District of Columbia Pharmacist License
District of Columbia Board of Pharmacy
Total Fee
$250
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 passport-size color photograph with a plain white background.
- Government-issued Photo ID — A clear photocopy of a valid U.S. government-issued ID (e.g., driver's license or passport).
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Board.
- Social Security Number — A valid SSN or a sworn affidavit if the applicant does not have one.
- NABP Score Report/Transfer — Official NAPLEX and MPJE scores must be transferred to DC via NABP. Request Score Transfer
How to Apply
-
Create a Portal Account ▾Register for an account on the DC Health Professional Licensing Portal. This is required for all new applications and renewals.
Register/Login to Portal -
Submit Online Application ▾Complete the pharmacist application form within the portal. You will need to select your application method (Examination, Score Transfer, or Reciprocity).
Start Application -
Pay Application Fees ▾Pay the non-refundable application fee of $280 plus a $50 fee for the Criminal Background Check (CBC) name search.
-
Complete Criminal Background Check ▾After payment, you will receive a Fieldprint code via email. Use this code to schedule your fingerprinting appointment with Fieldprint.
Schedule Fingerprinting -
Request Official Transcripts ▾Arrange for your pharmacy school to send official transcripts directly to the DC Board of Pharmacy. Transcripts must verify a BS in Pharmacy or PharmD degree.
-
Register for Exams via NABP ▾Once the Board determines your eligibility, register for the NAPLEX and/or MPJE through the NABP website. You must pass the DC-specific MPJE.
Register for Exams -
License Issuance ▾After all documents are received and exams are passed, the Board will review your file for final approval and issue your license via email.
Total Fee
$250
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Pharmacists licensed in another state can often apply via license transfer (reciprocity) through the NABP, though most states still require passing their specific MPJE.
Steps
-
NABP Licensure Transfer ▾Apply for a Preliminary Application for Licensure Transfer through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
Start NABP Transfer -
DC Portal Application ▾Submit a 'Reciprocity' application through the DC Health Licensing Portal and pay the $280 fee.
DC Application Portal -
Criminal Background Check ▾Complete the fingerprinting process via Fieldprint using the code provided after application payment.
Fieldprint Login -
Pass DC MPJE ▾Register for and pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) for the District of Columbia.
Register for MPJE -
Verification of Licensure ▾Ensure that verifications from all states where you hold or have held a license are sent directly to the DC Board.
Total Fee
$150
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
District of Columbia Board of Pharmacy
Keeping Your License Active
District of Columbia Pharmacist 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 | $250 |
| Endorsement application | $250 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 150.0 |
Slow Downs
Missing Background Check
▾
Failure to complete the Fieldprint fingerprinting process promptly after paying the application fee will stall the review.
Incomplete NABP Transfer
▾
The Board cannot process reciprocity applications until the official NABP Licensure Transfer form is received.
Transcript Delays
▾
Transcripts must be sent directly from the school; student-submitted copies are not accepted.
Name Discrepancies
▾
Differences in names across transcripts, IDs, and NABP profiles require legal name change documentation (e.g., marriage certificate).
Questions
How many CE hours are required for renewal?
▾
Pharmacists must complete 40 contact hours every two years. This must include 10 hours of live CE, 2 hours in HIV/AIDS, 2 hours in medication safety, 2 hours in LGBTQ cultural competency, and 2 hours in pharmacy law.
When does my pharmacist license expire?
▾
Licenses expire biennially on the last day of the licensee's birth month. If born in an even year, it expires in even years; if born in an odd year, it expires in odd years.
What are the fees for initial licensure?
▾
The initial application fee is $280. There is also a $50 fee for the criminal background check name search.
Can I work while my application is pending?
▾
Applicants may work under supervised practice only after receiving a 'supervised practice letter' from the Board and must only perform the duties of a pharmacy intern.
Does DC require a separate vaccination certification?
▾
Yes, pharmacists must apply for vaccination and immunization authority, which requires a $50 fee and proof of an ACPE-accredited certification course and CPR certification.