Need an Appointment?
Please email us at archives@dc.gov
Building Permits and Architectural Plans
To request building permits and blueprints or technical drawings, researchers must visit the DC Department of Buildings (DOB), at 1100 4th Street, SW, or submit a request online (note that you are looking for assistance with "building permits and plans" and then put the address of the property in the box for more information). DOB staff will route your request to the DC Archives if appropriate. DC Archives staff will process your request and contact you to schedule an appointment to review or pick up documents.
Trying to find your square and lot number? Visit the Recorder of Deeds' DC Real Property Finder site here.
- To complete your search, enter the address for the location of interest. In the results, the Square will be shown. If you zoom in closer the Lots will be notated by dots.
- It is recommended that you have the Square and Lot number before contacting the Office of Public Records
What else can I do with the Square and Lot number?
For deeds, trusts, transfers, releases and other documents related to property you may find these in the Land Record Index. It is available onsite Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 am and 12 pm. A selection of these cards are searchable and available through our online archive. It can be found here: DC Archives Digital Land Record Card Database
Requesting Vital Records:
The following documents can only be requested from the Office of Vital Records:
- Your Birth Certificate
- Your child's Birth Certificate
- Your parent's Birth Certificate
- Birth Certificates after 1896
- Death Certificates after 1945
To contact Vital Records please use the below information:
Office of Vital Records
Link: https://dchealth.dc.gov/vital-records
Address: 2201 Shannon Pl SE, Washington, DC 20020
Email: doh@dc.gov
Vital Records: (202) 442-9303
Probate Records:
Requests for probated records must be submitted to the DC Courts. Please visit their website to submit a request for Probate Searches and Copies. The site can be found here: https://www.dccourts.gov/services/probate-matters/request-for-probate-searches-and-copies
Marriage Records Not at OPR:
If you are requesting marriage records within 100 years of today's date, please contact the DC Superior Court's Marriage Bureau. They can be reached here: https://www.dccourts.gov/services/marriage-matters
Current Public Records:
Knowing where to find public records can sometimes be confusing. The Office of Public Records holds historic public records of the Government of the District of Columbia. However, you may be interested in current public records. Please use these links to find that information.
The SCOUT system: https://scout.dcra.dc.gov/login-32554
A Collection of Websites Containing Current Public Records: https://scout.dcra.dc.gov/resouces-9986
*Some sites require you to register with AccessDC to view documents.
