Optometrist / District of Columbia
2026 data District of Columbia board official source

District of Columbia Optometrist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Examines eyes for vision defects and prescribes corrective lenses.

What the District of Columbia data shows for Optometrists

To practice as an optometrist in District of Columbia, the state licensing board requires 4,573 documented education or training hours, a passing score on NBEO Exam Series. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under District of Columbia's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Optometry (OD)".

Budget $319 to get started, plus $261 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 40-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

On reciprocity, optometrists should know: Not part of compact — state-by-state endorsement.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
26/100
Optometrist · District of Columbia

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
4,573 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$319
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$131/yr
$261 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
20.0 hrs/yr
40 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in District of Columbia

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Optometry (OD)
4,573 hours
Exam Requirement
NBEO Exam Series
Required
Initial License Fee
$319
Renewal Fee
$261
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
40 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Optometrist All District of Columbia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with District of Columbia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Optometrist in District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia requires 4573 education/training hours, passing an exam (NBEO Exam Series), and an initial fee of $319. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as an Optometrist in District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia licenses optometrists who complete its requirements (4573 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the District of Columbia licensing board.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to District of Columbia from another state? ▼
Optometrist licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Not part of compact — state-by-state endorsement. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The District of Columbia licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does District of Columbia require a background check for Optometrist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the optometrist licensing process in District of Columbia. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Optometrist in District of Columbia? ▼
Licensed optometrists in District of Columbia must complete 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $261.

Related Guides

What to do with this optometrist license

Optometrist in District of Columbia, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in an optometrist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how District of Columbia's optometrist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Optometrist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state optometrist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how District of Columbia's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. District of Columbia overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the District of Columbia licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.