Washington DC Car Registration Renewal

Renew a Vehicle Registration in Washington DC

If you live in Washington DC and own a car, it’s important to keep your registration valid. Fees are due annually. Around 60 days before your registration expires, you should receive a renewal notice in the mail.

You must have a valid vehicle inspection sticker and NOT have outstanding fees owed to the Washington DC DMV to renew your registration.

If both your vehicle inspection sticker and registration are expired, you can get a temporary registration (valid for 5 days) from a DC DMV service center. This will allow you to drive legally to complete your vehicle inspection.

Returning DMV customers that have registered online can also obtain a temporary registration online.

Washington DC Vehicle owners can renew their registrations either:

• Online. 

OR

• By mail.

Washington DC Online Registration Renewal

You are eligible to renew your vehicle registration online in Washington DC if you(r):

• Vehicle registration expires in 60 days or less OR has NOT been expired more than 90 days.
• Have a valid DC license or ID card.
• Your vehicle inspection is still valid.
• Do NOT need to change the name you have on file with the DMV. You may change your address when you renew (if necessary) as long as you have a valid DC REAL ID.
• Insurance is up-to-date.

To renew online, visit the DMV online portal and:

1. Enter the requested information:
   • Email address.
   • Plate number.
   • Last 4 digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
   • Registration renewal term.
2. Update your address and insurance information if needed.
3. Provide payment.
4. Print your temporary registration (valid for 45 days).

Your new vehicle registration should arrive by mail within 15 days.

Renew a Washington DC Vehicle Registration by Mail

Once you receive your registration renewal notice in the mail, you may enclose a check for the applicable fees made payable to the “DC Treasurer” and mail it with the renewal notice to the:

DC DMV
Vehicle Services Administration
PO Box 90120
Washington, DC 20090

You should receive your new registration and plate decal in the mail within 15 days.

DC Registration Renewal Fees

Fees are due each year.

• Passenger vehicle (3,499 lbs. or under) registration renewal: $72.00
• Passenger vehicle (between 3,500 lbs. and 4,999 lbs) registration renewal: $115.00
• Passenger vehicle (5,000 lbs. or over) registration renewal: $155.00
• Motorcycle registration renewal: $52.00

Check the fee schedule for a complete list of registration renewal fees.