How To Transfer a Car Title in Washington D.C.2026
The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) is the issuing authority for all motor vehicle certificates of title within the jurisdiction. As established under DC Official Code § 50-1501.02, the registration of any motor vehicle expires automatically upon its sale or transfer to a new owner, and all vehicles operated within the District must maintain current registration.
All title transfer transactions — covering private sales, gifted vehicles, inherited vehicles, and dealer purchases alike — must be completed in person at a DC DMV service center.
Required Documents for Title Transfer in Washington D.C.
All documents submitted to DC DMV must be original; photocopies will not be accepted for title transfer processing. If the vehicle has multiple owners, all owners must be listed on the title, the Bill of Sale, and any lien or lease documentation.
| Document | Purpose | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Current Title or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) | Establishes existing ownership; MCO is accepted for brand new vehicles in lieu of a title | Always |
| Certificate of Title / Temporary Tag Application | Primary application form for obtaining a new DC certificate of title and temporary registration | Always |
| Bill of Sale | Documents the purchase price and details of the transaction | Always |
| DC DMV Credential (DC Driver's License or Non-Driver ID) | Confirms the applicant's DC residency and identity; the primary owner must hold a valid DC credential | Always |
| Proof of Valid DC Insurance | Confirms that the vehicle carries active DC-compliant insurance coverage | Always |
| Odometer Mileage Verification | Documents the vehicle's mileage at time of transfer; for new vehicles, the dealer's odometer statement is accepted | Always |
| Lien Contract | Required if the vehicle is being financed; lien recordation fees apply | If applicable |
| Lease Contract | Required if the vehicle is being transferred under a lease agreement; both lessor and lessee must provide proof of identification | If applicable |
| Vehicle Power of Attorney Application | Authorizes a designated representative to complete the transaction on behalf of the owner | If applicable |
| Title Reassignment Form | Required when an additional ownership reassignment is present on the existing title | If applicable |
| DC Business License and Certificate of Occupancy | Required when the registered owner or lessee is a business entity registered in the District | If applicable |
Note: If the vehicle being transferred carries an out-of-state title with an active lien, the lienholder must send the original title directly to a DC DMV service center. Applicants should submit a lienholder out-of-state title request to initiate this process.
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process in Washington D.C.
Step 1: Assemble the Required Documentation
Before visiting a DC DMV service center, the buyer and seller must confirm that all necessary documents are complete and in proper order. Outstanding debts owed to the District of Columbia Government — including unpaid tickets, child support obligations, and dishonored checks — must be resolved prior to processing any title or registration transaction.
Sellers must confirm the following before transfer:
- The certificate of title is undamaged, unaltered, and accurately reflects the current owner's information
- All active liens on the title have been formally discharged, or the lienholder has authorized the transfer
- The current odometer reading has been recorded and is available for disclosure
- DC-mandated signatures are completed in the assignment section on the reverse of the title
Buyers must confirm the following before visiting DC DMV:
- A valid DC driver's license or DC non-driver identification card is on hand
- Active DC automobile insurance coverage is secured prior to registration
- A complete, signed Bill of Sale has been obtained from the seller
- Any applicable vehicle inspection has been scheduled or completed (see Step 3)
Step 2: Execute the Title Endorsement and Delivery
The seller is required to sign the assignment section on the reverse of the certificate of title and deliver the executed document to the buyer when the vehicle changes possession. Failure to complete this transfer promptly may expose the seller to continued liability for events occurring after the date of sale in connection with the vehicle.
The completed assignment section must include all of the following:
- Date of sale and sale price
- Buyer's full name and address
- Odometer reading at the time of transfer, consistent with the odometer mileage verification documentation
- Seller's signature and printed name
For new vehicles, the selling dealer will provide a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) with the reverse side signed, in place of a conventional certificate of title. If the vehicle has been previously titled in another jurisdiction, the out-of-state title must be properly signed over in the assignment section before submission to DC DMV.
Step 3: Complete the Vehicle Inspection (If Required)
DC law requires that most used vehicles undergo a DC vehicle inspection prior to registration. The following exemptions apply:
- Vehicles less than 4 years old (including brand new passenger class vehicles purchased directly from a licensed dealer) are exempt from safety and emissions inspections
- Battery electric vehicles are exempt from emissions inspections
- Pre-1968 vehicles are exempt from inspection requirements
- Vehicles transferring an existing valid DC registration may qualify for an exemption under certain conditions
The DC DMV Vehicle Inspection Certificate must be presented at the service center when submitting the title application for used vehicles that do not qualify for exemptions. Buyers with vehicles carrying expired non-DC tags and a title held by a lienholder may obtain a temporary tag to transport the vehicle to an inspection station.
Step 4: Submit the Application at a DC DMV Service Center
All title transfer applications must be submitted in person at one of the DC DMV service center locations. DC DMV does not currently offer a mail-in option for new title and registration applications.
The following completed materials must be brought to the service center:
- Signed certificate of title or MCO (with the reverse side fully executed)
- Completed Certificate of Title / Temporary Tag Application
- Bill of Sale with all required signatures
- Valid DC DMV credential for all owners
- Proof of valid DC insurance
- Odometer mileage verification
- DC DMV Vehicle Inspection Certificate (for applicable used vehicles)
- Any supplemental documents required for lien, lease, or business ownership
Step 5: Pay All Applicable Fees and Excise Tax
All title, registration, and excise tax fees are due in full at the time of application submission. No certificate of title will be issued until the excise tax has been paid. Per the DC DMV fee schedule, the following standard title fees apply:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Title (New or Replacement) | $26.00 | Applies to all original and reissued certificates of title |
| Duplicate Title | $26.00 | Issued when the original is lost, stolen, or damaged |
| Lien Recordation | $20.00 per lien | Required for each security interest recorded on the title |
| Title Information Request | $7.00 | For record retrieval only |
| Tag Transfer | $12.00 | If transferring existing tags to the newly titled vehicle |
| Registration Card | $20.00 per year | Required as part of the registration process |
Vehicle Registration Fees (Annual) — currently in effect:
| Vehicle Type | Class | Weight Range (lbs) | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger | Class I | ≤ 3,499 | $72.00 |
| Passenger | Class II | 3,500 – 4,999 | $175.00 |
| Passenger | Class III | 5,000 – 5,999 | $250.00 |
| Passenger | Class IV | ≥ 6,000 | $500.00 |
| Passenger | Class V | Battery Electric Vehicles (brand new, ≤ 4,999 lbs, first 2 years only) | $36.00 |
| Motorcycle | — | — | $52.00 |
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax — effective February 17, 2025:
Excise tax is calculated using the formula: Fair Market Value × MPG Taxable Percentage. Rates are determined by the vehicle's unladen weight and city fuel efficiency (MPG city), as established by DC Official Code § 50-2201.03. Effective February 17, 2025, as a result of the Motor Excise Tax Amendment Act of 2024, electric vehicles are no longer exempt from excise tax and are subject to rates based on their weight class:
| Unladen Weight | ≤ 20 MPG | 21–25 MPG | 26–30 MPG | 31–39 MPG | ≥ 40 MPG | Electric Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 3,499 lbs | 9.0% | 5.0% | 3.1% | 2.2% | 1.5% | 1.0% |
| 3,500–4,999 lbs | 10.0% | 6.0% | 4.1% | 3.2% | 2.5% | 2.0% |
| ≥ 5,000 lbs | 11.0% | 7.0% | 5.1% | 4.2% | 3.5% | 3.0% |
Payment Note: Effective December 15, 2025, a 2.5% service fee applies to all debit and credit card transactions completed in person, online, or through the DC DMV mobile app. Electronic Check (ACH) payments are accepted with no service fee. Accepted in-person payment methods include cash, checks, money orders, and contactless/digital wallets.
Step 6: Receive the Certificate of Title
Upon verification of all submitted documents and receipt of full payment, DC DMV will process the title transfer and issue a new certificate of title. The certificate will be mailed directly to the primary registered owner or the primary lienholder within 10 business days of presenting all the required documentation to DC DMV.
Contact Information
District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles
95 M Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024
Phone: (202) 737-4404
Official Website: DC Department of Motor Vehicles
