Do I Need an Inspection To Renew My Tags in Washington D.C.?
Yes, all vehicles must pass a D.C. DMV inspection, which combines a safety and emissions inspection, to renew your vehicle tags in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. requires vehicles to display license plates on both the front and rear of the vehicle, with the exception of motorcycles, mopeds, and trailers. Personal vehicles receive inspection stickers valid for two years, while commercial vehicles and for-hire vehicles require annual inspections. Vehicles must display a valid inspection sticker on the front passenger side, lower corner of the windshield.
Exemptions and Special Circumstances
The following vehicles are exempt from inspection requirements under D.C. DMV regulations:
- New personal vehicles with a manufacturer's Certificate of Origin receive a four-year inspection sticker automatically upon registration
- Personal vehicles manufactured before 1968 do not require inspection
- Zero-emission vehicles, including diesel or fully electric personal vehicles and trailers, do not require emissions inspection
- Motorcycles and motorized bicycles do not require inspection
Contact Information for Tag Services
District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 90120, Washington, DC 20090
Phone: (202) 737-4404
Official Website: D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles
