Register a vehicle in District of Columbia

Online or in person

Only a temporary registration renews online · RequiredOnce a temporary registration has passed inspection, you can renew it online as a regular one-year or two-year registration. The DMV also lists a Private Sale Vehicle Registration online service, but its pages say nothing on who qualifies. If the private seller does not issue temporary tags, visit a DC DMV service center for a temporary DC registration.

Cost

Title $30, plus registration by weightThe DMV lists Vehicle Title Only (New and Replacement) at $30.00 and lien recordation at $20.00/lien. Registration fees depend on weight class: see the DMV fee page. Excise tax is owed if the title is not already in your name. The DMV added a 2.5% service fee to card payments on December 15, 2025.

You leave with

Plates, stickers and registration cardThe DMV says you receive license plates, expiration stickers and a registration card that must be carried in the vehicle. Your DC title is mailed within 10 business days of presenting all required documents.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Valid DC credential
     The DMV says you must have a valid DC DMV credential. At least one registered owner must be a District resident, and only District residents are listed on the registration.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • DC driver license
     • DC non-driver identification card
   • Title or Manufacturer Certificate of Origin (MCO)
     Original, not altered. A new vehicle's MCO is provided by the dealership and serves as its title until you title it with the DMV. If there is a lien, ask the lienholder to send the original title to a DMV service center.
   • Proof of valid DC insurance
     Bring a printed copy. It must show your name, valid coverage dates, the vehicle's VIN and your District address.
   • Odometer mileage verification
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • New car: the dealer's odometer statement
     • Used car: mileage certified on the back of the title once signed over
     • Used car from a dealer: mileage on the dealer reassignment form
   • Other documents on the DMV list · all that apply
     Those that apply to you.
     Show accepted documents

     • Certificate of Title/Temporary Tag Application, with signatures
     • Bill of sale
     • Title reassignment form
     • Vehicle power of attorney, if you register it for the owner
     • Lienholder financial contract
     • Lease contract; lessor and lessee both need proof of identification
     • DC DMV vehicle inspection certificate
   • Business owner: DC business documents · all that apply
     Only if the owner is a business.
     Show accepted documents

     • DC Business License from DLCP
     • DC Certificate of Occupancy from DOB

2. Clear any DC debts first

   Pay any outstanding tickets, dishonored check fees, delinquent child support or other debt to the DC government first.

   Vehicle Registrations on dmv.dc.gov ↗

3. Get a DC driver license or ID

   You must have a DC driver license or DC identification card to register a vehicle. The DMV says to start converting your credentials before your out-of-state license or registration is near expiring.

   Vehicle Registration and Inspection ↗

4. Insure the vehicle

   District law requires valid DC insurance to register a vehicle and continuous insurance as long as it is registered.

   Vehicle Insurance on dmv.dc.gov ↗

5. Get the title

   DC DMV must receive the title. With no lien and no copy, get a duplicate from the jurisdiction that still titles the vehicle. With a lien, ask the lienholder to send it; you can check online whether the DMV received it.

6. Get a temporary registration if you need one

   The 45-day temporary registration and tag is for residents who must have the vehicle inspected before registering. Bring a properly endorsed title, proof of DC insurance and your DC credential to a service center; fees for the title transaction are due then. You do not get a second one or an extension.

   Temporary Registration and Tags ↗

7. Pass inspection

   A vehicle must pass DC DMV inspection before it can be registered. First-time inspections are at the DC DMV Inspection Station, 1001 Half Street SW. Brand new passenger vehicles with an MCO are not taken through inspection and get a 4-year sticker on registration.

   Vehicle Inspections on dmv.dc.gov ↗

8. Title and register

   Visit a DC DMV service center with your documents and pay the title and registration fees and any excise tax. Most new car dealerships do these steps for you.

   DC DMV service centers ↗

9. Estimate your fees

   The DMV's fee estimator covers excise tax, registration, inspection, tag, title, lien and residential parking fees. It is an estimate only; the actual fee may be higher or lower.

   Vehicle Registration and Title Fee Estimator ↗