Why Snap311 exists
Since May 2026, DC 311 has publicly acknowledged issues with its official mobile app and has been directing residents to file service requests another way — by calling 311, using the online portal at 311.dc.gov, or chatting with a live agent.
Snap311 is an independent, unofficial alternative. It talks to the same DC 311 system as the official app, the website, and the phone line — your reports go to the same place. The difference is a fast, photo-first flow, drafts that save and send themselves when you're offline or when DC 311's own system is down, real tracking once a report is filed, and a simple UI that doesn't fight you.
It also shows you what neighbors have already reported nearby on a live map — so you can see what's open or overdue and skip filing a duplicate — and it turns staying on top of your block into something you might actually keep up, with civic points, streaks, and achievements as you go.
Not affiliated with DC's Office of Unified Communications or any DC government agency. For emergencies, call 911.
How it works
- 1
Snap a photo
Camera opens. Location is pulled from your photo's GPS automatically.
- 2
Pick a category
Recent and most common categories are at the top. Search for the rest.
- 3
Submit
Goes straight to DC's 311 system. Track its status and get notified when it's closed.
See it in action
DC 311, right now
Open 311 requests across DC, live — a preview of the fuller map in the app.
How it's better than the official app
Snap311 files into the same DC 311 system — it just gets you there faster, goes further once you're done, and doesn't fall over when you need it.
Faster, with fewer taps
- Camera-first — snap a photo and the location fills itself in; attach up to 5
- Forms open instantly from cache — no stalling on strained cellular
- Guided forms ask only the questions your report type actually needs
- Save the categories you report most as Favorites for quick access
Built so nothing gets lost
- Drafts save and auto-send when you're back online or DC 311 recovers
- Honest banners when DC 311 is down — not an endless spinner
- Requests time out gracefully and retry on their own
- Photos keep uploading in the background, even if your signal drops
Goes further than the official app
- See what's already reported nearby on a live map — and skip filing a duplicate
- Track every report: live status, handling department, expected dates, full timeline
- Export or share any report, or re-file a recurring issue in a couple of taps
- Add reports you filed by phone or web by SR number
On your side
- No Snap311 account or servers — reports go straight to DC 311, your info stays on your device
- No ads, no tracking
- Earn civic points, streaks, and achievements as you help fix the city
- Free, and built by a DC neighbor — not a contractor
Power tools
Once the basics are fast, Snap311 keeps going — shortcuts for the reports you file most, and less typing on the ones you don't.
Frequent requests
NewReport the same thing over and over? Save a filled-out report once, then tap it from your home screen to file it again — you only fill in what changed. Rename or remove your saved requests any time from the Manage screen.
Scan to report
NewWatching a recurring problem spot — an alley that keeps getting dumped in, a light that's always out? Turn a saved request into a clean, printable “Scan to report” poster. Post it, and anyone walking by can scan the QR to open that exact report, prefilled, and file it in a couple of taps.
Quick Capture
NewStart a report straight from your home screen, before the app even opens. Add the “Report now” widget on Android, or press and hold the app icon on iOS — either one drops you right into the camera.
Scan a tag or vehicle ID
ExperimentalReporting a parking issue or a dumped scooter? Point your camera at the license plate or vehicle ID and Snap311 reads it for you — entirely on your device, nothing sent anywhere. You can still type it in.
What early testers are saying
Just used this for submitting a ticket, and it was so much easier than the 311 website.
The gamifying is amazing — I wish it didn't give me a dopamine rush, but it does.
What's new
OTA update to v0.5.0July 15, 2026
- AddedA heads-up before you file a request DC 311 would bounce.
- FixedRejection messages from DC 311 are readable again.
Buy Me a Coffee
Snap311 is free and I plan to keep it that way. If it's saved you a frustrating round-trip with the official app, your contribution helps to provide moral and financial support for further development.
Buy Me a CoffeeFrequently asked
Is this an official DC government app?
No. Snap311 is an independent, unofficial app made by someone who loves DC. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the District of Columbia government.
How do you handle my data?
Snap311 has no servers of its own — your reports go straight to DC's official 311 system through their existing API, and your details stay on your device. There's no Snap311 account: you can file with no login at all, and the optional "Sign in" logs you into your own official DC 311 account (never a Snap311 one) so your reports show up there too. Snap311 never sees, stores, or syncs your data. Read the full privacy policy for the details.
Is there an Android version?
Yes — Android is in beta. Email kyle@snap311.app to join, and we'll add you to the test track.
Where do my reports go?
To the same DC 311 system used by the official app, the website, and the phone line. Snap311 just gives you a faster way to file them.
What if I find a bug?
Snap311 is in TestFlight beta, so the fastest way is right from the app: take a screenshot of whatever looks wrong. A thumbnail appears in the lower-left corner of your screen — tap it, mark it up if you like, and tap Done, then tap “Share Beta Feedback” and add a note. That sends me the screenshot plus your device and build details automatically — no account, no bug tracker, nothing technical to learn. Prefer email? Write kyle@snap311.app and tell me what happened.