Do HVAC contractors need a license in District of Columbia?
Yes. In District of Columbia, designing, installing, maintaining or altering refrigeration or air conditioning systems requires a current District refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic license, issued by the Mayor through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. A refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic is a person who designs, installs, maintains or alters mechanical systems for refrigeration or air conditioning of any public or private building or vehicle. Gas appliance and piping work falls under the separate gasfitter license, and steam engineers and operating engineers are separately licensed occupations. This is D.C. Code §§ 47-2853.02, 47-2853.04, 47-2853.201, 47-2853.203.
| What | District of Columbia |
|---|---|
| HVAC license | Refrigeration and AC mechanic license (District) |
Source
D.C. Code §§ 47-2853.02, 47-2853.04, 47-2853.201, 47-2853.203
Read the statute in the Code of the District of Columbia (DC Council): code.dccouncil.gov.
Checked against the statute on November 13, 2026.
This is a summary of a published statute, not legal advice. Rules change, local ordinances can add to them, and the terms of a specific lease may differ. Check the citation and speak to a lawyer before acting.
How Seayora uses this rule
A contractor on Seayora keeps each license with its issuing state, its expiry date and the last four digits of its number, and the business is warned before one lapses — on the website and both phone apps. A customer finding a pro on Seayora sees whether a license is on file.
Guides on this rule
- Contractor License Requirements by State: Every Trade — Which states require a state license for electricians, plumbers, HVAC, general and home improvement contractors, with the statute for each.
Compare this rule in every state
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