Checking a contractor's license in the District of Columbia: what to do

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

In the District of Columbia:

Deadline to sue for breach of contract or fraud
Written contract: 3 years; Verbal agreement: 3 years
Do this now
Look up the contractor's name and license or registration number on your state's official search (link for your state below). Check that the name, address and license type match, and that the license is active.

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General legal information, not legal advice. RobinClaim is not a law firm.

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Your plan for District of Columbia

Do now

  1. Look up the contractor's name and license or registration number on your state's official search (link for your state below). Check that the name, address and license type match, and that the license is active.

    Why: An unlicensed or expired contractor may not be able to pull permits, and you may have fewer protections.

  2. Ask your city or county building department whether the job needs a permit and whether the contractor must hold a local license.

    Why: Many cities license contractors, and permits mean the work gets inspected.

  3. Ask for proof of liability insurance and, if they have workers, workers' compensation insurance.

    Why: If an uninsured worker is hurt on your property, you could face a claim.

  4. Get a written contract with the price, payment schedule, start and finish dates, materials, and who gets permits. Don't pay a large deposit up front.

    Why: A clear contract is your best protection if something goes wrong.

  5. If you signed at home within the last 3 business days, you may be able to cancel under the FTC Cooling-Off Rule. Send a written, signed cancellation before midnight of the third business day.

    Why: The rule covers most door-to-door sales of $25 or more made at your home.

  6. After a storm, be extra careful with door-knockers. Verify the license, get local references, and never sign over insurance payments without reading the contract. If you asked for emergency repairs and signed a handwritten statement giving up your right to cancel, the 3-day Cooling-Off Rule may not apply.

    Why: Disaster scams spike after storms.

This week

  1. Photograph the work and keep a written log of dates, conversations and payments.

    Why: Evidence matters if you need to complain or sue.

  2. Send a written demand asking the contractor to finish or fix the work (or refund your deposit) by a set date.

    Why: Courts and boards expect you to have asked in writing.

  3. File a complaint with the state licensing board (if your state licenses that contractor).

    Why: Boards can discipline licensees, and some states have recovery funds for homeowners harmed by licensed contractors.

  4. File a complaint with your state attorney general's consumer office.

    Why: Especially useful if the contractor isn't licensed or there's no licensing board.

If it's not resolved

  1. Consider small claims court for your deposit or the cost to fix the work, if it's within your state's limit.

    Why: Small claims is designed for people without lawyers.

  2. Ask the licensing board whether your state has a homeowner recovery or guaranty fund and what its deadlines are.

    Why: These funds can pay part of a loss when a licensed contractor won't.

  3. Be aware that unpaid subcontractors or suppliers may be able to file a lien on your home. Ask for lien waivers when you pay.

    Why: Lien rules and deadlines differ by state.

Deadlines

Cancel a contract signed at your home (door-to-door sale of $25 or more)

General rule: Before midnight of the third business day after signing (FTC Cooling-Off Rule, 16 CFR 429.1)

Official source

Deadline to sue (statute of limitations) for breach of contract or fraud

General rule: see state

In the District of Columbia:

Written contract
3 years
Verbal agreement
3 years
Fraud
3 years

checked Oct 2026 · From Small Claims Map: District of Columbia

Key facts for the District of Columbia

Small Claims Map

Most you can sue for
$10,000
Court
Small Claims Branch
Filing fee
$5–$45
Lawyers
Optional

Small Claims Map: District of Columbia

Documents to gather

  • Contractor's name, license or registration number, and screenshot of the license search
  • Written contract and any change orders
  • Receipts, cancelled checks and payment records
  • Photos of the work over time
  • Permits and inspection reports
  • All texts and emails with the contractor

Letters you can send

Fill in the boxes; the letter updates as you type. When every box is filled, download it as a PDF.

Demand to finish or fix work, or refund

Gives the contractor a clear, dated written demand.

[Today's date]

[Contractor name]
[Their mailing address]
License/registration no. [License number]

Re: Work at [Your address (where they should reply)], contract dated [Contract date]

Under our contract you agreed to [Work description]. I have paid $[Amount paid]. The work is not complete or not done properly: [Problem].

Please [What you want] by [Deadline date]. If you do not, I plan to file complaints with the licensing board and the attorney general and may seek my money in court.

[Your name]

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Sign it, keep a copy, and send it by certified mail with a return receipt so you can prove it was delivered.

Where to go

  • StateYour state's contractor license or registration search

    Before you hire, and to find the board to complain to.

    District of Columbia: Contractors doing home improvement work need a D.C. basic business license from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). Use DLCP's business license search (Scout).

  • LocalCity or county building department

    To ask about permits and local contractor licenses.

    Your city or county website

  • StateYour state attorney general's consumer protection office

    To file a complaint against a business. Many offices offer free informal mediation.

    District of Columbia: Office of the Attorney General for D.C., Office of Consumer Protection

  • LocalSmall claims court

    If the business will not pay or fix the problem and the amount is under your state's limit.

    Small Claims Map: District of Columbia

Costs

License lookups and complaints are free. Small claims filing fees vary by state (see your state's page).

Talk to a lawyer if

  • A mechanic's lien has been filed on your home
  • The amount is above your state's small claims limit
  • The work caused major damage or safety hazards
  • The contractor sues you or demands more money

Free help

Free civil legal aid is available to people with low incomes. Find your local program through the Legal Services Corporation (lsc.gov/about-lsc/what-legal-aid/i-need-legal-help) or LawHelp.org. Your state attorney general's consumer office (link for your state below) and the court's self-help center can also explain options at no cost. Many law schools run free consumer clinics.

Guides for your state

Guides for every state

Questions

Cancel a contract signed at your home: what is the rule?

Before midnight of the third business day after signing (FTC Cooling-Off Rule, 16 CFR 429.1)

What is the deadline to sue for breach of contract or fraud in the District of Columbia?

Written contract: 3 years Verbal agreement: 3 years Fraud: 3 years

When should I talk to a lawyer?

A mechanic's lien has been filed on your home; The amount is above your state's small claims limit; The work caused major damage or safety hazards; The contractor sues you or demands more money.

How much does it cost?

License lookups and complaints are free. Small claims filing fees vary by state (see your state's page).

Plans by state

Open the plan with one state's rules filled in:

Sources

Plan checked Oct 2026. Independently fact-checked 2026-10-24.

This plan is general legal information, not legal advice. RobinClaim is not a law firm. Laws and deadlines change and have exceptions: check with the official source or a lawyer or legal aid office about your own case. How we research.