1) Determine the Status of Your Registration

You must renew your vehicle's registration every 12 months.

Renew District of Columbia Registration

You can't legally drive within the district if your registration has lapsed. You'll also need current insurance coverage; see our Insurance Center if you need a provider or are looking to change your present carrier.

Please see the "Check Your Renewal Notice" section below and following information to learn about your renewal options.

Register a Vehicle in the District for the First Time

If you just bought a car or moved to the district, you're in the wrong spot for registration information. Please read our main registration article, which deals with initial registrations.

Register a Non-Operational Vehicle

If your vehicle isn't in working condition, you must still register it―and renew its registration―in the same manner as those with operational vehicles.

2) Check Your Renewal Notice

About two months before your registration expires, you should receive a renewal notice from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by mail or e-mail. The mailed version contains your fee rates, but the e-mail version won't include this information.

You're not required to have this notice to renew your registration, but if you're concerned about not receiving yours, call the DMV at (202) 727-5000.

If you're required to have an inspection completed before you renew, make sure to do so.

3) Calculate Your Fees

Renewal fees vary by weight and class of vehicle, much like insurance rates vary.

Avoid Late Fees and Penalties

Even though the district doesn't automatically assess fees or penalties for late renewals, you still can't legally operate a vehicle within the district with an expired registration.

4) Renew Online or By Mail

Renew Online

1. Make sure you meet the requirements to renew online. This includes a passed inspection.
2. Make sure you have your tag number and vehicle identification number (VIN) to begin.
3. Have a valid Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card credit card to pay your fee.
4. Proceed to the online renewal site.
5. Print your receipt page (if you're near the expiration date, also print the 45-day temporary registration certificate).

Allow 10 days to receive your renewal stickers.

By Mail

You can't renew by mail if your name or address has changed; you'll have to do so in person.

1. Find the renewal card.
2. Follow the instructions provided.
3. Send the renewal card and your fee payment in the envelope provided. For recipients of e-mail notices, the address is:
   • D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles
   • Vehicle Services Administration
   • P.O. Box 91700
   • Washington, D.C. 20090

Allow 15 days to receive your renewal stickers.

Note: You may no longer renew your registration in person, but you can place your renewal paperwork in a designated drop-off box at Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) locations. Your request may take up to 48 hours to complete, so give your registration enough time to be processed.

5) Affix Your Stickers

Be sure to properly attach your stickers to your tags following the instructions provided.

6) Get a Tax Deduction

In some areas of the country, residents can deduct their renewal fees on their federal taxes because the costs are based on the estimated worth of their vehicles. Because the district doesn't figure its renewal fees in that manner, you can't take this deduction.

Talk to a tax attorney for additional information on this issue.

7) Do Your Part to Keep Our Roadways Safe

After you've taken care of your registration renewal, you can turn your focus to taking measures to keep you―and your fellow motorists―as safe as possible on the road.

Make sure to maintain your vehicle's condition with regular oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups. Doing these simple tasks―as well as replacing your tires when necessary―ensures you're reducing the risk of dangerous breakdowns on the road.

Of course, it helps to have a reliable, well-trained mechanic who can detect problems at an early stage. It's good to invest in an after-market warranty, too, so you'll be able to handle the bigger repairs. And, when you join a roadside assistance program, you'll be able to deal with those unavoidable emergencies in a safer manner.

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