District of Columbia Master Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Bond: A Comprehensive Guide
November 12th, 2020
This guide provides information for insurance agents to help contractors on District of Columbia (Washington D.C) Master Refrigeration and Air Conditioning bonds
At a Glance:
- Average Cost: $175 for the required two year period
- Bond Amount: $5,000
- Who Needs It: All individuals seeking to obtain a master refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic license in the District of Columbia
- Purpose: To ensure the public will receive compensation for any damages should the master refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic fail to comply with licensing law
- Who Regulates Master Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors in the District of Columbia: The District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)
***This page focuses exclusively on the bond and licensing requirements for the Master Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Bonds. For information on the DC Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor Bond and Permits, view our Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor Bond page.***
Background
Code of the District of Columbia 47-2853.201 requires all master refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics operating in the District to obtain a license with the DCRA. The District of Columbia legislature enacted licensing laws and regulations to ensure that master refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics engage in ethical business practices.
In order to provide financial security for the enforcement of the license law, master refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics must purchase and maintain a $5,000 designated master refrigeration and air conditioning surety bond to be eligible for licensure. The bond must expire on September 30th of each even year (2020, 2022, 2024, etc).
What is the Purpose of the District of Columbia Designated Master HVAC Bond?
The District of Columbia requires master refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics to purchase the Master Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Bond as part of the application process for the Master Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic License. The bond ensures that the public will receive compensation for financial harm if the mechanic fails to comply with the licensing regulations. In short, the bond is a type of insurance that protects the public if the mechanic breaks licensing laws.
How Can an Insurance Agent Obtain a DC Designated Master HVACR Surety Bond?
BondExchange makes obtaining a District of Columbia Master Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Bond easy. Simply login to your account and use our keyword search to find the “contractor” bond in our database. Don’t have a login? Enroll now and let us help you satisfy your customers’ needs. Our friendly underwriting staff is available by phone (800) 438-1162, email, or chat from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM EST to assist you.
At BondExchange, our 40 years of experience, leading technology, and access to markets ensure that we have the knowledge and resources to provide your clients with fast and friendly service whether obtaining quotes or issuing bonds.
Is a Credit Check Required for the Master Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Bond?
Credit checks are not required for the DC Master Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Bond.
How Much Does the DC Master Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Bond?
The $5,000 DC Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Designated Master surety bond costs just $175 for the required two-year period.
How Does D.C. Define “Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic”?
Code of the District of Columbia 47-2853.201 defines a refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic as any “person who designs, installs, maintains or alters mechanical systems for refrigeration or air conditioning of any public or private building or vehicle.”
How Do HVACR Designated Masters Apply for a License in Washington D.C.?
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics in D.C. must navigate several steps to secure their license. Below are the general guidelines, but refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics should refer to the DCRA’s How to Apply page for details on the process.
In the District of Columbia, a contracting company can perform refrigeration and air conditioning services. Contractors will need to employ at least one individual with a Master Refrigeration and Air Conditioning License to be eligible to conduct business as a contractor company.
License Period – The District of Columbia refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics license expires on September 30 of every even-numbered year (2020, 2022, 2024, etc) regardless of the date of issuance and must be renewed before the expiration date.
Step 1 – Determine the License Type
The District of Columbia has different classifications of the refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics license dependent on the applicant’s level of experience. The below table outlines the different classifications of the D.C. refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics license and the documentation that must be submitted with each classification:
| Classification | Experience Required | Documentation Required |
| Apprentice | None |
Or
|
| Journeyman by waiver | Apprenticeship Training Program |
Or
Or
|
| Journeyman by exam | 3 years |
And
|
| Master | 5 years |
And
|
Table 1 License Documentation and Experience Requirements
Step 2 – Purchase a Surety Bond
Master refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics will need to purchase and maintain either a $5,000 master refrigeration and air conditioning surety bond. The bond must expire on September 30th of each even-numbered year (2020, 2022, etc).
Step 3 – Complete the Application
All refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic license applications should be submitted online through the DCRA’s licensing portal located here. Applicants will need to provide the following documentation with their application:
-
- A 2” x 2” passport-style photograph
- Government-issued identification (a drivers license or passport will suffice)
- All work experience documentation listed for the applicant’s license class as outlined in Table 1
Step 4 – Pay Fees
Applicants will need to pay the following application fee corresponding to their license type:
-
- Apprenticeship – $175
- Journeyman by waiver – $175
- Journeyman by exam – $260
- Master – $270
- Contractor – $185 (see our contractor page for more details on this license class)
Step 5 – Pass the Exam
Applicants applying for the Master or Journeyman by exam license will need to pass an exam administered by the DCRA. Applicants can schedule a date to take their exam here. The exam is open book and will be administered electronically at the following address:
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Examination Unit, 1100 4th Street SW, Suite E500
Washington, DC 20024
How Do DC Master Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Renew Their License?
Master refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics operating in the District of Columbia can renew their license online through the DCRA’s licensing portal located here.
The District of Columbia refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics license expires on September 30 of every even-numbered year (2020, 2022, 2024, etc) regardless of the date of issuance and must be renewed before the expiration date
How Do DC Master HVACR Mechanics File Their Bond With The DCRA?
Master mechanics should scan the completed bond form and submit it online through the DCRA’s licensing portal along with their license application. The master refrigeration and air conditioning bond require signatures from both the surety company that issues the bond and the master mechanic. The surety company should include the following information on the bond form:
- The legal name of entity/individual(s) buying the bond
- Surety company’s name
- Bond amount
- Date the bond is signed
- Date the bond goes into effect
- Bond type (master mechanic or contractor)
- Date the bond expires
- Two witness signatures for the licensee
How Can DC Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Avoid Bond Claims?
To avoid claims on the Master Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Bond, master mechanics must follow all license regulations in the state, including some of the most important issues below that, tend to cause claims:
- Do not engage, or allow representatives of the business to engage, in any acts of fraud
- Repair all property damage caused through the course of work
What Other Insurance Products Can Agents Offer HVACR Mechanics in Washington DC?
DC does not require master HVACR mechanics to obtain any form of liability insurance. However, most reputable contractors will seek to obtain liability insurance anyway. Bonds are our only business at BondExchange, so we do not issue any form of insurance, but our agents often utilize brokers for this specific line of business. A list of brokers in this space can be found here.
How Can Insurance Agents Prospect for DC Master Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors?
The District of Columbia conveniently provides a public database to search for active master refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics in the state. The database can be accessed here. Contact BondExchange for additional marketing resources
What other Contractor License Bonds are Required in Washington DC?
Contractors in DC will need to obtain specific bonds correlating with their license type. Below are all the different contractor licensing bonds required by the District of Columbia:
