STATE LICENSE
RequiredDC Board of Industrial Trades — Departmen…
Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic is a regulated occupation (D.C. Code § 47-2853.04) covering anyone who designs, installs, maintains, or alters refrigeration or air conditioning systems in any building or vehicle (§ 47-2853.201). A master mechanic needs five consecutive years on systems larger than 25 compressor horsepower; a master mechanic limited needs five years on smaller systems plus CFC certification (§ 47-2853.202). A contractor license requires a specified business location and at least one regularly employed master named as 'designated master mechanic,' and a limited master restricts the contractor to systems of 25 horsepower or less (17 DCMR § 305).
Contractors post a $5,000 bond (17 DCMR § 311.5). DLCP's fee schedule lists a $65 application fee, $110 for a mechanic license, and $120 for a contractor license; renewals are $155 and $180, and licenses expire September 30 of even-numbered years. Self-contained units with 2 pounds or less of refrigerant need no license (17 DCMR § 302.5). Gas furnaces, boilers, and water heaters are gasfitting under § 47-2853.121(b), and anyone handling refrigerants also needs EPA Section 608 certification.
The state sets the license floor; the county or city permit office controls filing, inspections, and local rules wherever the job site sits.
HVAC licensing is District-wide. DOB requires permits for new and replacement HVAC equipment and gas appliances, and only licensed masters can apply. Federal-contract work and buildings under the Architect of the Capitol or the officer in charge of Public Buildings and Grounds are outside the District licensing chapter (17 DCMR §§ 302.1, 315.8).
The local offices section below names the exact permit desk for every District of Columbia county on file.
Each row names the issuing authority, cost, timeline, citation, and status behind the requirement — verified against the official source.
Published fees from the issuing authorities, as of October 2026. Local permit fees vary by project and jurisdiction — the basis is stated where a flat number does not exist.
DLCP lists refrigeration and air conditioning licenses as expiring September 30 of even-numbered years.
A contractor whose highest master is a master limited may work only on systems up to 25 compressor horsepower (17 DCMR § 305.2).
No license is needed for self-contained units with 2 pounds or less of refrigerant, but any electrical or plumbing work still needs its own permit (17 DCMR § 302.5).
A practical sequence for a new HVAC contractor in District of Columbia. Actual agency processing times are noted in the ledger above.
Each item names the issuing authority, cycle, and citation.
Statutory consequences with their citations — not estimates, not “commonly cited” guesses.
Violating the licensing subchapter, including practicing without a license.
Violating any rule of 17 DCMR ch. 3.
Civil fines may be imposed as an alternative sanction.
Inside city limits, the city office listed here issues the permit; the county office serves unincorporated areas. Every office links to its official page.
| County · City | Permit office | Portal |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia Washington (consolidated gov.) | District of Columbia Department of Buildings (DOB) — Permitting ↗ | Citizen Access Portal ↗ |
Every fact in this file was checked against these official sources on October 2026.
Pending verification: Whether a journeyman refrigeration mechanic license is issued: § 47-2853.202(d) recognizes national journeyman certificates, but DLCP's fee table lists only 'Mechanic' and 'Contractor' · Penalty conflict: 17 DCMR § 315.11 states a $300 / 90-day penalty, while D.C. Code § 47-2853.27 provides up to 1 year and $10,000 for violations of the licensing subchapter · Whether non-gas heating work (hydronic, oil-fired, ductwork) requires a separate District credential beyond the mechanical permit · Refrigeration exam fees charged by PSI
General information, not legal advice. Always confirm requirements, deadlines, and forms with the issuing authority before filing or contracting.
Store licenses, permits, policies, and renewal dates in one place.