DMV permits, filed
by specialists who know every agency.
We know DC DOB, Montgomery DPS, Fairfax LDS, Prince George's DPS, Arlington PZM, Alexandria, and Baltimore inside and out. We file, track, and get you approved — every form, every agency, every comment cycle.
500+
Permits filed
5–7
Day turnaround
98%
First-pass approval
7
Jurisdictions
7 Jurisdictions
Every DMV agency. One team.
Each jurisdiction has its own portal, timeline, agency contacts, and comment patterns. Our specialists work each one daily — no learning curve, no surprises.
Washington DC
Dept. of Buildings (DOB)
Residential permits: 3–6 weeks over-the-counter. Full plan review: 2–5 months. HPRB review required for historic properties.
Montgomery County
Dept. of Permitting Services (DPS)
Online ePlans submission. Residential addition review: 4–8 weeks. Expedited track available. HOA coordination required in many communities.
Prince George's Co.
Dept. of Permitting Services (DPS)
Plan review 4–10 weeks depending on project complexity. Stormwater management review required for impervious surface changes.
Fairfax County
Land Development Services (LDS)
One of the fastest jurisdictions in the DMV. Online Permit Portal. Minor residential permits often approved in 2 weeks. Comprehensive zoning ordinance.
Arlington County
Planning & Zoning Management
Dense urban environment with strict impervious surface rules. Form-Based Code applies to certain corridors. Historic district review in Maywood, Lyon Park, etc.
Alexandria City
Dept. of Planning & Zoning
Strong historic district oversight (Old Town). BAR review required for historic properties. Relatively streamlined for non-historic residential projects.
Baltimore City
Dept. of Housing & Community Dev.
Online One-Stop Shop portal. Longer timelines for plan review. Significant backlog for complex projects. Rowhouse and attached-unit experience required.
All Project Types
Every DMV permit we file
Residential, commercial, historic — we handle the full range across all 7 DMV jurisdictions.
Kitchen Remodel
4 permits typical
Cabinetry, island, plumbing & electrical — one coordinated package across any DMV jurisdiction.
Bathroom Remodel
3 permits typical
Plumbing, tile, electrical, and ventilation permits. In-place replacements often OTC.
Home Addition
6 permits typical
Structural, MEP, zoning, setback, and impervious coverage review — full coordination.
ADU / In-Law Suite
5 permits typical
By-right ADU permits: 4–8 weeks in most DMV jurisdictions. Variance projects: 3–6 months.
HVAC / Mechanical
2 permits typical
Heating, cooling, and ventilation permits across all 7 jurisdictions.
Electrical Upgrade
1 permit typical
Panel upgrades, EV chargers, and service upgrades — expedited OTC in most DMV jurisdictions.
Whole House Renovation
8 permits typical
Multi-permit coordination across trades — structural, MEP, and exterior.
Historic Properties
5 permits typical
HPRB and local BAR review, Secretary of Interior standards, preservation compliance.
Commercial / Retail TI
5 permits typical
Tenant improvements, restaurant build-outs, and office renovations in DC, MD, and VA.
Deck & Patio
2 permits typical
Structural and occupancy permits. Decks over 30" from grade require permits in all DMV jurisdictions.
New Construction
12 permits typical
Full permit coordination from foundation to certificate of occupancy in any DMV jurisdiction.
Multi-Family
10 permits typical
Complex multi-unit residential permits across all trades and occupancy classes.
Simple Process
From intake to approval in 3 steps
01
Select your jurisdiction & package
Tell us your jurisdiction (DC, Montgomery, Fairfax, etc.) and project type. We confirm the exact permit path and fee schedule for your address.
02
We prepare your complete package
Drawings, supporting documents, agency-specific forms, and application checklists assembled within 5–7 business days by our DMV specialists.
03
Filed, tracked & approved
We submit to the correct agency (DOB, DPS, LDS, etc.), monitor status in each jurisdiction's portal, and respond to any comment letters until you're approved.
Permit Timelines
Current turnaround by jurisdiction
Updated quarterly based on active submissions
| Jurisdiction | Agency | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Washington DC | DC DOB | 3 wks – 5 mo |
| Montgomery County | Montgomery DPS | 4–8 weeks |
| Prince George's Co. | PG DPS | 4–10 weeks |
| Fairfax County | Fairfax LDS | 2–4 weeks |
| Arlington County | Arlington PZM | 3–6 weeks |
| Alexandria City | Alexandria P&Z | 3–8 weeks |
| Baltimore City | Baltimore DHCD | 4–12 weeks |
Licensed Professionals
Every application reviewed and certified by licensed permit expediters with 10+ years of DMV experience across all 7 jurisdictions.
5–7 Day Turnaround
Complete applications assembled in 5–7 business days. Rush service available for DC DOB expedited review and Fairfax fast-track.
Agency Coordination
We handle all correspondence, RFI responses, and inspection coordination directly with DC DOB, Montgomery DPS, Fairfax LDS, and every other DMV agency.
Common Questions
DMV permit FAQs
How long does DMV permitting take?
Fairfax residential permits: 2–4 weeks. Montgomery DPS residential: 4–8 weeks. DC DOB over-the-counter: 3–6 weeks. DC DOB full plan review: 2–5 months. We confirm current timelines for your specific project before filing.
What areas do you cover?
Washington DC (DOB), Montgomery County (DPS), Prince George's County (DPS), Fairfax County (LDS), Arlington County (PZM), Alexandria City, and Baltimore City. We have active agency relationships in all 7 jurisdictions.
Does a kitchen remodel require a permit in the DMV?
Cosmetic work (paint, hardware, appliance swap) typically does not. Moving walls, adding circuits, relocating plumbing, or structural changes require permits in every DMV jurisdiction.
Does a deck always need a permit in the DMV?
Decks over approximately 30 inches from grade require a permit in virtually all DMV jurisdictions. Ground-level patios typically do not. We confirm the specific threshold for your county.
Do all DMV jurisdictions allow ADUs?
All DMV jurisdictions allow some form of ADU, but rules vary significantly by county. Eligibility depends on lot size, setbacks, existing impervious coverage, and water/sewer capacity. We run the eligibility check as part of every ADU permit engagement.
How do I know if my property is in a historic district?
Many properties in DC, Annapolis, Alexandria, Frederick, and other DMV communities are in local or national historic districts without the owner's knowledge. We check this at the start of every engagement and route historic projects through HPRB or local BAR as required.
Which DMV jurisdictions offer expedited review?
Fairfax, Montgomery, and DC (for certain project types) have formal expedited review programs. We confirm availability and file for expedited track when timeline is critical.
Ready to get your DMV permit filed?
Most applications submitted within 5–7 business days.
DC DOB · Montgomery DPS · Fairfax LDS · Prince George's DPS · Arlington PZM · Alexandria · Baltimore
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