Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in Washington D.C. in 2025
Washington, D.C. law mandates motor vehicle liability insurance for all vehicles operated on public roadways. Under the District of Columbia Official Code § 31–2403, vehicle owners must maintain financial responsibility before operating a motor vehicle in Washington, D.C. The DC Department of Motor Vehicles administers vehicle registration and enforces insurance compliance through Washington D.C.'s Compulsory/No-Fault Motor Vehicle Insurance Act.
Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage
The District of Columbia Official Code establishes financial responsibility requirements for all motor vehicles registered in Washington, D.C. Under DC Code § 31–2403, no person shall operate or permit the operation of a motor vehicle in Washington D.C. unless the owner maintains security for payment of judgments as required by Washington D.C.'s motor vehicle insurance laws. Washington, D.C., requires all registered vehicles to carry compulsory no-fault insurance that provides coverage for both bodily injury liability and property damage.
Operating a vehicle without required insurance may result in suspension of vehicle registration, suspension of driver's license, fines up to $500. The DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking regulates insurance companies and handles consumer complaints related to automobile insurance.
DC Department of Motor Vehicles
1001 Half Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Phone: (202) 737-4404
Official Website: DC Department of Motor Vehicles
Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements
The DC Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking regulates insurance companies operating in Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. requires drivers to maintain liability insurance coverage that meets or exceeds statutory minimum amounts.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Property Damage Liability | $10,000 |
| Third Party Liability | $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident |
| Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury | $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident |
| Uninsured Motorist Property Damage | $5,000 subject to $200 deductible |
Washington D.C., requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage as part of its no-fault insurance system. PIP coverage provides benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and other economic losses regardless of who caused the accident. Vehicle owners may select higher coverage limits or additional optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage and comprehensive collision coverage.
Alternative methods of demonstrating financial responsibility include a surety bond of at least $85,000 filed with the DC Department of Motor Vehicles, a certificate of deposit of $85,000 with the DC Treasurer, or qualification as a self-insurer approved by the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles demonstrating financial ability to pay claims.
DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking
1050 First Street NE, Suite 801, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 727-8000
Official Website: Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking
Proof of Insurance Documents
Washington D.C. requires vehicle operators to carry proof of insurance at all times while operating a motor vehicle. Vehicle owners must provide acceptable documentation during registration, renewal, and when requested by law enforcement officers. The following formats are accepted:
- An insurance identification card issued by an insurance company licensed to operate in Washington, D.C.
- The policy declarations page shows current coverage effective dates and policy information
- A certificate of self-insurance issued by the DC Department of Motor Vehicles
- Electronic proof of insurance displayed on a mobile device, smartphone, tablet, or other portable electronic device
- A valid insurance binder issued by a licensed insurance agent or broker showing temporary coverage
Law enforcement officers may verify insurance coverage through the DC DMV insurance database, which provides real-time access to insurance information reported by insurance companies to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Exceptions to Insurance Requirements
Limited exceptions to the financial responsibility requirement exist under Washington, D.C. law:
- Motor vehicles owned by the United States government or the Washington, D.C. government
- Motor vehicles covered by a certificate of self-insurance issued by the Director of the DC Department of Motor Vehicles
- Motor vehicles owned and operated by foreign governments and international organizations with diplomatic immunity
- Vehicles temporarily imported by non-residents for 30 days or less, provided the vehicle is properly insured in the owner's home jurisdiction
- Construction equipment and special mobile equipment not designed for highway use when operated at work sites
- Historic vehicles more than 25 years old with historic tags used exclusively for exhibitions, club activities, parades, and ceremonial events, and not used for general transportation
Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration
The DC Department of Motor Vehicles verifies insurance coverage before processing vehicle registration applications and renewals. Vehicle owners must provide proof of insurance when registering a vehicle for the first time in Washington D.C. or when renewing an existing registration. The insurance identification card must show the vehicle identification number, policy number, coverage effective dates, and confirmation that coverage meets Washington, D.C. minimum requirements, including personal injury protection.
New Washington, D.C, residents must register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency. New residents must obtain Washington D.C. insurance coverage meeting local minimum requirements before completing vehicle registration.
Washington D.C. motorists may renew vehicle registration online through the DC DMV website, by mail, or in person at DMV service centers. The Department of Motor Vehicles monitors all registered vehicles to ensure continuous compliance with insurance requirements through electronic reporting by insurance companies.
Vehicle owners whose insurance lapses will have their vehicle registration suspended. The DC DMV will send a notice of insurance cancellation requiring the vehicle owner to provide proof of new insurance coverage or surrender the vehicle registration and license plates within 15 days. Failure to respond results in suspension of driving privileges.
