Download Basic Individual License Application

Apply Online! Review requirements and click the link at the bottom of the page to submit your application.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

• Driver’s license or a non-driver’s license identification issued by a State Department of Motor Vehicles
• License or permit issued by a government agency
• Passport
• Alien card/green card
• City, State, or Federal employee ID card
• Municipal ID card

Online: Applicants can upload an image file of digital passport photo quality.
A digital camera with a resolution of 1 mega-pixel is adequate.

Mail: Applicants can submit a current color passport-size photograph.

In Person By Appointment Only: See Questions section to contact DCWP.
DCWP will photograph license applicants at no cost.

You must schedule an appointment with ExamBuilder to take the Sightseeing Guide Exam.

IMPORTANT:

• You can schedule the exam 24 hours after DCWP has processed your completed license application, which includes required documents and fees. You cannot schedule the exam until DCWP has received and processed required documents and payments. Once DCWP has processed your application, it takes 24 hours for your information to appear in ExamBuilder’s system.
• You have 60 days to take and pass the exam from the time your information appears in ExamBuilder’s system.
• Test Centers are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week in multiple locations citywide. ExamBuilder can confirm available locations when you schedule your exam.
• You can schedule the exam in ONE of two ways:
  1. Online at dcaschedule.exambuilder.com. Enter your Application Number, then click Continue.
  • You can find the Application Number on your License Application Confirmation Page or payment receipt.
  2. By phone: (646) 974-8244
     • Customer service is available from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. seven days a week.

  The exam consists of 150 questions. You must answer a minimum of 97 questions correctly to pass. The $50 exam fee is separate from the license fee and is nonrefundable. If you fail the exam twice, you must pay the exam fee again in order to retake the exam.

  Download the Frequently Asked Questions: Exams and Study Reference to help you prepare for the exam.

Required if someone other than the license applicant will prepare and submit this application. The applicant must sign the license application and all related forms. Download Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.

License Period: 2 years

Expiration Date: March 31 in Even Years

If You File Your Application Between These Dates:

• From April 1 in an even year to September 30 in an even year:
  • Pay $50 for a license expiring March 31 of the next even year. (Valid for at most 24 months.)
• From October 1 in an even year to March 31 in an odd year:
  • Pay $38 for a license expiring March 31 of the soonest even year. (Valid for at most 18 months.)
• From April 1 in an odd year to September 30 in an odd year:
  • Pay $25 for a license expiring March 31 of the soonest even year. (Valid for at most 12 months.)
• From October 1 in an odd year to March 31 in an even year:
  • Option 1: Pay $13 for a license expiring March 31 of the soonest or same even year. (Valid for at most 6 months.)
  • Option 2: Pay $63 for a license expiring March 31 of the following even year. (Valid for at most 30 months.)

Pay by:

• Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card only) (Online or in person)
  You will be charged a nonrefundable 2% Convenience Fee.
• eCheck (Online)
• Check or money order payable to DCWP (In person or by mail)