District of Columbia Contractor License Requirements
2026 guide to everything you need to know about contractor licensing in District of Columbia.
901
Contractors in DC
55
Verified licenses
32 yrs
Avg. experience
5
Cities covered
District of Columbia licensing board
DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)
License types in District of Columbia
General Contractor (AC)
Required for construction work in DC
Specialty Contractor
Trade-specific (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
Home Improvement Contractor
Required for residential improvement work
Bond requirements
$5,000
Minimum surety bond
Surety bond required: $5,000 to $25,000
Insurance requirements
General liability insurance
Required. General liability and workers comp required
Workers' compensation
Required when you have employees.
Penalties for unlicensed work
Civil fines up to $2,000 per violation; project shut down; criminal penalties for repeat offenders
How to verify a license in District of Columbia
1. Use the free verification tool
Search a database of 901 contractors in District of Columbia by name, license number, or business name.
Verify a contractor now2. Check the official state board
Visit the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) for real-time license verification and disciplinary actions.
Visit DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)Frequently asked questions
Does District of Columbia require a contractor license?+
Yes, District of Columbia requires contractors to obtain a state license through the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). 3 license types are available depending on the scope of work.
What are the bond requirements for contractors in District of Columbia?+
District of Columbia requires a minimum surety bond of $5,000. Surety bond required: $5,000 to $25,000
What are the penalties for unlicensed contracting in District of Columbia?+
Civil fines up to $2,000 per violation; project shut down; criminal penalties for repeat offenders
Is insurance required for contractors in District of Columbia?+
Yes, District of Columbia requires contractors to carry insurance. General liability and workers comp required
How do I verify a contractor's license in District of Columbia?+
You can verify a contractor's license through the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) website at https://dcra.dc.gov/service/basic-business-license-endorsement-general-contractor. You can also use our free license verification tool at vemra.ai/licensing/verify to search our database of 901 contractor profiles in District of Columbia.
How many licensed contractors are there in District of Columbia?+
Our database includes 901 contractor profiles in District of Columbia, with 55 verified license numbers on file. The average contractor in District of Columbia has 32 years of experience.