How to Register an X-Ray Machine in District of Columbia: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Opening, buying, moving, or changing an X-ray facility in District of Columbia can involve several radiation-control steps. This guide puts the ordinary registration sequence, official links, timing, fees, and records in one place.
Heartland Physics can help organize X-ray registration information and technical records. Shielding design must be performed by a person who meets the jurisdiction's qualification rules; Heartland provides shielding services only where its current authorization and qualifications cover the project.
Quick answer
DC Health registers radiation-producing machines through the Division of Radiation Control and Medical Devices. The division's online portal accepts Radiation Producing Machines applications, supporting documents, and payment. DC Health stopped accepting paper applications for this division effective April 10, 2023.
Start here: official forms and filing links
Use the official links below for the current application, instructions, or radiation-control program page. Forms, fees, and filing systems can change, so use the current agency version rather than an old saved copy.
What to gather before you start
• Facility legal name, physical location, mailing/billing information, and responsible owner or operator
• Each X-ray machine's manufacturer, model, serial number, tube information, room/location, and intended use
• Radiation Safety Officer or other responsible-person information when requested
• Shielding plan, room drawing, workload/occupancy assumptions, or plan-review documentation when applicable
• Installer or assembler reports, acceptance testing, inspection/calibration records, and applicable professional credentials
• Current application fee or payment information
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Handle the room and shielding requirements
Address shielding and radiation-protection requirements before operation and retain the final plans, barrier information, and any required radiation surveys with the facility record. The District also separately regulates health-physics service providers.
Step 2: Complete the registration application
Create an account in the DC Radiation Control online application portal, choose Radiation Producing Machines, and complete the facility, responsible-operator, radiation-safety, and equipment information requested by the system.
Step 3: Submit the application and fee
Upload the requested supporting documents and submit payment through the online portal. DC Health's current division page states that paper applications are no longer accepted for these applications.
Step 4: Complete the post-filing requirements
Keep the issued registration certification and technical records at the facility. Report changes that make the registration information inaccurate within the period required by DC Health.
Step 5: Renew and report changes
Follow the expiration and renewal instructions shown in the DC online portal and on the issued registration. Update registered machine and facility information when it changes.
Cost
The current online portal determines the applicable filing/payment amount for the registration type. Confirm the fee in the portal rather than relying on an older paper-form fee schedule.
Regulatory contact
DC Health Radiation Protection: 877-672-2174.
Keep these records together
• Submitted application and payment receipt
• Current registration certificate, permit, license, inspection approval, or written regulator determination
• Shielding design, calculations, room drawings, and plan-review correspondence when applicable
• Installer/assembler paperwork, acceptance tests, calibration records, and equipment-performance reports
• Inspection reports, operating procedures, staff training, dosimetry, maintenance, and other records required for the facility
Important reminder
This is a practical guide to the ordinary radiation-machine process, not a substitute for the regulator's current instructions. Mammography, radiation therapy, mobile services, industrial radiography, research equipment, and other specialized uses can trigger additional permits, professional qualifications, inspections, or federal requirements.
Official source and review date
Heartland Physics last checked this guide against the official sources listed above on August 20, 2026.
For Heartland Physics project inquiries, email Lancer@heartlandphysics.com.