Car Registration Requirements for New Washington D.C. Residents
Individuals relocating to the District of Columbia with a vehicle from another jurisdiction must complete the registration transfer process. District law requires all vehicles housed and operated within D.C. boundaries to be registered with DC DMV once residency is established through physical presence, employment, or other qualifying criteria.
Timeline for New Washington D.C. Residents
New residents have 60 calendar days from establishing residency to register their vehicle with DC DMV. Operating an unregistered vehicle beyond this deadline results in late inspection fees that begin immediately after expiration and continue for each 30-day period thereafter, not to exceed $480.
Establishing Washington D.C. Residency
The District considers an individual a resident when they maintain a dwelling within D.C. boundaries for 183 days or more during a calendar year, register to vote, obtain District employment, enroll dependents in District schools, or claim D.C. as their primary residence for tax purposes. D.C. Code § 50-1501.01 defines residency criteria.
Required Documentation for Car Registration in Washington, D.C.
New residents must provide documentation proving ownership, identity, insurance, and inspection compliance] when transferring registration.
Essential Documents
- Out-of-jurisdiction vehicle title with all owners listed
- Valid District driver's license or identification card (must be obtained before vehicle registration)
- Completed Certificate of Title/Temporary Tag Application
- Valid DC vehicle inspection certificate
- Proof of valid DC insurance for the vehicle
- Payment for registration and title fees
Leased or Financed Vehicles
Vehicles under lease or with an active lien require the lienholder out-of-state title request form to obtain the title from the financial institution. A copy of the signed loan contract or financial agreement must accompany the registration application. The out-of-state title status system allows verification of title receipt from the lienholder.
Insurance Coverage Requirements
The District's Compulsory/No-Fault Motor Vehicle Insurance Act requires continuous insurance coverage for all registered vehicles. Minimum coverage requirements are:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Property damage liability | $10,000 |
| Third party liability (per person) | $25,000 |
| Third party liability (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury (per person) | $25,000 |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Uninsured motorist property damage | $5,000 (subject to $200 deductible) |
Application Submission Methods
Registration applications must be submitted in person at a DC DMV service center
Washington D.C. Vehicle Inspection Requirements
Emissions and Safety Inspections
All vehicles must pass DC DMV inspection before registration. Personal vehicle inspections remain valid for two years, while commercial vehicle inspections expire after one year. Motorcycles and motorized bicycles do not require inspection.
First-time inspections must be conducted at the DC DMV Inspection Station located at 1001 Half Street SW. Vehicles are inspected in arrival order during operating hours. The inspection fee is not paid at the station but is collected during vehicle registration.
Inspection Exemptions
- Brand new passenger vehicles with a manufacturer's Certificate of Origin receive a 4-year inspection sticker automatically upon registration
- Diesel passenger class vehicles receive a non-expiring inspection sticker
- Fully electric passenger class vehicles receive a non-expiring inspection sticker
- Motorcycles receive a non-expiring inspection sticker
Self-Service Inspection Kiosks
Private/pleasure class vehicles model year 2005 or newer that were previously inspected at DC DMV can use self-service kiosks available 24/7 at:
- Fort Stanton Recreation Center, 1812 Erie Street SE
- Takoma Recreation Center, 300 Van Buren Street NW
Registration Fees and Costs in Washington D.C.
Vehicle Registration Fees
Registration fees vary based on vehicle weight class:
- Passenger Class I (≤3,499 lbs) – $72 annually
- Passenger Class II (3,500-4,999 lbs) – $175 annually
- Passenger Class III (5,000-5,999 lbs) – $250 annually
- Passenger Class IV (≥6,000 lbs) – $500 annually
- Brand new battery electric vehicles (<5,000 lbs, first two years only) – $36 annually
- Motorcycle – $52 annually
- Historic vehicle – $25 annually
Title and Processing Fees
- Vehicle title (new and replacement) – $26
- Lien recordation (if vehicle is financed) – $20 per lien
- Registration card – $20 per year
Excise Tax
The District assesses excise tax on vehicles titled for the first time in D.C. DC Official Code § 50-2201.03 establishes excise tax requirements.
Effective February 17, 2025, excise tax rates range from 1% to 11% of fair market value based on vehicle weight and fuel efficiency (MPG city driving). Electric vehicles are taxed at 1% to 3% depending on weight class.
Many vehicles qualify for excise tax exemptions. Calculate estimated excise tax using the online excise tax estimator.
Payment Processing Fees
Beginning December 15, 2025, DC DMV assesses a 2.5% service fee on all debit and credit card transactions completed online, through the mobile app, and in person. Electronic Check (ACH) payments incur no service fee.
Estimate total costs using the Vehicle Registration and Title Fee Estimator.
Contact Information
D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles
1001 Half Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
Phone: (202) 737-4404
TTY: 711
DC DMV
DC DMV Inspection Station
1001 Half Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
Phone: (202) 737-4404
Vehicle Inspections
