If you live within the city limits of Washington DC and own a vehicle, it needs to be registered with the District of Columbia DMV. Registering a vehicle is not difficult, but it must be done in person. Unfortunately, you can’t register online, over the phone, or by mail. Read on for everything you need to know about registering your vehicle in DC.
What Do I Need To Take?
When you go to the DMV service center you will need to have a valid DC driver’s license in order to register your vehicle, as well as proof of DC car insurance. You will also need proof of vehicle ownership. This could be the bill of sale or the signed vehicle title. If you’re leasing or making payments on the vehicle, make sure you have contact information for the leaser or lien holder. If you purchased a used vehicle or if the current inspection has expired, you will need proof of vehicle inspection. If you purchased the vehicle from a private seller, you will also need the vehicle’s previous registration. Finally, you will need a method of payment (cash, check, money order, or credit card) for the vehicle registration fee.
What If I Need an Inspection?
Permanent registrations will not be issued without proof of a current DC inspection. If your vehicle needs an inspection, you will need to get a temporary registration (good for 45 days), so you can get that taken care of. This includes new DC residents who have not had their vehicle inspected in DC or who have expired out-of-state tags. If you’ve recently purchased a vehicle that has a current DC inspection, you don’t need a temporary registration.
How Do I Register?
Within 30 days of moving to DC you need to register your vehicle with the District. If you’ve recently purchased a vehicle, you can title and register it at the same time. Bring any of the materials listed above that apply to your situation to a DMV service center. There, they will validate all of the information and, if everything is in order, you will get your DC vehicle registration.
How Much Does It Cost?
Personal class vehicle registration fees vary based on vehicle type and weight. For clean fuel, hybrid, or electric vehicles, first time registration is $36. For historic vehicles, registration is $25. For motorcycles, registration is $52. Registration for all other vehicles is based on weight: $72 for those weighing under 3499 lbs, $115 for this weighing 3500-4999 lbs, and $155 for those over 5000 lbs. Tag transfers cost $7 and temporary registrations (if needed) are $13. These fees do not include the excise tax of 6-8% that may apply to your vehicle.
How to Contact Us
When you need help navigating the DMV in DC and Virginia, or the MVA in Maryland, then get in touch. Our online contact form can make it easier for you to reach us. Just be sure to leave your name, phone number, email address, and a short description of how we can help you with. Our phone number is 202-342-2558, and our email address is greg@usvrs.com. Are you on social media? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!