Payment methods (direct deposit, pay cards)
Pay in U.S. currency or checks payable on demand. The statute does not mention direct deposit or pay cards. Source: code.dccouncil.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)
Pay stubs
Each payment needs an itemized statement: pay date, gross pay, deductions and additions (tips on a separate line), net pay and hours worked. Source: code.dccouncil.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)
Penalties
Late wages add liquidated damages of 10% of unpaid wages per working day, up to three times the unpaid amount. Source: code.dccouncil.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)
Recent changes
From 1 January 2026, DC pay statements must also list pay beyond base wages and tips, such as bonuses, sales commissions and percentage-based service charges. Source: code.dccouncil.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)
The law and where to check
The law: D.C. Code §§ 32-1302, 32-1008 (opens in a new tab)
The agency: DC Department of Employment Services, Office of Wage-Hour Compliance (opens in a new tab)
What federal law says
Federal law does not set how often employers must pay. Under the FLSA, wages are due on the regular payday for the pay period. State laws set the frequency. Source: U.S. DOL — state payday table↗ (opens in a new tab)
Pay frequency checklist for District of Columbia employers
A simple order of work, based on the rules above. It is not a legal checklist.
- Pick a pay schedule that meets the minimum frequency above.
- Set fixed paydays within the time limit after each pay period ends.
- Tell employees their payday in writing, and post it if required.
- Choose payment methods your state allows (check, direct deposit, pay card).
- Give a pay stub with the details your state requires.
- Keep payroll records.
More District of Columbia employment law guides
- All District of Columbia employment laws
- District of Columbia final paycheck law
- District of Columbia paid sick leave law
- District of Columbia meal and rest break laws
- District of Columbia overtime law
- District of Columbia vacation and PTO payout law
- District of Columbia new hire reporting
- District of Columbia at-will exceptions
Pay frequency laws in other states
See every state on one page, or pick a state:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
All official government sources, last checked October 19, 2026.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information based on publicly available official sources and is for information only. It is not legal, tax, payroll or employment-law advice and does not guarantee compliance with federal, state or local requirements. Rules can depend on your location, industry, contracts and other circumstances, and laws change. Always check the official source, the relevant government agency or a qualified professional before making a decision. MadyHR.ai accepts no responsibility for any action taken based on this page.
Last checked: . Every rule and source link on this page was checked against the official government source on this date. Laws change, so always open the source link before you act.