A renewal notice from DC DMV will be sent to the customer via mail or email, 60 calendar days before the current vehicle registration expires. Vehicles must have a valid inspection to renew the registration. Also, to renew your vehicle registration, all outstanding debt to the District of Columbia must be paid. Only passenger class vehicle registrations can be renewed online.
If your vehicle inspection and registration stickers are expired, DC DMV may issue a one-time only 5-day temporary registration. The 5-day temporary registration may be obtained in-person at a DC DMV service center.
Vehicle registration can be renewed either online or by mail.
Note: Any change of address or a name change must be completed prior to vehicle registration renewal. Co-owners listed on the vehicle registration must apply for their own changes of address.
Online Vehicle Registration and Residential Parking Renewal
Note: If you cannot satisfy all the online requirements, please visit a DC DMV service center to resolve the issues (i.e., address stop, dishonored check stop, etc.) that are preventing you from renewing online.
When renewing your vehicle registration online, you will be able to print the temporary 45-day registration, which must be displayed on the vehicle dashboard. If you are eligible for a residential parking permit (RPP), the online process will allow you to check a box to add RPP during the vehicle registration renewal transaction. Only one valid RPP zone sticker can be displayed.
You may renew your vehicle registration online if you have:
- Vehicle registration that has not been expired for more than 90 days.
- Valid vehicle inspection.
- Valid DC DMV credential.
- Valid DC vehicle insurance policy.
DC DMV will mail your vehicle registration to your address on file. Your vehicle registration renewal will be processed within 7–10 business days from receipt. Please allow up to 15 business days to receive your product before contacting DC DMV.
By Mail Vehicle Registration Renewal
If you receive a registration renewal notice by mail, follow the instructions and be sure to enclose the check or money order made payable to DC Treasurer for your registration. It is important that you allow for mailing, processing and delivery of your vehicle registration renewal, as vehicles with an expired registration may be ticketed.
Mail your vehicle registration renewal information to:
DC DMV
ATTN: Processing Center
PO Box 90120
Washington, DC 20090
If you want to renew your vehicle registration by mail and do not have the registration renewal notice, you can still renew by mail and must provide DC DMV with the following information:
- DC vehicle tag number
- Valid DC DMV credential
- Purpose of payments (vehicle registration renewal)
- Vehicle registration renewal fee.
- If paying by check or money order, please make all payments payable to DC Treasurer.
Note: Your tag number must be included on your payment to ensure the correct vehicle registration is renewed.
Related Content: Vehicle Registration Fees | Vehicle Inspection Fees