The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles has established a new Driver Improvement Office. This office replaces the permit hearings and driver’s records office by combining these functions.

The Driver Improvement office schedules permit control hearings such as ‘show cause’ hearings for serious moving violations which include: driving while intoxicated (DWI), driving while under the influence (DUI), operating while impaired (OWI), leaving the scene of an accident (LAC) etc. The Driver Improvement office also schedules misrepresentation hearings and reinstatement hearings.

This office provides traffic records and clears ticket suspensions and child support revocations. The office can provide you with a list of certified alcohol and/or substance abuse programs accepted by DC DMV. This is also the office which removes points as a result of traffic school completions. Requests for limited occupational permits or restricted driver’s licenses are also submitted to the Driver Improvement Office. You must report to the Driver Improvement Office and check in when you are scheduled for a permit control hearing.

The Driver Improvement office is located at 301 C Street, N.W., in room 1033 and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. You may reach this office by telephone on (202) 727-6045 or 727-6046. This office accepts payment by personal check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover; no cash payments are accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning the Driver Improvement Office:

• Can I schedule a permit control hearing over the telephone?

No, since documents need to be reviewed to make certain the driver is eligible for a hearing, permit control hearings may not be scheduled over the telephone. Permit control hearings can be scheduled in person, by mail, or by fax. The office fax number is (202) 727-0646.

• How can I reschedule a permit control hearing?

You may submit a request to reschedule your permit control hearing to the Driver Improvement Office at least seventy two hours prior to the date of the hearing. Emergency requests for continuances are handled on a case by case basis.

• Can someone else pay me reinstatement fee for me?

Yes, someone else may pay your reinstatement fee for you as long as you provide a notarized statement authorizing payment.

• Can a reinstatement fee by paid on-line or by telephone?

No, we are not yet able to process reinstatement fees over the telephone or on-line. These fees may be paid in person or by mail.

• Is the Driver Improvement Office the only office where I may obtain a copy of my DC traffic record?

No, the Driver Improvement Office is only one location where this service is offered. You may also obtain a copy of your traffic record from the other DMV service centers – Penn Branch, Brentwood Square, and Georgetown Park.

• Do I have to satisfy all of my outstanding parking tickets in order to pay a reinstatement fee?

Yes, because you are restoring or reinstating your driver’s license or non-resident driving privileges, all stops on your traffic record, including outstanding tickets, must be paid in order to process your reinstatement fee.