How to Register Your Car in Washington, D.C.: Steps, Fees, and Requirements
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To drive a car in Washington, D.C., you must properly register it with the local driving authority. Fortunately, D.C. car registration is a fairly straightforward process. Whether you're planning to get a new car or you need to renew your vehicle registration, this guide will help you navigate car registration in Washington, D.C.
Introduction to Car Registration in D.C.
Registering your car in D.C. requires specific documentation, including a D.C. driver's license, proof of auto insurance, and proof of emissions inspections. The District sends a registration renewal notice 60 calendar days before your registration is set to expire. You must also get a vehicle inspection every two years.
The penalties for driving with an expired registration or without a valid D.C. registration include:
- $100 fine for the first 30 days
- Additional $200 fine for each additional 30 days
- Possibility that the car is impounded
Nobody wants to deal with penalties like this, which is why it's important to register your car shortly after relocating and renew your registration on time. To help, we break down the step-by-step process of registering a new car in D.C.
Step 1: Obtain a D.C. Driver's License
If you're moving to Washington, D.C., you must have a D.C. license to register your car in the District within 60 calendar days from the date your residency begins. Washington, D.C., requires all vehicles housed and operated in the District to be locally registered.
To do so, you'll first need to convert your out-of-state driver's license to a District of Columbia driver's license or non-driver identification card.
Note that many states allow residents to register and operate a car with another state's license. However, Washington, D.C., has stricter requirements, so it's crucial to understand that you must switch licenses before beginning the registration process.
Step 2: Complete a Vehicle Inspection
D.C. requires all vehicles to pass a vehicle safety and emissions inspection before they may be registered with the state. Many garages and repair shops offer inspections for a $35 fee. Before getting the inspection, vehicle owners should confirm that the check engine light isn't on and the car is running smoothly.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents and Proof of Insurance
To register a car in Washington, D.C., you need the following documents:
- Completed Certificate of Title/Temporary Tag Application
- Proof of ownership (vehicle title)
- Proof of inspection
- Proof of insurance
To register a new vehicle, you must visit a DC DMV service center to complete a registration application. Vehicle registration renewals are available online or by mail, and you can get a vehicle registration card replacement online or in person.
To renew by mail, mail your vehicle registration renewal information to:
DC DMV
ATTN: Processing Center
PO Box 90120
Washington, DC 20090
Step 4: Understand Fees and Taxes
Vehicle registration fees vary based on the vehicle type. Both the D.C. car registration renewal and D.C. car registration fee are $72 for typical passenger vehicles. Fees increase with vehicle weight, but as long as your motor vehicle is under 3,500 pounds, you can expect to pay this $72 fee.
Washington, D.C., also has an excise tax. Many vehicles are exempt from this tax, including electric vehicles and vehicles relocating to D.C., so make sure you look at the full exemption list. If your vehicle is not exempt, you'll be levied an excise tax of between 1.0% and 10.1% of the vehicle's fair market value, depending on its weight and fuel economy.
Step 5: Temporary Tags and Special Considerations
Because D.C. sends a renewal notice to those who have gone through previous vehicle registration, it's typically very easy to renew online, by mail, or in person. But sometimes life gets crazy and you're unable to get the documentation you need on time. In that case, you may get a one-time only 5-day temporary registration by visiting a DC DMV service center.
Accessing D.C. DMV Resources and Tools
Proof of registration is essential to get license plates and remain compliant with Washington D.C. law. The process of registering an out-of-state vehicle is a bit more involved than in some states, as you must obtain a D.C. license and have the proper documentation to get a valid registration.
Fortunately, D.C. offers several valuable resources to guide you through the process. Check out the DMV's guide for new vehicle registrations and for vehicle registration renewals.
Save on Car Insurance in Washington, D.C.
Proof of insurance is necessary to register your car in Washington, D.C., but that doesn't mean you should simply settle for minimum coverage and hope you never need more. Accidents happen, and you don't want to be caught unexpectedly having to foot the bill for a major repair.
Use EverQuote's comparison tools to find the best coverage policies for your budget available in D.C.