial fee is **\$654.50**.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Electrical, plumbing, or HVAC trade work" icon="bolt">
    Route to the Board of Industrial Trades under DLCP. You must pass an exam with a 70% score. Apprentice licenses are granted without experience; journeyman requires 4 years; master requires 8 years cumulative. Both contractor and designated master must be bonded.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Out-of-state electrical credential" icon="arrow-left-right">
    DC has reciprocity only with Maryland (master electrical) and Virginia (master and journeymen electrical) through the Board of Industrial Trades. No other trade or license category has reciprocity.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Who regulates construction

DC divides construction regulation between 2 departments. Use this directory to find the office that owns the lane you need. Each entry includes address, phone, and website.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Permits, inspections, and code compliance — Department of Buildings" icon="building">
    1100 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024

    **Phone:** (202) 671-3500

    **Website:** [dob.dc.gov](http://dob.dc.gov/)

    Oversees building inspections, code enforcement, construction code compliance, green building, permitting, rental property maintenance standards, surveying, third-party inspections, vacant and blighted property enforcement, and zoning administration.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Business and trade licensing — Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection" icon="building">
    1100 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024

    **Website:** [dlcp.dc.gov](https://dlcp.dc.gov/)

    Oversees business licensing, consumer protection, corporate registration, enforcement, and occupational and professional licensing. Home improvement and general contractor licenses are issued by this department.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Trade licenses — Board of Industrial Trades (under DLCP)" icon="bolt">
    1100 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024

    **Phone (Electrical):** (877) 258-9215

    **Phone (Elevator, Plumbing):** (877) 540-5829

    **Phone (Refrigeration & AC):** (877) 540-5834

    **Website:** [dlcp.dc.gov](https://dlcp.dc.gov/)

    Licenses electricians, plumbers and gas fitters, elevator mechanics and inspectors, refrigeration and AC mechanics, asbestos workers and supervisors, and steam and operating engineers.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Requirements

DC licensing requirements vary by category. Contractor licenses (home improvement and general) are documentation-based with no exam. Trade licenses require exams and experience. Expand the category that applies to your situation.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Home Improvement Contractors" icon="house" defaultOpen={true}>
    | Requirement               | Detail                      |
    | ------------------------- | --------------------------- |
    | Exam                      | None required               |
    | Bond                      | **\$25,000** surety bond    |
    | Liability insurance       | **\$50,000**--**\$100,000** |
    | Property damage insurance | **\$10,000**--**\$25,000**  |
    | Application fee           | **\$70**                    |
    | Category license fee      | **\$167**                   |
    | Endorsement fee           | **\$25**                    |
    | Technology fee (10%)      | **\$26.20**                 |
    | Total initial fee         | **\$288.20**                |
    | Renewal cycle             | 2-year license              |

    Additional requirements: FEIN or SSN, Certificate of Occupancy or Home Occupation Permit (if DC-based), Certificate of Good Standing, combined business registration from OTR, clean hands self-certification, resident agent appointment, designated home improvement salesperson(s), sample contracts, and police criminal history report.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="General Contractors" icon="building">
    | Requirement          | Detail                                        |
    | -------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
    | Exam                 | None required                                 |
    | Application fee      | **\$70**                                      |
    | Category license fee | **\$500**                                     |
    | Endorsement fee      | **\$25**                                      |
    | Technology fee (10%) | **\$59.50**                                   |
    | Total initial fee    | **\$654.50**                                  |
    | Renewal cycle        | 2-year license                                |
    | Investigation        | Approval from the investigation unit required |

    | Class   | Minimum Insurance (per occurrence)                      |
    | ------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Class A | **\$2,500,000** (umbrella)                              |
    | Class B | **\$1,500,000** (umbrella)                              |
    | Class C | **\$500,000** per occurrence, **\$1,000,000** aggregate |
    | Class G | **\$500,000** per occurrence, **\$1,000,000** aggregate |
    | Class H | **\$500,000** per occurrence                            |

    Sub-trades (plumbers, gas fitters, electricians, HVAC mechanics) working under a general contractor must hold their own valid DC trade license.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Electrical" icon="bolt">
    | Requirement     | Detail                                                            |
    | --------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Exam            | Required; minimum passing score of 70%                            |
    | Experience      | Apprentice: none; Journeyman: 4 years; Master: 8 years cumulative |
    | Application fee | **\$65**                                                          |
    | Renewal cycle   | 2-year, expires November 30 of odd years                          |

    | Level      | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
    | ---------- | ----------- | ----------- |
    | Apprentice | **\$110**   | **\$110**   |
    | Journeyman | **\$110**   | **\$110**   |
    | Master     | **\$110**   | **\$155**   |
    | Contractor | **\$120**   | **\$180**   |

    | Bond Type   | Contractor  | Designated Master |
    | ----------- | ----------- | ----------------- |
    | Standard    | **\$4,000** | **\$2,000**       |
    | Low Voltage | **\$2,000** | **\$1,000**       |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Plumbing & Gas Fitting" icon="tool">
    | Requirement     | Detail                                                            |
    | --------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Exam            | Required; minimum passing score of 70%                            |
    | Experience      | Apprentice: none; Journeyman: 4 years; Master: 8 years cumulative |
    | Application fee | **\$65**                                                          |
    | Renewal cycle   | 2-year, expires March 31 of even years                            |

    | Level      | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
    | ---------- | ----------- | ----------- |
    | Apprentice | **\$110**   | **\$110**   |
    | Journeyman | **\$110**   | **\$110**   |
    | Master     | **\$120**   | **\$155**   |
    | Contractor | **\$120**   | **\$180**   |

    | Bond                   | Contractor  | Designated Master |
    | ---------------------- | ----------- | ----------------- |
    | Plumbing & Gas Fitting | **\$5,000** | **\$5,000**       |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Elevator" icon="building">
    | Requirement     | Detail                                   |
    | --------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
    | Application fee | **\$65**                                 |
    | License fee     | **\$260**                                |
    | Renewal cycle   | 2-year, expires November 30 of odd years |

    | Bond     | Contractor  |
    | -------- | ----------- |
    | Elevator | **\$4,000** |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Refrigeration & Air Conditioning" icon="snowflake">
    | Requirement     | Detail                                                            |
    | --------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Exam            | Required; minimum passing score of 70%                            |
    | Experience      | Apprentice: none; Journeyman: 4 years; Master: 8 years cumulative |
    | Application fee | **\$65**                                                          |
    | Renewal cycle   | 2-year, expires September 30 of even years                        |

    | Level      | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
    | ---------- | ----------- | ----------- |
    | Apprentice | **\$110**   | **\$110**   |
    | Journeyman | **\$110**   | **\$110**   |
    | Master     | **\$110**   | **\$155**   |
    | Contractor | **\$120**   | **\$180**   |

    | Bond               | Contractor  | Designated Master |
    | ------------------ | ----------- | ----------------- |
    | Refrigeration & AC | **\$5,000** | **\$5,000**       |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Steam & Operating Engineers" icon="temperature">
    | Requirement     | Detail                                     |
    | --------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
    | Application fee | **\$65**                                   |
    | License fee     | **\$110**                                  |
    | Renewal fee     | **\$110**                                  |
    | Renewal cycle   | 2-year, expires September 30 of even years |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Asbestos Workers & Supervisors" icon="flame">
    | Requirement     | Detail                               |
    | --------------- | ------------------------------------ |
    | Application fee | **\$65**                             |
    | Renewal cycle   | 2-year, expires July 31 of odd years |

    | Level      | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
    | ---------- | ----------- | ----------- |
    | Worker     | **\$110**   | **\$110**   |
    | Supervisor | **\$110**   | **\$110**   |
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Reciprocal agreements

DC's reciprocity is limited to electrical licenses. The Board of Industrial Trades recognizes credentials from Maryland and Virginia — no other trade or jurisdiction is covered.

<Info>
  If you hold an electrical license from Maryland or Virginia, check with the Board of Industrial Trades for the reciprocity application process. All other trades must apply through the standard examination path.
</Info>

| Board                                                         | Reciprocal states | Coverage                             |
| ------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| Board of Industrial Trades (master electrical)                | Maryland          | <Badge color="green">1 state</Badge> |
| Board of Industrial Trades (master and journeymen electrical) | Virginia          | <Badge color="green">1 state</Badge> |

<Accordion title="Electrical reciprocity details" icon="arrow-left-right">
  * The Maryland Board of Master Electricians has reciprocity with DC for master electrical licenses.
  * The Virginia Board of Contractors has reciprocity with DC for master and journeymen electrical licenses.
  * No other trade license (plumbing, elevator, HVAC, asbestos, steam) has reciprocity with any jurisdiction.
</Accordion>

## Types of licenses

This section lists the credential categories DC offers across its licensing programs. Use it when you need to confirm the exact license name for an application or comparison.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Contractor Licenses" icon="building" defaultOpen={true}>
    * Home Improvement Contractor
    * General Contractor / Construction Manager
      * Class A
      * Class B
      * Class C
      * Class G
      * Class H
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Electrical & Elevator" icon="bolt">
    **Electrical:**

    * Apprentice
    * Journeyman
    * Master
    * Contractor
    * Low Voltage Contractor

    **Elevator:**

    * Contractor
    * Mechanic
    * Inspector
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Plumbing & Mechanical" icon="tool">
    **Plumbing & Gas Fitting:**

    * Apprentice
    * Journeyman
    * Master
    * Contractor

    **Refrigeration & Air Conditioning:**

    * Apprentice
    * Journeyman
    * Master
    * Contractor

    **Steam & Operating Engineers:**

    * Engineer
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Asbestos" icon="flame">
    * Worker
    * Supervisor
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## See also

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Territories and DC region guide" icon="map" href="/docs/jurisdictions/regions/territories-dc">
    Browse all Territories and DC jurisdictions for comparison.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Contractors guide" icon="hard-hat" href="/docs/personas/contractor">
    Cross-state guidance for contractors evaluating new jurisdictions.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Regulators guide" icon="shield-check" href="/docs/personas/regulatory-staff">
    Cross-state guidance for comparing regulatory models and agency structures.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

**Neighboring jurisdictions with reciprocity ties:**

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Maryland" icon="map-pin" href="/docs/jurisdictions/maryland">
    Master electrical reciprocity with DC through the Board of Industrial Trades.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Virginia" icon="map-pin" href="/docs/jurisdictions/virginia">
    Master and journeymen electrical reciprocity with DC through the Board of Industrial Trades.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>