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State files updated Oct 27, 2026
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District of Columbia contractor license (DLCP)Requirements, cost, exam

District of Columbia licenses general contractors through the Dept of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). The license class sets the largest single contract a contractor may take: Class H up to $500,000, Class G up to $2 million, Class C up to $5…1

District of Columbia · general contractor

State license required

Experience
None.2
Exam
None.2
Bond
The Department's requirements list for general contractors and construction managers does not include a surety bond.2
Insurance
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…1
Fees
A Basic Business License for a general contractor or construction manager costs $49 for 6 months, $99 for 2 years or $198 for 4 years.2
Renewal
The license term is 6 months, 2 years or 4 years, chosen at application.2

Dept of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP)

How do you get a District of Columbia contractor license?

  1. Check that you need a license

    The license class sets the largest single contract a contractor may take: Class H up to $500,000, Class G up to $2 million, Class C up to $5…1

  2. Meet the experience rule

    None.2

  3. Apply to the DLCP

    A Basic Business License for a general contractor or construction manager costs $49 for 6 months, $99 for 2 years or $198 for 4 years.2

    DLCP site
  4. File the bond and insurance

    The Department's requirements list for general contractors and construction managers does not include a surety bond. 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

    District of Columbia bond and insurance rules
  5. Get the license, then renew

    The license term is 6 months, 2 years or 4 years, chosen at application.2

    Renewal and CE

Electrical, plumbing and HVAC licenses in District of Columbia

Which license class do you need in District of Columbia?

The District licenses General Contractors and Construction Managers in five classes by the largest single contract allowed: Class A has no limit, Class B up to $10 million, Class C up to $5 million, Class G up to $2 million and Class H up to $500,000.1

Do you need workers' comp?

The license application does not ask for workers' compensation.2

District of Columbia insurance and bonds

Sources

  1. Dept of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP): who needs a license (dlcp.dc.gov, 2026-10-27)
  2. Dept of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP): experience (dlcp.dc.gov, 2026-10-27)
  3. Dept of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP): 32 1534 (code.dccouncil.gov, 2026-10-27)
  4. Dept of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP): 1616016 (dlcp.dc.gov, 2026-10-27)
  5. DLCP - Board of Industrial Trades (electricians, plumbers, HVAC) (dlcp.dc.gov, 2026-10-27)