DC issues four social work licenses: LSWA, LGSW, LISW and LICSW. Only the LICSW allows independent clinical practice; the LISW is independent but non-clinical. A clinician initially licensed by an equivalent exam and in good standing elsewhere can apply by endorsement with verifications from every state ever licensed, an ASWB score transfer and a background check.
Washington, DC is small enough that many clinicians who see DC clients live and work in Maryland or Virginia. That is exactly why DC licensing matters: a client who lives two miles from your Bethesda or Arlington office is in a different jurisdiction, and the DC Board of Social Work requires a DC license to practice social work with clients there.
DC's four licenses
DC Health's Board of Social Work issues four licenses. Its Policy Statement 19-001 describes the scope of each:
- LSWA, Licensed Social Work Associate: the bachelor's-level license.
- LGSW, Licensed Graduate Social Worker: at least an MSW. An LGSW may do clinical work only under the supervision of an LICSW, and non-clinical work under an LISW or LICSW.
- LISW, Licensed Independent Social Worker: independent non-clinical practice. An LISW with clinical training may do clinical work only under an LICSW.
- LICSW, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker: independent clinical and non-clinical practice, and the license that can supervise both.
If your home license is an LCSW, LICSW or LISW-CP elsewhere, the DC match is the LICSW. Do not apply for the LISW by analogy with states where "LISW" is clinical; in DC it is not.
Two recent changes are worth knowing. DC Health says that since July 19, 2024, people with an MSW may do non-clinical work such as resource connection and non-clinical case management without a license, as long as they do not call themselves social workers and do not assess, diagnose or treat. DC also dropped the exam requirement for the LGSW on June 10, 2025, and the Board now lists an LGSW education pathway with its own supervision rules at renewal. If that route applies to you, confirm the current details with the Board.
Endorsement into DC
Under 17 DCMR 7007 (amended March 2026), you are eligible for a license by endorsement if you:
- were initially licensed in the U.S. by an exam equivalent to the level you are applying for; and
- are currently licensed in good standing under requirements the Board finds substantially equivalent, at the time you were licensed, to DC's.
The Board's endorsement checklist asks for:
- the online application, a passport-style photo and a government ID;
- three character references, two of them from professional social workers;
- an official transcript sent by the school;
- a work experience form;
- verification from every jurisdiction where you have ever held a professional license, whatever its status (primary-source websites may be accepted);
- an ASWB score transfer;
- a criminal background check; and
- the application and license fee ($230 on the current checklist).
An application left incomplete for 90 days is treated as abandoned. That is a short window when a verification has to come from a board that answers slowly, so order every verification before you submit.
Renewal
DC social work licenses renew every two years; the last renewal window ran May through July 2025. The Board requires 40 CE hours per cycle, at least 6 in live ethics, 2 in LGBTQ cultural competency and 4 on the DC Health director's public health priorities. No more than 12 hours may be pre-recorded or self-study. First renewals are exempt, and licensees with less than two years in the cycle complete half.
DC and the compact
A Social Work Licensure Compact bill (B26-0442) is pending before the DC Council, and the Commission's map lists DC as pending. Maryland and Virginia have both enacted the compact. Once the compact is operating, a clinician whose home state is a live member could treat clients in other live member states, but DC would not be one of them unless the Council enacts the bill. No multistate licenses have been issued anywhere yet.
For a Maryland or Virginia practice with DC clients, a DC LICSW is a License by Endorsement. The DC page has the basics, and the Maryland page covers the other side of the line.
Common questions
- Is a DC LISW a clinical license?
- No. In DC the LISW allows independent non-clinical practice. Clinical work by an LISW requires LICSW supervision. The independent clinical license is the LICSW.
- Do I need a DC license to see DC residents from my Maryland office?
- If the client is in DC when you provide services, such as by telehealth, you need a DC license. Clients who come to your Maryland office are seen under your Maryland license.
- How much CE does DC require?
- Forty hours per two-year cycle, including 6 hours of live ethics, 2 hours of LGBTQ training and 4 hours on public health priorities, with no more than 12 hours of self-study.
- Is DC in the Social Work Licensure Compact?
- Not yet. Bill B26-0442 is pending before the DC Council. Maryland and Virginia have enacted the compact, but no multistate licenses have been issued.
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