District of Columbia

At a Glance

Licensure

Endorsement & Reciprocity

• Available: Yes
• Named reciprocity partners: MD, VA
• Fees: $805 + $50 criminal background check (CBC), under the DMV Reciprocity path.
• Verification scope: IMLC operational-date quote ('became operational on June 12, 2023... 37 states and territories') was current as of the source page's last update, not independently re-verified against the live IMLC member count; DC's own listing of itself as an IMLC member is treated as the primary confirmation. reciprocity_states inferred from a quote that names MD/VA in the context of a carve-out (foreign-trained physicians are EXCLUDED from reciprocity) rather than a clean statement of the full DMV Reciprocity Pathway's scope — flagged for manual confirmation of exactly which credential types the MD/VA reciprocity covers.
• DMV Reciprocity path is open to current MD/VA licensees.

Verified 2026-08-14 Report an error

CME & Training Requirements

Fingerprint Requirements

Malpractice Insurance

Malpractice insurance: Not yet verified — whether this state mandates professional liability coverage as a condition of licensure is being researched.

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Giving Up a License

• Status after lapse: A license/registration/certification not renewed by its expiration date (or during the period of late renewal) expires but remains reinstatable (not a new-application requirement) for up to 5 years.
• Lapse consequences: Beyond 5 years post-expiration, the board 'shall not' reinstate; the individual must instead qualify under the requirements for a brand-new license application. A reinstatement fee applies, and anyone out of active practice more than 2 years before applying may be required to show current competency (training, testing, or practice monitoring).
• Voluntary surrender: Not available — DC's codified 'voluntary surrender' statute (§3-1205.17) is explicitly limited to a health professional who is under investigation or a pending misconduct proceeding; surrender does not preclude civil/criminal penalties. A separate, distinct provision (§3-1205.18) covers voluntary limitation/surrender specifically by an impaired health professional. Neither is a good-standing, non-discipline surrender option; DC's non-disciplinary exit mechanism is Emeritus status (see good_standing_exit) instead.
• Reinstatement: Reinstatement within 5 years of expiration requires: application to the board, compliance with current reinstatement requirements, payment of a reinstatement fee, and satisfactory evidence of meeting current licensure qualifications; anyone not in active practice for more than 2 years preceding the application may additionally be required to prove current competency.
• Exit in good standing: Available — Emeritus status requires at least 10 years of relevant licensed practice in DC, a declaration of retirement from active practice in all jurisdictions where licensed, no pending discipline anywhere, and no prior revocation/suspension anywhere. Holder may use the professional title but not practice or hold themself out as able to practice; may return to active status within 5 years by paying a fee and meeting current CE/competency requirements, or after 5 years only via a brand-new application.

Verified 2026-08-14 Report an error

Sources

Data compiled from territorial medical board websites, FSMB, and regulatory filings.

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