Hello.
Since April 1, 2020, we have provided DCRA services to over 263,049 customers during the pandemic due to our preparation and commitment to serving our customers easily, efficiently, and conveniently. To provide a glimpse into our work, we have conducted or issued:
- 29,570 housing inspections,
- 32,334 construction inspections,
- 7,474 illegal construction inspections,
- 9,157 vacant property inspections,
- 9,250 new business licenses,
- 3,047 solar permits,
- 64,874 total permits, and
- Supported 73,221 active businesses and 35,122 rental housing units.
We’re proud of these achievements, but we know our work is not yet done and we strive to keep consistently improving, and improve we will. After all, while the volume is large, at the crux of our work is an individual who has an important need that we must help them meet.
With summer upon us, the school year coming to a close, and vacations taken, I hope that we are turning a page as the pandemic moves into the distance.
Stay safe.
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 Ernest Chrappah, Director
In accordance with the easing of public safety restrictions associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the DCRA headquarters will reopen to the public on Monday, July 12 and we look forward to serving you.
Accessing DCRA Services Efficiently and Quickly
Unlike in the past, in-person services are often not the fastest way to be served. Using our online services is faster and more convenient. We encourage customers to continue using DCRA’s online platforms and tools. Virtual appointments are also encouraged.
For customers who prefer to make the trek, we are happy to welcome you back, but the experience may be different than in the past.
Things To Know
- Once onsite, you will find us ready to serve you. Enter through security, and visit the DCRA Digital Service Assistance Center on the second floor to be assisted by a Customer Service Representative who will guide you during your time at the agency.
- All customers will be served. Online and in-person requests will be responded to equally, and in the order received.
- There are no scanners available. When coming to DCRA, please ensure that all customer-provided documents that may be needed are available to you online and ready to be uploaded from a cloud-based location by you as part of your online transaction.
- For certain corporate filings, paper applications will be accepted, however, faster service is available online.
- Customers may only access the second floor to conduct their business. No unescorted visitors will be permitted on other floors of the building.
- As with all District government buildings, face masks will also be required to enter and in all customer-facing areas.
At this time we are offering training to help you obtain a certificate that, once earned, will enable you to conduct "Virtual Inspections." During this training we will walk through an introduction of the Resident Inspector program and then go over the steps on how to conduct a virtual inspection. We will conclude with testing your mobile device/Apple iPad along with a brief quiz. Training will be offered every Tuesday and Thursday at 2pm. Click on the link below to attend the class. Also, once you are in the class, you will need to complete the attendance form located in a WebEx chat.
Thursdays at 2:00 PM
More ways to join:
Join from the meeting link
https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/j.php?MTID=mfcec963e5a6a95518181759305cedc80
Join by meeting number
Meeting number (access code): 172 984 2573
Meeting password: X7kmENs8Em7
DCRA's Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) is the go to source for information on how to get your business established and up and running.
If you'd like to learn more about the SBRC and how DCRA helped a new business owner, check out this recent news story: How a Build Your Own Cupcake Shop Owner Found Help to Open – NBC4 Washington (nbcwashington.com) and visit My Cake Theory in Eastern Market!
Additionally, for existing and aspiring businesses, the SBRC is here for you, and we welcome you to join us for these upcoming workshops and events:
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Webinar: Learn How to Become a Certified Business Enterprise (CBE)
Wednesday, July 7 at 10:00 am
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How to Obtain Your Made in DC Certification
Thursday, July 8 at 10:00 am
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Webinar: Find The Right Franchise For You: A Business Model for Success
Monday, July 12 at 10:00 am
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Webinar: All Things Non-Profit
Thursday, July 15 at 10:00 am
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Webinar: DCRA At Your Neighborhood Library - Learn The Process Of Starting A Business
Tuesday, July 20 at 5:00 pm
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Webinar: Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking "Coffee & Capital" at DCRA
Tuesday, July 27 at10:00 am
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SBRC One-On-One Call Session: Steps to Obtaining a Business License
Monday-Friday, by appointment between 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
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SBRC One-on-One Call Session: "Talk Business After Hours"
Monday and Wednesday, by appointment between 4:00pm - 6:00pm
DCRA is now accepting renewal applications for occupational and professional licenses that expire through October 31. For licenses that expire later, renewal notices will be sent at a later date.
You have until September to complete renewal, however, you are encouraged to do so early to ensure that renewal is completed before enforcement begins.
Our New License Application Platform
- When you renew, you will notice that DCRA recently moved to a simpler, easier-to-use online application platform. You will be able to submit your information, upload any documentation that may be required, pay fees, and submit the application. In response, your license will be sent electronically to the email address used when submitting the application (Security license ID cards will be mailed).
- To assist licensees prepare for using the new application platform, please view this video and a list of frequently asked questions.
Occupational and Professional License Look-Up
As a reminder, if you are looking to verify the existence of an active license, you can search for an occupational or professional license.
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