District of Columbia Pharmacy Technician License
District of Columbia Board of Pharmacy
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Passport-Style Photo — One recent 2x2 inch color photo with a clear front view of the face.
- Government-Issued Photo ID — A clear photocopy of a valid driver's license or U.S. passport.
- National Certification Proof — Copy of current PTCB or NHA (ExCPT) certification. PTCB Website
- Educational Transcripts — Official high school diploma, GED, or college transcript sent directly from the institution.
- Social Security Number — A valid SSN or a sworn affidavit if the applicant does not have one.
How to Apply
-
Create a DC Health Licensing Account ▾Register as a new user on the DC Health Licensing Portal to begin the application process.
Register/Login -
Submit Online Application ▾Complete the online application for Pharmacy Technician registration, selecting the appropriate pathway (Initial or Reciprocity).
Start Application -
Upload Required Documents ▾Upload a 2x2 passport-style photo, government-issued ID, and proof of national certification (PTCB or NHA) or training program completion.
-
Pay Application and Background Check Fees ▾Pay the $50 application fee and the $50 criminal background check fee through the portal.
-
Complete Fingerprinting ▾After paying the CBC fee, you will receive a code to schedule your fingerprinting appointment with Fieldprint.
Schedule Fingerprinting -
Wait for Board Review ▾The Board will review your application and background check results. You can track your status in the portal.
Check Status
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Pharmacy Technicians licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.
Steps
-
Submit Reciprocity Application ▾Apply via the online portal and select 'Reciprocity' as the application type.
Apply by Reciprocity -
Request License Verifications ▾Request official verification of licensure from every state where you have ever held a pharmacy technician license. These must be sent directly to the DC Board.
-
Submit Proof of Active License ▾Provide a copy of your current, active pharmacy technician license from another state.
-
Complete DC Background Check ▾Pay the $50 CBC fee and complete the fingerprinting process via Fieldprint.
Fieldprint DC
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
District of Columbia Board of Pharmacy
Keeping Your License Active
District of Columbia Pharmacy Technician licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the District of Columbia Board of Pharmacy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Missing Verifications
▾
Delays often occur when other state boards do not send license verifications directly to the DC Board in a timely manner.
Incomplete Background Check
▾
Failure to schedule or complete the fingerprinting appointment after paying the fee will stall the application.
Name Discrepancies
▾
If names on transcripts, IDs, or certifications do not match, legal name change documents (marriage license, etc.) must be provided.
Questions
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal?
▾
Technicians must complete 20 hours of CE every two years, including 2 hours of pharmacy law, 2 hours of medication safety, 2 hours of LGBTQ cultural competency, and 2 hours of HIV/AIDS training.
How much does it cost to apply for a license?
▾
The total initial cost is $100, which includes a $50 application fee and a $50 criminal background check fee.
When does my DC Pharmacy Technician license expire?
▾
Licenses expire every two years on the last day of the license holder's birth month.
Can I work while my application is pending?
▾
You must register as a Pharmacy Technician Trainee if you are enrolled in a training program and wish to perform technician duties before full licensure.