District of Columbia Dietitian License
Board of Dietetics & Nutrition
Total Fee
$329
Processing Time
3 to 5 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Fieldprint
Temp License
Not available
N/A
What You'll Need
- CDR Registration Card — A current copy of your Commission on Dietetic Registration card.
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Board.
- Passport Photo — One recent 2x2 passport-type photo of the applicant's face.
- Supplemental Information Form — A required form detailing professional experience and references.
- Moral Character Reference Form — A form to be completed by a professional reference who has known you for at least three years.
How to Apply
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1. Register on DC Health Portal ▾Register and complete the online application form via the DC Health Licensing Portal.
Open DC Health Portal -
2. Enter Demographic Information ▾Provide your full legal name, contact details, and demographic information.
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3. Provide Social Security Number ▾Enter your SSN, or submit a sworn affidavit if you do not have one.
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4. Upload Passport Photo ▾Upload one (1) 2x2 original passport-style photograph.
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5. Upload Government ID ▾Provide a photocopy of a valid driver's license or passport.
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6. Name Change Documentation ▾If applicable, upload a marriage certificate or court order documenting any name changes.
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7. Complete Supplemental Information Form ▾Fill out the Board-specific supplemental information document.
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8. Submit Supervisory Verification Form ▾Obtain and submit verification of your pre-professional supervised practice experience.
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9. Submit Official Transcripts / CDR Card ▾Request your university to send official electronic transcripts directly to dcbodn@dc.gov, or submit a copy of your current CDR registration card.
Visit CDR Website -
10. Obtain Moral Character Reference ▾Have a professional colleague complete the moral character reference form on your behalf.
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11. Complete Criminal Background Check (CBC) ▾Pay the $50 CBC fee. You will receive an email with a six-letter code and a link to schedule your fingerprinting appointment via Fieldprint.
CBC Instructions -
12. Answer Screening Questions ▾Complete the legal and disciplinary history questionnaire.
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13. Obtain Clean Hands Certification ▾Verify that you do not owe more than $100 to the DC government. This certification is issued automatically during the application process.
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14. License Verifications (Endorsement Only) ▾If applying via endorsement from another state, request formal verification from all states where you currently hold a license (~$20 per state).
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15. Submit Final Fee Payment ▾Pay the total fee of $279 ($85 application fee + $144 initial license fee + $50 CBC fee) to the DC Treasurer.
Pay on Portal
Total Fee
$329
Processing Time
3 to 5 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
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.
Steps
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Verify Out-of-State License ▾Ensure you hold an active, valid license in another jurisdiction with standards substantially equivalent to DC.
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Submit Endorsement Application ▾Select 'Licensure by Endorsement' in the DC Health Licensing Portal and pay the $279 fee.
Apply by Endorsement -
Request License Verification ▾Request official verification of licensure from every state where you have ever held a license to be sent directly to the DC Board.
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Complete Background Check ▾Follow the fingerprinting process via Fieldprint after submitting your application.
CBC Details
Total Fee
$144
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years (Nov 1, odd years) + 30 CEUs (incl. 2 LGBTQ Cultural Competency, 3 Public Health)
Compact
No
Board
Board of Dietetics & Nutrition
Keeping Your License Active
District of Columbia Dietitian licenses renew Every 2 years (Nov 1, odd years) + 30 CEUs (incl. 2 LGBTQ Cultural Competency, 3 Public Health). Contact the Board of Dietetics & Nutrition for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $279 |
| Endorsement application | $279 |
| Fingerprint check | $50 |
| Temporary permit | N/A |
| Renewal | 144.0 |
Slow Downs
Missing Supplemental Forms
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Applicants often submit the online portal data but fail to upload the specific PDF Supplemental Information or Moral Character forms.
Non-Direct Transcripts
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Transcripts must be sent directly from the school; student-uploaded copies are generally not accepted for primary source verification.
Fingerprinting Inaction
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Delays occur when applicants do not schedule their Fieldprint appointment immediately after receiving their registration code.
Questions
How much does it cost to get a dietitian license in DC?
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The total is $279, broken down as: $85 non-refundable application fee, $144 initial license fee (refundable if denied), and $50 criminal background check (CBC) fee. Additional costs may include ~$20 for verification of licensure from another state, and $10-$20 for official transcripts from your university.
What is the extra $20 beyond the $279?
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The additional ~$20 typically covers one of: (1) Verification of Licensure — if applying via endorsement, most boards charge ~$20 to send verification to DC; (2) Transcript Fees — universities typically charge $10-$20 for official electronic transcripts; or (3) NPDB Self-Query processing fee, if required.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal?
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You must complete 30 contact hours of CE every two years, including 2 hours of LGBTQ cultural competency and 3 hours (10%) of Public Health Priorities.
When do DC dietitian licenses expire?
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Licenses expire on November 1st of odd-numbered years. New licenses issued after June 2024 may align with the licensee's birth month.
Is a master's degree required for licensure?
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As of January 1, 2024, the CDR requires a minimum of a master's degree to be eligible for the registration exam, which is a prerequisite for DC licensure.
How long does it take to get licensed?
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Once all 15 steps are completed and documents are received, the Board typically processes licenses within 4-6 weeks. Ensure transcripts are sent directly from your institution to dcbodn@dc.gov.
What is the difference between LD and LN fees?
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Licensed Dietitian (LD) total is $279. Licensed Nutritionist (LN) is $314 ($264 for application/license + $50 for CBC) because the LN track includes an examination component.
Does DC accept paper applications?
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No. DC Health no longer accepts paper applications. Everything must be submitted through the online portal at dohenterprise.my.site.com.