Starting July 1, DCRA will begin accepting renewal applications for occupational and professional licenses.
- On July 1, 2021, you may start submitting your renewal application online if your license reflects an expiration date during the COVID-19 pandemic. For licenses that expire October 31, 2021 or later, renewal notices will be sent at a later date.
- You are strongly encouraged to renew early to ensure that renewal is completed before enforcement begins.
- All occupational and professional licenses are issued biennially, with the exception of Special Police Officers, whose licenses are issued annually. Licenses that expire October 31, 2021 or later may be renewed as per their usual renewal cycles. Note: if your license reflects an expiration date of 2022, no renewal action is required until 2022 when you may renew beginning 90 days before your current license expires.
General Information
The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs’ (DCRA) Occupational and Professional Licensing Administration (OPLA) supports the District’s non-health occupational and professional boards, commissions, and programs. OPLA enforces regulations and offers licenses in more than 125 occupational and professional categories. The boards, commissions, and programs are responsible for reviewing applications, administering examinations, responding to certification requests by other jurisdictions, and regulating the practices of individual professions.
Obtain Occupational and Professional Licenses
Information, applications and all other materials for each of the occupational and professional licenses are available below. The links will redirect you to the respective licensing board or commission website.
- Funeral Directors
- Industrial Trades
- Professional Engineers
- Real Estate
- Real Estate Appraisers
- Security
- Tour Guides
For more information on board or commission procedures or if you are interested in becoming a board or commission member, visit the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments website or our list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Search for an Occupational or Professional License
Renew a Professional License
Submit an application for renewal of an occupational or professional license.
For more information on license cycles, please select “Obtain an Occupational and Professional Licenses” above, select the specific board or commission and view the information under “Licensee.”
Our New License Application Platform
When you renew, you will notice that DCRA recently moved to a simpler, easier-to-use online application platform. When submitting an application for license renewal, you will enter your license number and your information will automatically populate, reducing the amount of information that you will need to provide and making the experience faster. Supply the requested information and submit and your new license will be processed and issued electronically (Security ID cards will be mailed).
If you have questions or need additional assistance, please call our toll-free hotline at 833-535-2454 or the District local number 202-899-3630 between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
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Learn more about occupational and professional license renewals and our new application platform:
