Registration FAQs

Can I renew my registration online?

You may renew your registration online without standing in line at the DMV, but first check out the many eligibility requirements that you must satisfy in order to be able to renew this way.

Are there special benefits to driving a hybrid vehicle in the District of Columbia?

Yes. When you register your hybrid vehicle at the DC Department of Motor Vehicles, you will pay a reduced registration fee.

Do I need proof of insurance?

Yes. If you are stopped by the police, under DC law, you are required to show your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance. When you purchase your insurance coverage, you should receive a card or document from your insurance company that contains the name of the insurance company, your policy number, the name of the insured, and the length of coverage for the policy.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) issues citations to drivers who do not have proof of insurance. The proof of insurance law applies to all motorists who drive in the district, no matter where their car is registered or where their driver's license was issued.

How do I order personalized plates?

You can request one of three different types of personalized license plates from the DC DMV:

• The standard automobile tags, which may contain up to seven letters, numbers one through nine, and spaces.

• Motorcycle tags can contain up to five letters, numbers one through nine, and spaces.

• Disability tags can contain up to five letters, numbers one through nine, and spaces.

For out more about personalized plates, including pricing and ordering methods.

Can I get a title for a car that I don't plan to register in the district?

Yes. If you want to get a title for a car that you do not plan to register or drive in the district, go to a DMV service location and bring the required fee, proof of ownership of the vehicle, the value of the vehicle as well as the mileage, and proof of DC residence.

Your vehicle won't have to pass inspection or have insurance if you are applying for a title only without registration.

How do I get replacement license plates (tags)?

To replace tags that were either lost, damaged, or stolen, head to a DMV service location. Bring these documents and be prepared to pay the $10 fee:

• Citizen Complaint Number or police report (only if tags were stolen)

• Registration card (all replacements)

• Proper identification for the registered owner or owners (all replacements)

• Current tags (if worn, or only one lost or stolen)

How do I get a replacement registration card?

To order a replacement card, you'll take proper identification and go to a DMV service location. There's a $7 replacement card fee.

You may also take care of this task online, providing that your registration expires in more than 10 days, your current name and address are recorded with the DMV, and you have an acceptable credit card.

How do I replace a title that has been lost or stolen?

You may replace a lost or stolen title by heading to a DMV service location and bringing the following:

• Proper vehicle identification

• Duplicate Certificate of Title Application (all owners must sign this)

• Proper identification for all vehicle owners

Be prepared to fork over $26 for the replacement title.

Don't feel like going to the DMV? We don't blame you. You can apply for a replacement title by mail, too, as long as you include all of the above information, along with your payment. Then send everything to:

• DC DMV

• P.O. Box 90120

• Washington, D.C. 20090

The DMV will mail your title within 15 days.

The DMV provides additional information on how to handle other sorts of duplicate title requests.

What should I do if my registration renewal sticker gets lost in the mail?

If this should happen to you, call the DMV at (202) 727-5000. The DMV will look into your situation and advise you what to do next.

Does the DMV offer any special sort of registration for vehicles that are nonoperable or in storage?

No. Should you decide to cancel your vehicle's registration, surrender the plates at a service location. Make sure to do this before cancelling your vehicle's insurance.

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.

Where can I find more registration and titling information?

Explore the following links to find more detailed information:

• Car Registration

• Title Transfer

• Boat Registration

• RV and Motorhome Registration

• Custom-built Car Registration

• Motorcycle Registration