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State files updated Oct 27, 2026
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District of Columbia contractor license bondInsurance and workers' comp

The Department's requirements list for general contractors and construction managers does not include a surety bond.1 Commercial general liability insurance is required by class: Class A $2.5 million per occurrence, Class B $1.5 million, Class C $500,000 per…2

Bond and insurance by trade in District of Columbia

TradeBondInsuranceWorkers' comp
General contractorThe Department's requirements list for general contractors and construction managers does not include a surety bond.1Commercial general liability insurance is required by class: Class A $2.5 million per occurrence, Class B $1.5…2The license application does not ask for workers' compensation.1
ElectricalElectrical contractors post a surety bond of $4,000 for the company and $2,000 for the designated master…3Ask DLCPAsk DLCP
PlumbingPlumbing and gasfitting contractors post a surety bond of $5,000 for the company and $5,000 for the designated master.3Ask DLCPAsk DLCP
HVACRefrigeration and air conditioning contractors post a surety bond of $5,000 for the company and $5,000 for the…3Ask DLCPAsk DLCP

Bond and insurance rules for roofing: check with Dept of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP).

How much is the contractor bond in District of Columbia?

The Department's requirements list for general contractors and construction managers does not include a surety bond. The $25,000 surety bond applies to Home Improvement Contractors.1

What general liability insurance does District of Columbia require?

Commercial general liability insurance is required by class: Class A $2.5 million per occurrence, Class B $1.5 million, Class C $500,000 per occurrence and $1 million aggregate, Class G $500,000 per occurrence and $1 million aggregate, Class H $500,000 per occurrence. The insurer must be authorized in the District with an A.M. Best rating of B+ or higher, and DLCP must be named as certificate holder.2

Can a District of Columbia contractor be exempt from workers' comp?

The license application does not ask for workers' compensation. Any employer in the District must separately insure or self-insure compensation for its employees (D.C. Code § 32-1534).1

What is a certificate of insurance?

It's the one-page summary (usually an ACORD 25 form) a contractor's agent issues to show the policies, limits and dates in force. How to read and check one

Sources

  1. Dept of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP): bond (dlcp.dc.gov, 2026-10-27)
  2. Dept of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP): insurance (dlcp.dc.gov, 2026-10-27)
  3. DLCP: electrical bond (dlcp.dc.gov)