How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Washington D.C. From Out of State
Registering a vehicle from another jurisdiction in the District of Columbia requires adherence to regulations established by the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles. District law mandates that individuals who establish residency in Washington, D.C. must register their out-of-state vehicles within 60 calendar days of beginning to reside in the District, as specified in DC Code § 50-1501.02.
Base Registration and Title Fees
The aggregate expense for registering an out-of-state vehicle in the District encompasses multiple fee categories administered through the DC DMV vehicle registration system. These fees include standard registration charges, certificate of title fees, vehicle inspection costs, identification tag fees, and motor vehicle excise taxation based on vehicle characteristics.
Standard State Fees
Vehicle registration fees in the District are calculated according to vehicle classification, weight specifications, and operational purpose. Effective October 1, 2023, the District implemented a weight-based fee structure that applies differential rates to passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and trailers.
Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees
| Class | Weight Range (lbs) | Annual Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class I | ≤ 3,499 | $72.00 | Standard passenger vehicles |
| Class II | 3,500 - 4,999 | $175.00 | Mid-weight passenger vehicles |
| Class III | 5,000 - 5,999 | $250.00 | Heavy passenger vehicles |
| Class IV | ≥ 6,000 | $500.00 | Extra-heavy passenger vehicles |
| Class V | Battery Electric Vehicles | $36.00 | Brand new BEVs < 5,000 lbs (first 2 years only) |
| Class VI | ≥ 3,500 | $72.00 | Disability accommodation vehicles with disability tag |
Commercial Vehicle Registration Fees
| Class | Weight Range (lbs) | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Class I | ≤ 3,499 | $125.00 |
| Class II | 3,500 - 4,999 | $175.00 |
| Class III | 5,000 - 6,999 | $250.00 |
| Class IV | 7,000 - 9,999 | $500.00 |
| Class V | ≥ 10,000 | $700.00 + $50.00 per additional 1,000 lbs |
Trailer Registration Fees
| Class | Weight Range (lbs) | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Class I | ≤ 1,499 | $50.00 |
| Class II | 1,500 - 3,499 | $150.00 |
| Class III | 3,500 - 4,999 | $275.00 |
| Class IV | 5,000 - 6,999 | $500.00 |
| Class V | 7,000 - 9,999 | $700.00 |
| Class VI | ≥ 10,000 | $850.00 + $75.00 per additional 1,000 lbs |
Special Vehicle Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Historic Vehicle | $25.00 |
| Motorcycle | $52.00 |
| Motor Driven Cycle | $30.00 |
| Permanent and Total Veteran Disability | NO FEE |
Additional Registration Services
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Registration Card | $20.00/year |
| Tag Transfer | $12.00 |
| Vehicle Registration Reinstatement | $98.00 |
| Trip Permits (Non-IRP Commercial) | $50.00 (valid 6 days) |
Important Notes:
- Battery electric vehicles weighing < 5,000 lbs may subtract 1,000 lbs from the manufacturer's shipping weight
- The $36.00 BEV registration fee applies only to brand-new vehicles for the first two years
- Gas/electric hybrid vehicles do not qualify for the reduced BEV registration fee
- Disability accommodation vehicles (Class VI) must have an issued disability license tag
Title Fees
The District's title fee structure applies to all motor vehicles requiring certification of ownership. Certificate of title issuance constitutes a prerequisite for vehicle registration completion within the District.
Title Transaction Fees:
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Title Only (New and Replacement) | $26.00 |
| Duplicate Title | $26.00 |
| Title Information Request | $7.00 |
| Lien Recordation (per lien) | $20.00 |
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax
The District imposes a motor vehicle excise tax on certificate of title issuance. Tax rates are applied based on vehicle unladen weight and miles per gallon (MPG) for city driving, utilizing fair market values established by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Business Guide for the Eastern Region.
Excise Tax Rate Structure (Effective February 17, 2025):
| Unladen Weight (lbs) | 20 MPG or Less | 21-25 MPG | 26-30 MPG | 31-39 MPG | 40 MPG or More | Electric Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,499 or less | 9.0% | 5.0% | 3.1% | 2.2% | 1.5% | 1.0% |
| 3,500 - 4,999 | 10.0% | 6.0% | 4.1% | 3.2% | 2.5% | 2.0% |
| 5,000 or more | 11.0% | 7.0% | 5.1% | 4.2% | 3.5% | 3.0% |
The excise tax is calculated by multiplying the vehicle's fair market value by the applicable percentage based on weight and fuel efficiency. Numerous exemptions apply to the excise tax requirement, including vehicles previously registered and titled in other jurisdictions before establishing District residency.
Vehicle Inspection Requirements and Fees
The District mandates safety and emissions inspections for all registered vehicles operating within its jurisdiction. The DC DMV vehicle inspection program administers comprehensive testing to ensure compliance with safety standards and environmental regulations.
Vehicle Inspection Fee Schedule:
| Inspection Type | Fee | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|
| New Vehicle Inspection Sticker (Privately Owned) | $10.00 | 4 years |
| Privately Owned Vehicle Inspection | $35.00 | 2 years |
| Commercial Vehicle Inspection | $35.00 | 1 year |
| Taxi Inspection | $70.00 | 1 year |
| Reinspection Fee | $35.00 | N/A |
| Inspection Sticker Replacement | $10.00 | N/A |
| Inspection Late Fee | $20.00 per 30-day period | Maximum $480.00 |
All vehicles registered in the District must display a valid DC inspection sticker. The District operates a vehicle inspection station located at 1001 Half Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. Inspection fees are collected at the time of vehicle registration or registration renewal, depending on the registration date. Vehicle owners receive two complimentary reinspections within a 20-calendar-day period following an initial inspection failure.
Government Agencies and Contact Information
District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles
95 M Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024
Phone: (202) 737-4404
Official Website: District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles
The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles administers all vehicle registration, titling, and inspection operations within the District. The department maintains jurisdiction over operator permit issuance, vehicle safety compliance, mandatory liability insurance enforcement, and motor vehicle regulatory licensing throughout the jurisdiction.
District of Columbia DMV Service Centers
The DC DMV operates four service center locations throughout the District to facilitate vehicle registration and titling transactions. Comprehensive service center information is accessible through the DC DMV service center directory.
Georgetown Service Center
3270 M Street, NW, Canal Level – Suite C200, Washington, DC 20007
Phone: (202) 737-4404
Official Website: Georgetown Service Center
Southwest Service Center
95 M Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024
Phone: (202) 737-4404
Official Website: Southwest Service Center
Benning Ridge Service Center
4525 Benning Road, SE, Washington, DC 20019
Phone: (202) 737-4404
Official Website: Benning Ridge Service Center
Rhode Island Service Center
2350 Washington Place, NE, Suite 112N, Washington, DC 20018
Phone: (202) 737-4404
Official Website: Rhode Island Service Center
