News Information and Media Site: Updated DCRA Services Around COVID-19

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The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) remains operational, but our office located at 1100 4th Street SW will be unavailable to the public for in-person services from Wednesday, March 25 until Monday, April 27.

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 during normal business hours, call (202)442-4400, or email us at dcra@dc.gov.

Below are options for obtaining various DCRA services:

Permit/Plan Reviews - All permit applications and plan reviews are online including "walk throughs" for small construction projects of less than 1,000 sq. ft, supplemental permits, and elevator certificates. Video consultations are available for large construction projects greater than 1,000 sq. ft. Payments can be made by credit card, or checks can be mailed to a lock box.
Business/License Division - Any business licenses, professional/occupational licenses, vending licenses, etc. that expire during the declared emergency will be considered valid, and people will have until 45 days after the declared emergency is over to renew their licenses (90 days for special police officers). Please note all of the following can be done online at any time: apply for/renew a business license, register a corporation, and form an LLC.
Corporate Filings - Customers filing 2020 biennial reports between April 2 and June 1 will not incur the late filing fee. The same is true for trade name renewals.
Construction - Construction continues to be allowed in the District Monday – Saturday from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm without any special permits. DCRA inspectors are continuing to investigate reports of illegal construction throughout the District.
Consumer Protection - Consumer protection complaints will continue to be investigated, and we encourage residents to report fraudulent and illegal behavior on our website.