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District of Columbia Employment Law

The DC Human Rights Act provides some of the broadest employment protections in the nation, covering all employers with 1+ employees. Protected classes include personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, family responsibilities, gender identity, and source of income. 1-year filing deadline with the DC Office of Human Rights.

At-Will

Yes

Right-to-Work

No

EEOC Deferral

300 days

Min. Wage

$17.50

Local Ordinances in District of Columbia (1)

Washington, DC

DC HRA

D.C. Code §§ 2-1401.01 to 2-1404.04

365 days
1+ employees

The DC Human Rights Act contains the broadest list of protected classes of any jurisdiction in the United States. It covers all employers regardless of size and includes unique categories such as personal appearance, political affiliation, and matriculation (enrollment in an educational institution). The Act is enforced by the DC Office of Human Rights and provides a private right of action in Superior Court.

Protected Classes

racecolorreligionnational originsexage (18+)marital statuspersonal appearancesexual orientationgender identity or expressionfamilial statusfamily responsibilitiesgenetic informationdisabilitymatriculationpolitical affiliationcredit informationstatus as a victim of an intrafamily offensesealed/expunged criminal recordtobacco useunemployment statusreproductive health decisions

Federal Laws That Apply in District of Columbia

These federal statutes protect workers nationwide, including in District of Columbia. As a deferral state, the EEOC filing deadline is extended to 300 days for most claims.

Title VII15+ employees
300 days
ADA15+ employees
300 days
ADEA20+ employees
300 days
EPA1+ employees
730 days
PDA15+ employees
300 days
PWFA15+ employees
300 days
FMLA50+ employees
730 days
FLSA1+ employees
730 days
Section 19811+ employees
1460 days
GINA15+ employees
300 days
USERRA1+ employees
— days
NLRA1+ employees
180 days
OSH Act1+ employees
30 days
WARN Act100+ employees
— days
Rehabilitation Act1+ employees
300 days
SOX Section 8061+ employees
180 days
INA Section 1324b4+ employees
180 days

Check which laws apply to your situation in District of Columbia

Our free assessment identifies applicable federal, state, and local protections based on your specific circumstances.

Check My Rights

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.District of Columbia laws are subject to legislative changes. Consult a qualified employment attorney in District of Columbia for advice about your specific situation. Last reviewed: March 2026.