Board of Dietetics & Nutrition
P.O. Box 37802
Washington, DC 20013
2201 Shannon Place SE
Washington, DC 20020
Phone: 1 (877) 672-2174
Fax: (202) 442-4795
District of Columbia Dietitian License Types
Licensed Dietitian
Requires current CDR registration (RD/RDN credential), including passage of the CDR examination and completion of an ACEND-accredited program and supervised practice. As of January 1, 2024, CDR requires a minimum master's degree for all new registrants. Fee: $229.
Licensed Nutritionist
Requires a bachelor's degree minimum in human nutrition, foods and nutrition, dietetics, or food systems management from an accredited institution, plus 900 hours of supervised practice. Must pass the CDR Registration Examination. DC also accepts CNS certification. Fee: $264 (includes $26 exam fee).
How to Apply for a District of Columbia Licensed Dietitian
Create Account & Apply Online
Register and submit your application through the DC Health Licensing Portal at doh.force.com/dchealthrenewals. Paper applications have not been accepted since June 14, 2021.
Upload Required Documents
Submit all supporting documentation through the portal: government-issued photo ID, two passport-type photos, CDR registration card, Supplemental Information Form, Moral Character Reference Form, Supervision Verification Form, and official transcripts.
Pay Application & License Fees
Pay the $229 total fee ($85 application + $144 license) through the portal. The $144 license portion is refundable if your application is denied or withdrawn.
Complete Criminal Background Check
Pay the CBC fee through the portal. You will receive a 6-letter code to schedule fingerprinting through FieldPrint, DC Health's vendor. International applicants use the FBI FD-258 fingerprint card process.
Board Review & License Issuance
After all documents and CBC results are received, the Board reviews your application (~3 weeks). Call (202) 934-3848 to request license issuance. License is sent via email.
Application Document Checklist
- Government-issued photo IDDriver's license, passport, or equivalent.
- Two passport-type photographs (2" × 2")Original photos with applicant's name on back.
- Current CDR registration cardShowing active RD/RDN status.
- Supplemental Information FormAvailable in the DC Health initial license application package.
- Moral Character Reference FormAvailable in the DC Health initial license application package.
- Supervision Verification FormSupervisor verifies at least satisfactory performance.
- Official transcripts (sealed)From each accredited institution.
- Letter(s) of good standingFrom each jurisdiction where you hold or held a license — required for endorsement applicants.
- Criminal background check & fingerprintingFBI fingerprinting via FieldPrint, initiated through the online portal.
Provisional Practice & Reciprocity
Provisional Rules
The District of Columbia does not issue temporary practice permits for dietitians. You cannot practice or use protected titles until your license has been formally issued by the Board.
Reciprocity & Endorsement
DC issues dietitian licenses by endorsement for those licensed in other jurisdictions at the same $229 fee. Applicants must still meet all DC requirements, submit a full application, provide letter(s) of good standing from each jurisdiction, and maintain current CDR registration.
District of Columbia Dietitian FAQ
How much does a DC dietitian license cost?
The total initial fee is $229, consisting of an $85 application fee and a $144 license fee. The license fee is refundable if denied or withdrawn. A separate criminal background check fee is paid through the portal. Nutritionist applicants pay $264 (includes $26 exam fee). Duplicate licenses cost $34 each.
Is a criminal background check required for a DC dietitian license?
Yes. Per D.C. Code § 3-1205.22 and 17 DCMR 85, a criminal background check with FBI fingerprinting is required for all initial license applicants. U.S.-based applicants schedule through FieldPrint via the online portal. International applicants use FBI FD-258 fingerprint cards.
What are the continuing education requirements for DC dietitians?
DC requires 30 CEUs per biennial renewal cycle, including a mandatory 2 CEUs in LGBTQ Cultural Competency. Licenses expire November 1 of odd-numbered years. First-time renewals are exempt from CE requirements. CDR registration requires 75 CPEUs every five years separately.