Washington DC Speech-Language Pathologist Licensing Guide

Washington DC SLP License Overview

Washington DC is not a member of the ASLP Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC). Speech-Language Pathologists must obtain a DC-specific license through endorsement of an active license from another state. No multistate practice authority is available; each assignment requires a DC state license.

How to Get a Washington DC SLP License by Endorsement

Washington DC uses an online portal endorsement process for Speech-Language Pathologists 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 ASHA 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 ASHA or direct board verification. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Background check: DC-issued Criminal Background Check (CBC) required for every application; paid $50 online with the application; CBC link provided via email after application submission. Applicable to all applicants, including those with prior CBCs on file. Start it as early as possible.

Check the DC Health - Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology website for status updates on your application.

Washington DC SLP License Fees

Renewal: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Washington DC Temporary SLP License

We have not found a temporary license option on the DC Health - Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology's site. Confirm with the board before planning a start date.

Washington DC SLP License Processing Time

Washington DC Speech-Language Pathologist endorsement applications typically take 2-3 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 10 business days (if license verification received immediately, no background check delays, and application submitted before monthly cutoff).

Common sources of delay:

• DC board processes applications sequentially; applications submitted after monthly cutoff may add 2-3 weeks waiting time
• License verification from ASHA can take 1-2 weeks; delayed responses from applicant's current state board directly cause board review delays
• Background check processing by DC is not standardized; some applicants report 3-5 business day delays if fingerprinting or additional screening is required

We have not found an expedited processing option on the DC Health - Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology'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 SLP Continuing Education

Washington DC requires 20 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Speech-Language Pathologist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

Washington DC SLP License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring on the last day of your birth month. You renew in odd years if you were born in an odd year, and in even years if you were born in an even year — $179 via DC Health - Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology portal
• Late penalty: $85 late fee in addition to the licensure renewal fee (assessed at start of late renewal period)

Washington DC Licensing Board and Resources

DC Health - Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

Board Website · Application Portal

Phone: (202) 724-8800

Email: [email protected]