How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Washington D.C. in 2025
Vehicle registration costs in Washington D.C. are based on a weight-class system with significantly higher fees for heavier vehicles, implemented as part of the District's transportation policy reforms. Registration fees vary dramatically based on vehicle weight, fuel efficiency, and electric vehicle status.
Base Registration Fees by Weight Class
Effective October 1, 2023, Washington D.C. implemented a weight-based registration fee structure designed to encourage smaller, more efficient vehicles. Fees are established under D.C. Official Code § 50-1501.03.
Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees
| Weight Class | Weight Range (lbs) | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Class I | 3,499 or less | $72.00 |
| Class II | 3,500 - 4,999 | $175.00 |
| Class III | 5,000 - 5,999 | $250.00 |
| Class IV | 6,000 or more | $500.00 |
| Class V (Electric Vehicles) | Battery Electric Vehicles | $36.00* |
| Class VI (Disability) | 3,500+ lbs with disability accommodation | $72.00** |
*Electric vehicle rate applies only to brand new battery electric passenger vehicles (except motorcycles) under 5,000 lbs for the first two years of registration. After two years, standard weight class fees apply.
**Vehicles 3,500+ lbs that accommodate a disability and have been issued a disability license tag.
Electric Vehicle Weight Adjustment
Battery electric passenger vehicles (except motorcycles) with manufacturer's shipping weight under 5,000 lbs may subtract 1,000 lbs from their manufacturer's weight to determine the applicable weight class. This adjustment helps account for battery weight.
Note: Gas/electric hybrid vehicles do not qualify for the $36 registration fee or the 1,000-pound weight reduction.
Commercial Vehicle Registration Fees
| Weight Class | Weight Range (lbs) | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Class I | 3,499 or less | $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+ lbs | $700.00 + $50.00 per additional 1,000 lbs |
Trailer Registration Fees
| Weight Class | Weight Range (lbs) | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Class I | 1,499 or less | $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+ lbs | $850.00 + $75.00 per additional 1,000 lbs |
Specialty Vehicle Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Historic Vehicle | $25.00 |
| Motorcycle | $52.00 |
| Motor Driven Cycle | $30.00 |
| Permanent and Total Veteran Disability | No Fee |
Local Registration Fees
Washington D.C. does not impose additional local registration fees. All vehicle registration fees are collected at the District level through DC DMV.
Mandatory Processing Fees
Vehicle Inspection Fees
All vehicles registered in D.C. must undergo safety inspection:
| Vehicle Type | Inspection Fee | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|
| Privately Owned/Not For Hire Vehicles | $35.00 | 2 years |
| Taxis | $70.00 | 1 year |
| Commercial Vehicles | $35.00 | 1 year |
| Inspection Late Fee | $20.00 | Per 30-day period (max $480) |
Registration Card Fee
Annual registration card fee: $20.00
Tag and Transfer Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Regular Tag Replacement | $10.00 |
| Tag Transfer | $12.00 |
| 45-Day Temporary Tag | $13.00 |
| Vehicle Registration Reinstatement | $98.00 |
Insurance Lapse Penalties
Failure to maintain required insurance results in significant daily penalties:
- Days 1-30: $150.00 per day
- Days 31+: $7.00 per day (maximum total $2,500)
Title Fees
D.C. title services are processed for uniform fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Title Only (New and Replacement) | $26.00 |
| Duplicate Title | $26.00 |
| Title Information Request | $7.00 |
| Lien Recordation (if financed) | $20.00 per lien |
Excise Tax
Washington D.C. imposes a motor vehicle excise tax based on vehicle value, weight, and fuel efficiency. Major changes took effect February 17, 2025 under the Motor Excise Tax Amendment Act of 2024.
New Excise Tax Structure (Effective February 17, 2025)
Excise tax is calculated as: Fair Market Value × MPG Taxable Percentage
Electric vehicles are no longer exempt from excise tax as of February 2025.
| Vehicle Weight | 20 MPG or Less | 21-25 MPG | 26-30 MPG | 31-39 MPG | 40+ MPG | Electric Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,499 lbs or less | 9.0% | 5.0% | 3.1% | 2.2% | 1.5% | 1.0% |
| 3,500 - 4,999 lbs | 10.0% | 6.0% | 4.1% | 3.2% | 2.5% | 2.0% |
| 5,000+ lbs | 11.0% | 7.0% | 5.1% | 4.2% | 3.5% | 3.0% |
Excise Tax Exemptions
District Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) recipients may elect to pay either the MPG-adjusted rate or the standard weight-class rate (6%, 7%, or 8%), whichever is lower.
Specialty and Optional Services
Personalized Tags
- Reservation Fee: $100.00 (non-refundable)
- Processing Time: Up to 8 weeks
Organizational Tags
- Application Fee: $100.00
Specialty Vehicle Tags
Various specialty tags are available including:
- DC Veteran Tags
- DC Woman Veteran Tags
- Disabled American Veteran Tags
- Breast Cancer Awareness Tags
- Anacostia River Commemorative Tags
Fees vary by tag type, with typical application fees ranging from $26-$51 plus annual display fees.
Commercial Vehicle Additional Fees
Dealer Tags
- Dealer Tag Fee: $75.00 per tag
- Replacement Dealer Tags: $10.00 per tag
Trip Permits
Non-IRP registered commercial carriers: $50.00 (valid for six days of travel within D.C.)
Annual Renewal Costs (Subsequent Years)
Registration renewals require only the registration fee, registration card fee, and applicable inspection fees (every 2 years). Excise tax is paid only once at initial titling.
Regional Requirements
Vehicle Inspection Requirements
All vehicles must undergo safety inspection before registration and every two years thereafter. Inspections can be performed at authorized stations throughout the District for $35.00.
Emissions Requirements
D.C. participates in regional emissions control programs. Vehicles must meet applicable federal emissions standards, but specific emissions testing requirements are integrated into the safety inspection process.
For current fee calculations and online services, use the DC DMV Vehicle Registration and Title Fee Estimator or visit dmv.dc.gov.
Excise tax estimates can be calculated using the online excise tax estimator tool. Complete fee schedules and current regulations are available at dmv.dc.gov/book/dmv-fees.
