PlainPermit

Do I need a permit for a window or door replacement in Washington, DC?

Short answer: Yes, a permit is required for a window or door replacement in Washington, DC.

Last verified: · Confidence: high · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.
Permit required Confidence: high

Yes, but it can be instant: in-kind replacement of up to 15 windows and up to five exterior doors at a one- or two-family home gets an Instant Permit online. Storm windows and screens need no permit.

What changes the answer

Cost

Fee not extracted; see DC DOB fees. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://dob.dc.gov/page/get-permit

Where to apply

DC Department of Buildings (DOB) online permits

Permitting authority: District of Columbia Department of Buildings (DOB). Covers the District of Columbia. Historic districts remove most exemptions. Work in public space (including many front yards and alleys) needs a separate DDOT public space permit. See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

“Replace in kind of up to 15 windows.”

Source: https://dob.dc.gov/instantpermits

“Replace in kind of up to five exterior doors.”

Source: https://dob.dc.gov/instantpermits

“Installation of window screens and storm windows”

Source: https://dob.dc.gov/page/get-permit

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: high

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Other projects in Washington

Window and door replacement permits in other cities

Compare window and door replacement permit rules in all 25 cities · All District of Columbia cities