District of Columbia Contractor License Requirements

Under 17 DCMR § 800.1, anyone who enters into an agreement to perform home improvement work (including remodeling, roofing, additions, and repairs on residential property) must obtain a Basic Business License endorsed for Home Improvement. Operating without this endorsement is a statutory violation under D.C. Code § 47-2851.

Statutory Authority: 17 DCMR § 800.1

Under the Clean Hands Act (D.C. Code § 47-2862), DLCP is prohibited from issuing or renewing any business license, trade credential, or building permit if the business entity owes more than $100 in taxes, fines, penalties, or fees to the District government. Certification must be validated online prior to issuance.

Statutory Authority: D.C. Code § 47-2862

Under 17 DCMR § 802.1, applicants for a Home Improvement Contractor license must execute and maintain a continuous surety bond in the penal sum of $25,000 payable to the District of Columbia for the protection of homeowners against fraud, contract default, and building code violations.

Under D.C. Official Code Title 32 Chapter 15, every employer operating in the District with one or more employees must secure statutory workers' compensation insurance coverage through a licensed carrier or approved self-insurance.

Under 12A DCMR § 105.1, construction, alteration, repair, and major trade installations require a building permit issued by DLCP before commencing on-site work. Permits must be pulled by a licensed contractor holding appropriate credentials.

Regulated by the DC Board of Industrial Trades under 17 DCMR Chapter 39 and D.C. Code § 47-2853.06. Electrical contracting requires a business entity license and a designated Master Electrician who has passed the required trade examinations and verified practical experience.

Plumbing and fuel gas installations require a licensed Plumbing Contractor with a designated Master Plumber or Master Gasfitter under D.C. Code § 47-2853.06. Trade permits must be pulled through DLCP prior to rough-in work and inspected before concealment.

License Classifications

Review all District of Columbia contractor classifications, scope of work definitions, and trade requirements.

Fees & Renewal Schedule

Examine biennial BBL application fees, trade board licensing schedules, and surety bond costs.

Project Determinations

Evaluate specific project requirements for minor repairs, roofing, electrical rewiring, and HVAC installations.