Question:  Where is the District of Columbia Archives located?

Answer:  The DC Archives is located at 1300 Naylor Court NW, between 9th and 10th, N and Streets, NW – a half block north of Walter Washington Convention Center.

Question:  When is the District of Columbia Archives open to conduct research and what are the research hours?

Answer:  The DC Archives has open research hours for individuals researching land records on Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 9 am and noon. Requests for records to be pulled by a staff member must be made by 11:00 am. All other research is by appointment only. Email archives@dc.gov to schedule an appointment.

Question:  What genealogical records are available at the District of Columbia Archives?

Answer:  Birth Certificates (1874-1897); Death Certificates (1874-1945); Marriage Certificates (1870-1920); Wills (1801-1999); Indentures of Apprenticeship (1812-1893); and Guardianship and Administrative Bonds (1862-1939).

Question:  Can I get a probated will at the District of Columbia Archives?

Answer:  No, probated wills are available through the DC Superior Court website here: https://www.dccourts.gov/superior-court/probate-division

Question:  Can researchers submit email requests to the Archives for copies of records?

Answer:  Yes, email requests may be sent to archives@dc.gov.

Question:  How can I schedule an appointment to conduct research at the Archives?

Answer:  Call (202) 671-1105 or email to schedule an appointment for research.

Question:  How do I gain access to records of agencies that are in the custody of the Records Center?

Answer:  You must contact the records officer of the agency who will process and submit the request to the Records Center for service.

Question:  Can I get a certified copy of records in the Archives from the Office of Public Records?

Answer:  Yes.  The public records administrator certifies records in the custody of the Archives.

Question:  Can I get a certified copy of records in the Records Center from the Office of Public Records?

Answer:  No. The State Archivist and Public Records Administrator only certifies records in the custody of the Archives. Records in the holdings of the Records Center are in the custody of the agencies, and therefore, those records are certified by the records officers or other authorized personnel from the agencies.

Question:  Where are deeds and land records that were in the Recorder of Deeds at 515 D Street, NW?

Answer:  The deeds and land records from August 1921 to the present are available on the Recorder of Deeds website. Deed and land records prior to that time were transferred to the DC Archives. For more information, you may also contact the Recorder of Deeds at 1101 4th Street, SW, 5th floor, (202) 727-5374.

Question:  How does the public gain access to deeds and land records prior to August 1921?

Answer:  Requests and appointments to conduct research on deeds and land records prior to August 1921 must be emailed to archives@dc.gov.