The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) remains operational, but our office located at 1100 4th Street SW is unavailable to the public for in-person services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the meantime, we are encouraging residents and businesses to utilize our online services. Should you have any questions about how to use any of our services online, please utilize the live chat feature on our website or call us at (202)442-4400 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm EST), or email us any time at dcra@dc.gov.
General Online Tools
DCRA Access DC Initiative
The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) has launched Access DC - a program to enhance the security and improve access to all of DCRA's online services.
Signing up for an Access DC account is easy. Simply visit Access DC and click the sign up link.
View Agency Performance
Pay Fine or Special Assessment
Find a Document or Form
The Document Management System allows you to search for DCRA documents and forms by category or by simply typing in the name of the document.
Notify your Neighbor
Schedule an Appointment Online
Access Information about your Community
Welcome to DCRA Data Connect! Here you will be able to access information about your community and from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. DCRA has created an open data source where you can search for Building Permits, Illegal Construction, and Blighted Properties. You can view interactive Data, Maps, and Graphs of the data you request. We look forward to providing more information in an effort to provide up to date data of information offered in your community.
With DCRA Data Connect DC residents will be able to access information about permits issued, illegal construction, and vacant building data, allowing the view of data via csv files and maps!
Verify or Research Property Information (SCOUT)
PIVS allows customers to research real property, regulatory and enforcement information on specific properties, by street address or square-suffix-lot (SSL) number. Here you can do the following:
- An updated user interface
- Responsive web design supporting access via desktop computers and mobile devices
- Interactive map with Geographic Information System (GIS) layers for floodplains and historic districts
- Optimized search processes to improve search speed
- Downloadable data tables
- More frequent updates to data
Business Licensing
Apply for a Business License (DC Business Portal)
Verify an Existing Business License (SCOUT)
Business Registration
Form/Register all Domestic & Foreign Filing entities & Other Corporation Services Online (CorpOnline)
Permitting
Get a Certificate of Occupancy
The purpose of a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is to ensure that the use of a building, structure or land in the District of Columbia conforms to the Zoning Regulations (DCMR Title 11) provisions of the DC Construction Codes, and the Green Building Act. In most cases, no person can use a building, structure or land in the District of Columbia for any purpose other than a single family dwelling, until a valid C of O has been issued. There are six types of C of O applications as seen here along with additional information regarding the C of O process.
To apply for a change of ownership certificate of occupancy application, click here.
For ALL other types of certificate of occupancy applications, email completed C of O application and PDF of supporting documents to COAPP@dc.gov.
Permit Expediter Registration Form
Look up Permits, Permit Plans & Applications (eRecords)
That’s right! You can search and view any Building Permit, Building Permit Application, Invoice, Approved Building Permit, Building Plan, and NOW Certificate of Occupancy by using our DCRA eRecords Management System. Any electronic device will take you there. Save yourself a trip and get any record from the comfort of your home. Don’t see what you’re looking for? No Worries! Our digital DCRA Records Request Form is an easy and simple way to request what you need. Click “submit” and your record request will be made available for you.
Apply & Pay for Construction Permits Online (OCPI)
Search for Digital Land Records (SurDocs)
SurDocs is an online research tool that enables the public to search all digital land surveys. This tool is used to view all field survey records and surveyor plats.
Visit DC Property & Permit Center
A one-stop shop for all things permits. The portal provides a range of online tools to apply for building permits, request city services, research property regulatory information, and research and analyze permit data. Residents are able to download datasets and generate custom reports. Property owners can register their apartment complex(s) and much more.
Check your Building Application Status (SCOUT)
Track your Permit Application in Queue (SCOUT)
With SCOUT DC residents now have the option to track their permit applications and see the placement in queue for each review associated with it. Depending on the permit application type, you will be able to check your placement in the queue of over thirty (30) different review types without visiting DCRA. The three status types below allow the user to see exactly where their Permit Application is in the queue:
File Your Permit Drawings Online (ProjectDox)
ProjectDox is an online platform for electronic plan submission and plan review. This system allows the electronic submission of building plans and supporting documentation. ProjectDox eliminates the need for an applicant to submit multiple paper copies of project plans in conjunction with the DCRA building permit application.
ProjectDox Training Available
Not sure how to upload plans into ProjectDox? Have questions about the system? Our team of experts are here to help! Join us for a training on how to use and operate our ProjectDox plan submission system. Training sessions are held on the third Wednesday of every month from 12 - 1:30 PM at DCRA (1100 4th Street SW, 5th Floor).
Preliminary Design Review Meeting (PDRM)