Expired Registration in Washington D.C.

Vehicle registration is a legal requirement in Washington, D.C., for all motor vehicles operated on its public roads and highways. The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) administers all vehicle registration procedures throughout the District, while the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) enforces compliance with registration statutes on District roadways.

State Code Provisions in Washington D.C.

Title 50 of the D.C. Official Codeestablishes regulations for registration procedures, display requirements, penalties for noncompliance, and enforcement protocols in Washington, D.C. Chapter 15 (Registration of Motor Vehicles) specifically governs registration and licensing requirements.

Registration Terms and Expiration in Washington D.C.

Registration Renewal System

Washington, D.C. operates an annual vehicle registration system with an optional two-year renewal period. Under D.C. Code § 50-1501.02(b)(1), vehicle registrations are valid for a period determined by the Mayor and expire at midnight of the last day of the designated period.

Standard Vehicle Registration:

• The standard registration period is one year
• Vehicle owners may optionally select a two-year registration period when renewing online or by mail
• Registration fees are assessed on an annual basis
• Registrations expire at midnight on the expiration date indicated on the registration certificate
• Example: A vehicle with a one-year registration issued on June 15 expires on June 15 the following year
• The DC DMV mails renewal notices to vehicle owners approximately 60 days before the registration expiration date

Grace Period for Expired Registration

Washington, D.C. does not provide a grace period for expired vehicle registration. Once a registration expires at midnight on the expiration date, the vehicle may not be legally operated on District roads until registration is renewed.

According to D.C. Code § 50-1501.02(b)(1), during the 30-day period immediately preceding the expiration date, vehicle owners may lawfully operate a motor vehicle registered for the ensuing registration year. However, this provision applies only to advance renewal, not expired registration.

Special Vehicle Categories

Commercial Vehicles: Vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP) follow specific apportioned registration requirements with credentials assigned by the DC DMV.

Charter Buses: Any bus with a seating capacity greater than 15 passengers used for chartered party transportation must register as a Class B commercial vehicle, obtain proportional registration through the International Registration Plan, or obtain a trip permit before entering the District (D.C. Code § 50-1501.02(j)).

Penalties for Expired Registration in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. assesses civil penalties for operating vehicles with expired registration. The District does not impose administrative late fees for renewing expired registration at the DMV; penalties apply only when vehicle operators are cited for operating with expired registration.

Administrative Penalties

Washington, D.C. does not assess administrative late fees for renewing expired registration. Vehicle owners who renew expired registration pay only the standard registration fee without additional penalties or surcharges. Online renewal remains available for registrations expired up to 90 days.

Traffic Violations

Operating a motor vehicle on District roads with expired registration constitutes a civil violation under D.C. law. Penalties are assessed based on how long the registration has been expired at the time of the violation.

Violations and Civil Penalties:

Government Agencies

District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles
1015 Half Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
Phone: 311 or (202) 737-4404
Official Website: DC DMV

Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters
441 4th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 727-4218
Official Website: Metropolitan Police Department