District of Columbia Occupational Therapist License
DC Board of Rehabilitative Therapies
Total Fee
$264
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Available
See board
What You'll Need
- Passport-Size Photo — One recent 2x2 passport-style color photo with a white background.
- Government-Issued Photo ID — A photocopy of a current driver's license or passport.
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Board (preferably via email to dcboot@dc.gov).
- NBCOT Certification of Verification — Request NBCOT to send verification of your certification status directly to the Board. Request NBCOT Verification
- Social Security Number or Affidavit — Provide your SSN or a sworn affidavit if you do not have one.
How to Apply
-
Create a DC Health Portal Account ▾Register for an account on the DC Health Professional Licensing Portal to begin the application process.
-
Submit Online Application ▾Complete the online application for Occupational Therapist licensure, selecting the 'Examination' or 'Endorsement' pathway as appropriate.
-
Pay Application and License Fees ▾Pay the required fee of $264.00 (which includes the application and initial license fee) via the online portal.
-
Complete Criminal Background Check (CBC) ▾After paying the application fee, you will receive an email with a code to schedule your fingerprinting appointment through Fieldprint. The CBC fee is $50.
CBC Information -
Submit Required Documents ▾Upload or mail required documents including official transcripts, NBCOT verification, and a passport-style photo.
View Checklist -
Board Review ▾The DC Board of Rehabilitative Therapies will review your completed application. You can check your status via the portal or by calling the processing center.
Total Fee
$264
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Occupational therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current NBCOT certification.
Steps
-
Verify Primary License ▾Request official verification of licensure from every state or jurisdiction where you have ever held a professional license.
-
NBCOT Verification ▾Ensure your NBCOT certification is current and request an official verification letter be sent to the DC Board.
NBCOT Portal -
Complete DC Application ▾Submit the online application specifically for 'Endorsement' and pay the $264 fee.
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
DC Board of Rehabilitative Therapies
Keeping Your License Active
District of Columbia Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the DC Board of Rehabilitative Therapies for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $264 |
| Endorsement application | $264 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
Slow Downs
Missing Out-of-State Verifications
▾
Failure to provide official verifications from every state where a license was held is a primary cause of delay.
Incomplete CBC Process
▾
Not scheduling the fingerprinting appointment promptly after receiving the Fieldprint code.
Transcript Delivery Issues
▾
Transcripts must come directly from the school; student-submitted copies are not accepted.
Questions
How many continuing education (CE) hours are required for renewal?
▾
Occupational Therapists must complete 24 contact hours every two years. This includes 2 hours of LGBTQ training and 10% of total hours (2.4 hours) in public health priorities.
When does my DC OT license expire?
▾
Licenses now expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month every two years (biennially).
Can I practice while my application is pending?
▾
A graduate may practice under supervision for no more than 60 days while their first application is pending, provided a Supervised Practice Form is filed.
What is the total cost for initial licensure?
▾
The total cost is approximately $314.00 ($264.00 for the application/license fee and $50.00 for the criminal background check).
Board Info
DC Board of Rehabilitative Therapies
Phone(202) 442-8336