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District of Columbia Respiratory Therapist License

DC Board of Respiratory Care

Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Official Transcript — Must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Board.
  • NBRC Score Report — Official passing scores sent directly from the National Board for Respiratory Care. Request Scores
  • Passport Photo — One recent 2x2 passport-style color photograph of the applicant's face.
  • Government Issued ID — A clear photocopy of a current driver's license or passport.
  • Criminal Background Check — Completed via Fieldprint after payment of the CBC fee in the portal. CBC Info

How to Apply

  1. Verify Education and Examination ▾
    Ensure you have graduated from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program and passed the NBRC CRT or RRT examination.
    NBRC Website
  2. Create Portal Account ▾
    Register for an account on the DC Health Professional Licensing Portal to begin your application.
    DC Health Portal
  3. Submit Online Application ▾
    Complete the online application for 'Initial License by Examination'. You will need to upload a passport-style photo and a copy of your government-issued ID.
    Apply Online
  4. Pay Application and CBC Fees ▾
    Pay the $254 application fee and the $50 Criminal Background Check (CBC) fee through the portal.
  5. Complete Fingerprinting ▾
    After paying the CBC fee, you will receive a Fieldprint code via email. Use this code to schedule your fingerprinting appointment at a Fieldprint location.
    Schedule Fingerprinting
  6. Submit Official Documents ▾
    Request your official transcripts and NBRC score reports to be sent directly from the respective institutions to the DC Board of Respiratory Care.
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements ▾
Respiratory Therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.
Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State License ▾
    Ensure you hold an active, valid license in another jurisdiction with requirements substantially equivalent to DC.
  2. Submit Endorsement Application ▾
    Select 'Initial License by Endorsement' in the DC Health portal and pay the $254 fee.
    Endorsement Application
  3. Request License Verifications ▾
    Request official verification of licensure from every state where you have ever held a license to be sent directly to the DC Board.
  4. Complete Background Check ▾
    Pay the $50 CBC fee and complete the fingerprinting process through Fieldprint.
    Fieldprint
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
DC Board of Respiratory Care

Keeping Your License Active

District of Columbia Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the DC Board of Respiratory Care for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal50.0

Slow Downs

Third-Party Document Delays ▾
Transcripts and NBRC scores must be sent directly to the Board; delays often occur when applicants try to send these themselves.
Incomplete Background Checks ▾
Failure to schedule or attend the fingerprinting appointment after paying the fee stops the application review.
Screening Question Documentation ▾
Answering 'Yes' to any disciplinary or legal screening questions without providing a detailed explanation and supporting court/board documents.

Questions

How many continuing education hours are required for renewal? ▾
16 total hours are required every two years, including 2 hours of ethics, 2 hours of LGBTQ education, and 10% (1.6 hours) in public health priorities.
When does my DC respiratory therapist license expire? ▾
Under the new system effective June 2024, licenses expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month. Previously, they expired on January 31 of odd-numbered years.
Can I practice while my application is pending? ▾
Yes, an applicant may practice under the direct supervision of a licensed respiratory therapist for up to 90 days while their application is pending.
What is the total cost for an initial license? ▾
The total cost is $304, which includes a $254 application fee and a $50 criminal background check fee.

Board Info

DC Board of Respiratory Care
Phone(202) 442-8336
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25