Washington DC Occupational Therapist Licensing Guide

Washington DC OT License Overview

Washington DC is not an OT Compact member. Travel Occupational Therapists must obtain a DC-specific license through endorsement of current valid license. No temporary practice pathway exists, so permanent licensure must be completed before assignment start.

How to Get a Washington DC OT License by Endorsement

Washington DC uses an online portal endorsement process for Occupational Therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $264 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via Washington DC board portal
2. Request license verification from current state (via NBCOT or direct) (can run concurrently)
3. Complete any state-specific requirements (background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through NBCOT Certification of Verification letter (ordered through MyNBCOT account) PLUS official verification letter from the issuing state(s)/jurisdiction(s) for every license ever held (website verification accepted if primary-source verified). Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Background check: Criminal Background Check (CBC); every applicant must complete a new CBC for each application submitted. Start it as early as possible.

Check the DC Health - Board of Occupational Therapy website for status updates on your application.

Washington DC OT License Fees

Renewal: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Washington DC Temporary OT License

We have not found a temporary license option on the DC Health - Board of Occupational Therapy's site. Confirm with the board before planning a start date.

Washington DC OT License Processing Time

Washington DC Occupational Therapist endorsement applications typically take 2-8 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 10 business days if complete application submitted with verified credentials from current state already on file.

Common sources of delay:

• Incomplete or missing documentation in initial submission — board processes applications in order received and incomplete applications are held until resubmitted
• Verification delays from current licensing state or NBCOT — DC board waits for official verification before advancing to board review
• Board review queue variability — while typical range is 2-8 weeks, peak submission periods can extend review timelines beyond the standard range

We have not found an expedited processing option on the DC Health - Board of Occupational Therapy's site. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.

Washington DC OT Continuing Education

Washington DC requires 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Occupational Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

• Occupational Therapy Assistants: 12 contact hours every 2 years (vs 24 for Occupational Therapists)

Washington DC OT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $179 via DC Health - Board of Occupational Therapy portal
• Renewal timing: Expires on the last day of the licensee's birth month (birth-month renewal cycle effective June 16, 2024; odd-birth-year => odd-year renewals, even-birth-year => even-year renewals).

Washington DC Licensing Board and Resources

DC Health - Board of Occupational Therapy

Board Website · Application Portal

Phone: (877) 672-2174

Email: [email protected]