“Certifi,” the District of Columbia Department of Building’s new online platform, will process all Certificate of Occupancy permits.

You must get a Certificate of Occupancy before occupation and use of the building. Single-family homes, individual units in an apartment or condominium building and individual suites in an office building do not require Certificates of Occupancy.

All new applications for C of Os are now routed through Certifi.  On October 23, 2023, Certifi, began submission and tracking of C of O applications, and issuance of related permits.

Certifi allows users to see which documents are required for various DOB reviews, clarifies and simplifies the application process by allowing users to move through a step-by-step path based on their project’s needs, and increases transparency and efficiency of the review process for applicants and DOB reviewers.

The process is as follows:

• Apply by searching property address, validate identity, then select application type. Complete the generated application form, upload the required documents, and select a date for required CofO inspection(s).
• DOB reviews the application, may request additional information, or, if no additional input or changes are required, generates a draft CofO for the applicant’s approval.
• Once the draft is approved, payment is required, then a download of the final CofO version is made available for download and the certificate must be posted onsite.