Motorcycle Registration in Washington DC

In the District of Columbia, motorcycles must be registered, pass inspection, and be insured just like any other motor vehicle.

Prior to registering your motorcycle, it will have to pass a safety and emissions inspection. Your motorcycle must have current tags from here or from another jurisdiction before going through the inspection process.

If your motorcycle has expired tags, you'll have to get a 45-day temporary tag from the DMV service location at 301 C Street, NW. You'll have to bring the vehicle's title in your name (or correctly reassigned to you), proof of insurance, and a $13 fee to get the temporary tag.

After you have gotten a valid tag, you can take the motorcycle through inspection. You don't pay the for inspection now―you'll take care of that when you register the motorcycle.

When your motorcycle has passed inspection, you can go ahead and apply for registration at a DMV service location. Bring along the required documents proving the following:

• Registrant's DC driver's license or permit

• Vehicle ownership

• Vehicle value

• Vehicle mileage

• Vehicle insurance

• Vehicle inspection

Also be prepared to pay the required registration and inspection fees.

In the District, you will also have to pay any outstanding tickets, dishonored check fees, and even delinquent child support payments before you will be allowed to register your motorcycle.

All of the procedures and required documentation to renew your motorcycle's registration online, through the mail, or in person are the same as those required for a car.

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