| Title | Fee |
|---|---|
| Title Information Request | $7.00 |
| Vehicle Title Only (New and Replacement) | $26.00 |
| Duplicate Title | $26.00 |
| Lien Recordation (if vehicle is financed) | $20.00/lien |
Excise Tax
Information on the excise tax for DC titles can be found at DC Official Code § 50-2201.03. Many vehicles are exempt from DC excise tax. Review our excise tax exemption list [PDF]. Rates are applied to the fair market value (as defined by the current National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Business Guide for the Eastern Region) of the vehicle at the time of application (reference 18 DCMR §401.16). Obtain an estimate of the excise tax by using the online excise tax calculation tool.
As a result of recent regulatory changes, DC DMV has revised the calculations for motor vehicle excise taxes. The updated excise tax rates will take into account the fuel efficiency of motor vehicles as mandated by Title V of the CleanEnergy DC Omnibus amendment Act of 2018. These changes become effective on February 1, 2021.
Except as set forth in DC Official Code § 50-2201.03(j)(1A)(G), the excise tax rate on motor vehicles shall be as follows based on vehicle weight class and miles per gallon (mpg) city driving, rounded down to the nearest whole number:
Fees
Tax rates/fees are determined by both vehicle unladen weight and mpg city:
| Unladen Weight | 20MPG or Less | 21MPG - 25MPG | 26MPG - 30MPG | 31MPG - 39MPG | 40MPG or More |
| 3,499 or Less | 8.1% | 4.4% | 3.1% | 2.2% | 1.0% |
| 3,500 - 4,999 | 9.1% | 5.4% | 4.1% | 3.2% | 2.0% |
| 5,000 or More | 10.1% | 6.4% | 5.1% | 4.2% | 3.0% |
Formula - Fair Market Value (FMV) X MPG Taxable Percentage(%) = Excise Tax
Notes:
- Fuel efficiency is not based on MPGe (equivalent)
- Changes to the vehicle excise tax shall not apply to individuals who claimed and received the District Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for the most recent tax period. Individuals who qualify for the District earned income tax credit (EITC) may elect to pay by weight class (6%, 7%, 8%), or the MPG adjusted tax benchmark/schedule depending on lowest costs. If EITC is applied to the excise tax, documentation from the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) will be required prior to vehicle titling.
- 100% electric vehicles are exempt from the vehicle excise tax.