Washington D.C. License Plate Lookup /License Plate Cost

How Much Does It Cost to Get a License Plate in Washington D.C. in 2025?

Factors That Influence the Total License Plate Cost in Washington D.C.

The cost of obtaining a license plate in Washington D.C. is influenced by several factors. These factors include:

Type of Vehicle: The cost varies depending on whether the vehicle is a passenger car, motorcycle, or commercial vehicle.
Type of License Plate: Standard, specialty, and personalized plates have different fee structures.
Duration of Registration: The length of time for which the vehicle is registered can affect the total cost.
Additional Fees: Administrative fees, taxes, and other charges may apply.

The base fee for a standard passenger vehicle license plate is approximately $72 for a two-year registration period. Additional fees may apply based on the specific circumstances of the vehicle and the owner's preferences.

Specialty License Plates in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. offers a variety of specialty license plates that allow vehicle owners to express their interests or affiliations. These plates often support specific causes or organizations. The cost structure for specialty plates includes:

Initial Issuance Fee: Typically ranges from $25 to $50, depending on the plate design and the organization it supports.
Annual Renewal Fee: An additional fee of $25 to $50 is required each year to maintain the specialty plate.
Standard Registration Fee: This fee is in addition to the specialty plate fees.

Examples of available specialty plates include those supporting universities, military veterans, and environmental causes.

Personalized License Plates in Washington D.C.

Personalized license plates allow vehicle owners to create a unique combination of letters and numbers. The process and costs associated with obtaining personalized plates are as follows:

Application Fee: A one-time fee of $100 is required to apply for a personalized plate.
Annual Renewal Fee: An additional $50 is charged each year to maintain the personalized plate.
Character Limitations: Personalized plates can have up to seven characters, including letters and numbers.

Applicants must ensure that their desired combination is not already in use and complies with the District's guidelines for appropriate content.

Washington D.C. License Plate Renewal Fee

License plate renewal in Washington D.C. is required every two years. The renewal process includes:

Standard Renewal Fee: $72 for passenger vehicles for a two-year period.
Late Renewal Penalty: A late fee of $25 is applied if the renewal is not completed by the expiration date.
Online Renewal Option: Vehicle owners can renew their plates online, which may include a convenience fee.

Renewal notices are typically sent out several weeks before the expiration date to ensure timely processing.

Washington D.C. License Plate Replacements Fee

In the event that a license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement can be obtained. The fees associated with replacing a license plate are as follows:

Replacement Fee: $10 for a standard plate replacement.
Specialty or Personalized Plate Replacement: Additional fees may apply based on the type of plate.
Required Documentation: Proof of vehicle ownership and a completed application form are necessary to process the replacement.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to report lost or stolen plates to local law enforcement to prevent misuse.

How Much Is the Tag Transfer Fee in Washington D.C.

When transferring a license plate from one vehicle to another, a tag transfer fee is applicable. The details include:

Transfer Fee: $12 for transferring a plate to a new vehicle.
Eligibility: The transfer is only allowed between vehicles owned by the same individual or entity.
Required Documentation: Proof of ownership for both vehicles and the existing registration must be provided.

The transfer process ensures that the license plate remains associated with the correct owner and vehicle.

Exemptions and Discounts

Certain exemptions and discounts are available for specific groups in Washington D.C. These include:

Senior Citizens: Reduced registration fees for individuals aged 65 and older.
Disabled Veterans: Exemptions from certain fees for veterans with qualifying disabilities.
Non-Profit Organizations: Reduced fees for vehicles owned by registered non-profit organizations.

Eligibility for these exemptions and discounts requires appropriate documentation and proof of status. Vehicle owners are encouraged to inquire about potential savings when registering their vehicles.