Vehicles registered in the District are required by law to display DC DMV-issued vehicle tags. The tags are issued at the time of vehicle registration.

Vehicles are required to display two current tags: one on the front and the other on the rear of the vehicle. Exceptions are for motorcycles, mopeds and trailers. For these, one tag is issued to be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.

The vehicle tags must be securely fastened in a horizontal position, so that they do not fall off and can be easily read. District law requires that the tags be visible and not obstructed or covered by any substance (e.g., glass, plastic, spray, license tag holders, etc.).