(Washington, DC) —The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) today launched its Online Supplemental Permit site for use by licensed DC contractors in the electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and air conditioning/refrigeration trades.  

The expanded capability lets contractors apply, pay for and get supplemental permits — entirely over the Internet, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Supplemental permits cover systems such as electrical, plumbing and gas, air conditioning and refrigeration, fuel burning equipment, miniature boilers, and unfired pressure vessels. 

This is DCRA’s second online permit option: the first, Online Postcard Permits, was implemented in August 2007. 

“We understand that the permit process has been challenging for many District residents and businesses. Online permitting is just one way DCRA is improving customer service.” said Mayor Adrian M. Fenty. “We’re looking forward to the efficiency and economic benefits of expanded online permitting in the months to come.” 

DCRA Director Linda K. Argo said, “We know time is money for contractors and their customers. Overall, this innovation can save them at least 6,000 and as many as 8,000 trips a year to our Permit Center. And we’re on track to reduce that number even further, when we bring the majority of our permits online by the end of 2008.” 

To start the Supplemental Permit application process, each customer should:  

• Set up an email address, if he or she doesn’t have one
• Go to dcra.dc.gov Click on the Permits link 
• Click on Get a Supplemental Permit Online
• Read the directions carefully to make sure the property doesn’t have special requirements
• Follow the steps from there 

Each permit must be paid for online with a credit card.  

When the application is complete and paid for, the supplemental permit is issued as an Adobe PDF file. This file can be printed and can be saved on a personal computer.