Washington DC Vehicle Registration and Titling Process
Title and Register a Vehicle in Washington DC
Whether you purchase a vehicle or move to DC, you’ll need to title and register the vehicle through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
If you recently moved to DC, you have 60 days to register your car or face penalties.
To register a vehicle for the first time, visit your local DMV service center and provide the:
- Current vehicle title (from outside DC or signed over to you from the previous owner) or Certificate of Origin.
- If the vehicle was purchased on a lien, contact your lienholder beforehand and send them a Lienholder Out of State Title Request Form (DMV-VS-LH Letter-002).
- Bill of sale (for newly purchased vehicles).
- Proof of insurance.
- Odometer statement (may be on the back of the title).
- Lien or lease contract (if applicable).
- Vehicle inspection certificate (not needed for new vehicles).
- Payment for the applicable fees.
If you are registering the vehicle for a business, you must additionally provide your original DC business license and DC Certificate of Occupancy.
The DMV will mail your title to vehicle owner or lienholder within 10 days of the transaction.
If you’re unsure whether your documents satisfy the requirements to title and register your vehicle, use the DC DMV Document Verification Guide.
DC Title and Registration Fees
- Title fee: $7.00
- Passenger vehicle (3,499 lbs. or under) registration: $72.00
- Passenger vehicle (between 3,500 lbs. and 4,999 lbs) registration: $115.00
- Passenger vehicle (5,000 lbs. or over) registration: $155.00
- Motorcycle registration: $52.00
Use the excise tax calculator to compute owed taxes.
Find a complete list of registration fees on the DMV registration fee schedule.