How To Get a Car Title in Washington D.C. 2026
Washington, D.C. law requires vehicle owners to secure a certificate of title before operating motor vehicles, trailers, or semi-trailers on public highways within Washington, D.C. According to DC Official Code § 50-2201.03, every owner of a motor vehicle or trailer must apply for a certificate of title, and failure to obtain proper titling documentation may result in penalties, including fines and imprisonment. The Washington, DС Department of Motor Vehicles administers the vehicle titling program and maintains ownership records for all titled vehicles registered within the nation's capital.
Where to Apply for a Washington D.C. Certificate of Title
The Washington, D.C. processes vehicle title applications through designated DMV service centers located throughout the city. Authorized processing locations include:
- Georgetown Service Center – 3270 M Street, NW, Canal Level – Suite C200, Washington, DC 20007
- Rhode Island Service Center – 2350 Washington Place, NE, Suite 112N, Washington, DC 20018
- Southwest Service Center – 95 M Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024
- Benning Ridge Service Center – 4525 Benning Road, SE, Washington, DC 20019
New Washington, D.C. residents establishing residency should register and title their vehicles as soon as possible to maintain compliance with Washington, D.C. requirements.
Required Documents for Title Application in Washington D.C.
Applicants seeking a Washington, D.C. certificate of title must present documentation establishing legal ownership and satisfying regulatory requirements. All title applications require completion of the Certificate of Title/Temporary Tag Application form.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Current Certificate of Title or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin | Original ownership document properly executed with signatures | For vehicles with liens, contact lienholder to send original title to DC DMV service center; altered titles not acceptable |
| Certificate of Title/Temporary Tag Application | Complete application with all required signatures | Must include all vehicle owners; primary owner must be a Washington, D.C. resident with DC DMV credential |
| DC DMV Credential | Valid DC driver license or non-driver identification card | Primary owner must possess DC credential; additional owner information required for registration |
| Proof of DC Insurance | Current insurance verification meeting Washington, D.C. requirements | Must show valid coverage at time of application |
| Valid Odometer Statement | Mileage disclosure documentation | New vehicles require dealer odometer statement; used vehicles require certification on title or dealer reassignment form |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Specific circumstances necessitate supplemental documentation beyond standard application materials:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bill of Sale | Documentation of transaction details and purchase price | Required for all private party sales |
| Business License and Certificate of Occupancy | Proof of business registration and location | Required when the registered owner or lessee is a business entity; must provide DC DLCP Business License and DC DOB Certificate of Occupancy |
| Lien Contract | Documentation of secured financing | Required when vehicle purchase financed through lending institution |
| Lease Contract | Proof of leasing arrangement | Required for leased vehicles; both lessor and lessee must provide identification |
| Vehicle Power of Attorney Application | Authorization for representative to act on behalf of owner | Required when someone other than owner signs documents |
| DC DMV Vehicle Inspection Certificate | Proof of passing safety inspection | Required when applicable based on vehicle type and age |
| Title Reassignment Form | Documentation of ownership transfer through dealer | Required when applicable for dealer transactions |
Washington D.C. Title Fees and Costs
The DC Department of Motor Vehicles establishes standardized fee schedules for title transactions throughout all service centers.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Title Only (New) | $26.00 |
| Replacement Title | $26.00 |
| Duplicate Title | $26.00 |
| Title Information Request | $7.00 |
| Lien Recordation (per lien) | $20.00 |
Additional Processing Fees
Vehicle titling transactions involve supplemental charges assessed at the time of application:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Excise Tax | Varies by vehicle weight, fuel efficiency, and fair market value | Calculated based on fair market value using NADA guide; effective February 17, 2025, rates range from 1.0% to 11.0% depending on weight class and MPG city rating; see excise tax estimator for estimates |
| Excise Tax Rate (3,499 lbs or less, 20 MPG or less) | 9.0% of fair market value | Rates vary from 1.0% to 11.0% based on weight class and MPG city rating (20 MPG or less through 40+ MPG); electric vehicles taxed at 1.0%-3.0% depending on weight |
| Card Transaction Service Fee | 2.5% of transaction amount | Applied to all debit and credit card transactions; electronic check (ACH) payments accepted with no service fee |
| Registration Fees | Varies by vehicle type | Separate from title fees; calculated based on vehicle classification and weight |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Verify Washington D.C. Residency Requirements
Confirm that at least one person listed on the vehicle title as an owner legally resides in Washington, D.C. and possesses a DC DMV credential, such as a driver's license or non-driver identification card. New residents should complete title and registration applications promptly upon establishing residency in Washington, D.C. Gather proof of Washington, D.C. residency documentation, including a physical address located within the District of Columbia boundaries.
Step 2: Collect Required Ownership Documents
Obtain the current certificate of title or manufacturer's certificate of origin from the selling party with proper execution of all assignment sections. For vehicles with existing liens, contact the lienholder to request that the original title be submitted directly to a DC DMV service center. Prepare a complete bill of sale documenting the transaction, including vehicle identification information, purchase price, date of sale, and the signatures of both the buyer and the seller. Verify that odometer disclosure is properly recorded either on the title assignment or through separate dealer documentation for vehicles requiring mileage verification.
Step 3: Complete Title Application and Calculate Fees
Fill out the Certificate of Title/Temporary Tag Application form with accurate information for all owners, ensuring the primary owner is listed first with valid DC credentials. Use the online excise tax estimator tool to determine the motor vehicle excise tax based on the vehicle's fair market value from the NADA guide, unladen weight class, and fuel efficiency MPG city rating. As of February 17, 2025, excise tax rates apply to all vehicles, including electric vehicles, ranging from 1.0% to 11.0% depending on weight class and fuel efficiency. Calculate total costs, including the $26 title fee, applicable excise tax amount, lien recordation fees if financing the vehicle, and any additional registration fees. Verify eligibility for any excise tax exemptions such as qualifying family transfers or other statutory exemptions.
Step 4: Visit DC DMV Service Center
Schedule an appointment or visit any of the four DC DMV service center locations during regular business hours. Present all completed application forms, original ownership documents, proof of DC insurance, DC DMV credential, and any required supplemental documentation. Provide payment for all calculated fees through accepted methods, including cash, check, money order, debit card, or credit card. Note that a 2.5% service fee applies to all card transactions, while electronic check (ACH) payments incur no additional service fee.
Step 5: Receive Certificate of Title
Following successful processing and approval of your application, the DC DMV will mail the certificate of title to the primary owner or the primary lienholder within 10 business days of presenting all required documentation. The title document serves as legal proof of vehicle ownership and lists the vehicle identification number, year, make, and model. When a lien is recorded on the title, the document will be sent directly to the lienholder for retention until the loan is satisfied and the security interest is released.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Washington, D.C. law provides specific exemptions from motor vehicle excise tax requirements under statutory provisions:
- Motor vehicles and trailers owned by the United States or Washington, D.C.
- Utility or public service company vehicles used in furnishing commodities or services subject to gross receipts tax
- New motor vehicles acquired as replacements for defective vehicles within 60 days of original purchase
- Rental or leased vehicles are subject to gross receipts tax under DC statutes
- Motor vehicles registered or titled in another jurisdiction by nonresidents before establishing Washington, D.C. residency
- Qualifying commercial vehicles owned or leased by companies with established Washington, D.C. business locations
- Motor vehicles following the death of a co-owner when the title is issued to the surviving owner
- Vehicles transferred pursuant to divorce decree or domestic partnership termination
- Vehicles re-titled by insurance companies in connection with claims
- Vehicles receiving a scrap title designation
- Vehicles titled to the lienholder due to repossession
Contact Information
DC Department of Motor Vehicles
95 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024
Phone: (202) 737-4404
Official Website: DC Department of Motor Vehicles
