DC Telecommunications Relay Service / 711

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Overview
The District of Columbia Telecommunications Relay Service (DC Relay) is a vital communication service administered by the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia and provided by Hamilton Relay. This free public service enables 24/7 telephone conversations between people who use standard phones and those who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or have difficulty speaking.

Services available
DC Relay offers several specialized services:

  • Traditional TTY (Text Telephone): Allows people who are deaf or hard of hearing to type their conversations using a text-based device
  • Speech-to-Speech (STS): Provides communication assistants who serve as a clear voice for people with speech difficulties
  • Captioned Telephone Service (CapTel): Displays real-time captions of conversations on specially designed phones, allowing users to read while listening
  • ASCII Service: Enables computer-to-phone communications using American Standard Code for Information Interchange
  • Spanish Relay: Provides relay services in Spanish for both TTY and voice users
How DC Relay Works
  1. Dial 711 (the nationwide relay number) to connect with DC Relay
  2. A trained communication assistant (CA) will answer your call
  3. Provide the phone number you wish to call
  4. The CA will facilitate the conversation by relaying messages between both parties
  5. All calls are strictly confidential
Toll-Free Access Numbers
  • TTY: (800) 643-3768
  • Voice: (800) 643-3769
  • ASCII: (800) 898-0137
  • Speech-to-Speech: (800) 898-0740
  • Spanish TTY: (800) 546-7111
  • Spanish Voice: (800)546-5111
Privacy and Confidentiality
All relay calls are confidential. CAs follow strict protocols to protect user privacy and are prohibited from disclosing any information about relay calls. There is no cost to use DC Relay, although equipment and long-distance charges may apply.