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Interpreter and Translation Services
DC DMV provides free language interpreter service for limited English and non-English speaking customers. We use Language Line Services,™ an over-the-phone, on-demand service. Language Line Services are available in 240 languages at no cost to DC DMV customers.
If you require language assistance, please go to the Language Identification Desktop Display available at each DC DMV information desk and hearing room. Point to the language you require assistance with, and an interpreter will be called to assist you with your transaction. You will be connected to an interpreter in a few minutes. Twenty of the most common languages are listed on the desktop display. If your language is not listed, please inform the customer service representative what language you need assistance with, and an interpreter will be called for you.
If you are hearing impaired, each DMV location uses an UbiDuo device to assist us in communicating with you. For those individuals who need hearing interpreter services during the knowledge test or for an in-person ticket hearing, please contact us at [email protected] and request assistance. You can also let us know of your needs at the DMV location.
Mission
The mission of the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) is to promote the safe operation of motor vehicles and public safety, while providing outstanding customer service.
Vision
The vision of DC DMV is to be the leader in innovation and technology.
DC DMV Overview
Every day, DC DMV directly serves an average of 3,200 District residents—and non-residents—more than almost any other District government agency. DC DMV provides service to more than 623,000 licensed drivers or identification card holders and 310,000 registered vehicles at four service centers. We service more than 2.7 million tickets annually, by collecting payments or providing citizens the means to contest the tickets. We also conduct over 178,000 vehicle inspections each year.
To achieve our mission, we have three operational program areas: Ticket Services, Driver Services, and Vehicle Services. Please also find other DMV-related information below.
Ticket Services
DC DMV processes parking, photo enforcement, and minor moving violation tickets and provides notices, hearings, and hearing support services for those who get the tickets. The service we provide ensures that people get sound legal decisions regarding their tickets and proper processing of any payments they must make on them.
Note: DC DMV does not issue tickets. Parking, photo enforcement, and minor moving violation tickets are issued by the DC Department of Public Works, the District Department of Transportation, and law enforcement agencies including the Metropolitan Police Department, US Capitol Police, US Park Police, and more than 30 other agencies.
You can access more information on DC DMV Ticket Services available at: DC DMV Ticket Services.
Respond to a Ticket
When you are issued a parking, photo enforcement, or minor moving violation ticket in the District of Columbia, you have three options to respond to the ticket, according to DC law: pay it, admit with an explanation, or contest it. After 30 calendar days without a response, a penalty equal to the fine will apply.
After 60 calendar days you will be deemed liable for the ticket. You have the option to file a Motion to Vacate after being deemed liable.
You must respond to a ticket by paying the ticket and penalties, admitting with an explanation, or contesting a ticket within 120 calendar days. After this time the ticket is assigned to collections and you no longer have any administrative adjudication options. After 120 calendar days you must pay the ticket to remove it from your record.
Do not pay the ticket if you want to admit with an explanation or contest it. Once you pay the ticket (either the original fine, the penalty or both), you no longer have the administrative option to adjudicate it. For more information, please visit the Respond to a Ticket webpage.
Contest Parking and Photo Enforcement Tickets
If you want to contest a ticket, do not pay the fine and/or penalty. You cannot contest a ticket once you have paid the fine and/or penalty nor can you request a refund.
Adjudication requests must be received within 60 calendar days of ticket issuance.
Ticket fines double in 30 calendar days. If a penalty has already been applied, address both the original fine and the late penalty in your statement.
If you contest the ticket between 31 and 60 calendar days after it is issued, in the case of a parking ticket, or mailed, in the case of a photo enforcement ticket, you must pay both the fine and the penalty if DC DMV hearing examiner finds you liable.
When you submit an adjudication request to admit with an explanation or contest a ticket by mail or online. A DC DMV hearing examiner will read the information you submit to adjudicate the ticket and will decide whether you must pay the fine or the fine and the penalty. The hearing examiner can also decide to reduce or dismiss the ticket based on DC Code and Traffic Regulations. The hearing examiner will mail the decision to the vehicle owner’s address of record with the DMV notifying the owner of the decision.
Parking and photo enforcement tickets can be contested by scheduling a virtual hearing, submitting an online adjudication request, by mail using the mail adjudication form, or you may walk in for an in-person hearing. For more information, please visit the Contest Parking and Photo Enforcement Tickets webpage.
Mail Adjudication Hearing
If you receive a parking or photo enforcement ticket and wish to contest it, you may come to Adjudication Services and request a walk-in hearing. However, sometimes it may not be possible or convenient for you to come to Adjudication Services and you have the option to submit your adjudication request by mail.
Request for Reconsideration
If you were found liable at a hearing for a parking, photo enforcement, or moving violation, you may file a request for reconsideration within 30 calendar days of the liable decision.
Motion to Vacate
The Motion to Vacate form should only be filed if the ticket was issued to you, to your vehicle or you have a notarized power of attorney form from the registered owner.
Explanation of Walk-in Hearings
This information sheet explains the hearing procedures that will be followed in the hearing on the parking ticket issued to you.
Explanation of Photo Enforcement Walk-in Hearings
This information sheet explains the procedures that will be followed in the hearing on the photo enforcement ticket issued to your vehicle.
Vehicle Power of Attorney
This form allows the registered owner to authorize someone to act on his/her behalf for ticket issues.
Appeals Form
If you wish to appeal the decision of the hearing examiner, you must file an appeal with the independently constituted Traffic Adjudication Appeals Board. You should read the instructions on the form carefully before filing your appeal. Failure to follow the procedures described in these instructions may result in your appeal being dismissed without consideration by the Appeals Board.
Attorney Appearance Form
Please find below the Written Appearance by Counsel and Consent by Client Form.
Administrative Hearing Application
If you do not live in the DC metropolitan area, you may submit a written request for reinstatement of your driving privileges. Please complete the Administrative Hearing Application. You will need to include proof of completion of a state certified alcohol/drug counseling program.
Points Waiver Form
To request the waiver of points, you must make application in writing at the same time that you pay your ticket fine. You must provide a written statement for review by a hearing examiner. In the statement, please explain why you believe the points should not be assessed for the violation
Driver Services
DC DMV provides driver certification and identification services to District residents to ensure they have the proper credentials to drive or otherwise operate their vehicles legally. DC DMV credentials show an individual’s identity, residency, and driving qualifications.
You can access more information on DC DMV Driver Services available at: DC DMV Driver Services.
- Central Issuance and New Credentials Brochure
- DC Mandatory Driver Education - Driving School Accreditation Application
- Consent, Waiver and Indemnity for Use of District Motor Vehicle
- Consent, Waiver and Indemnity for Use of District Motor Vehicle – Minor (Under Age 18)
Document Acceptance Requirements for Transactions (DART) Brochure
To complete your REAL ID DC Driver License or Identification Card transaction, you need to provide various documents related to your identity, social security number, residency and proof of ability to drive. The DART brochure assists in identifying the documents needed.
Driver License or Identification Card Application
Driver License/Identification Card Application is used for original credentials, converting credentials from other jurisdictions, renewing credentials and obtaining duplicate/replacement credentials. For more information on how to obtain a driver license or identification card, please visit the driver license webpage.
- DC DMV Driver Manual
- REAL ID Brochure
- REAL ID Credential Step-by-Step Process
- Driver License/Identification Card Application
Driver Record
You may request either a certified or an uncertified copy of your driver record from DC DMV. To request your driver record online, please visit the driver record webpage.
Gender Self-Designation Form
The Gender Self-Designation form contains private medical information and will be kept confidential and protected under the provisions of the Driver Privacy Protection Act.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Application
The IID Program allows DC DMV to reduce the license revocation periods for first or subsequent alcohol-related offenses. If you participate in the IID Program, you can get a restricted DC DMV driver license (either a restricted REAL ID license or a restricted Limited Purpose license) and drive designated vehicles with installed IIDs. If you have a commercial driver license (CDL), you are not eligible to participate in the Ignition Interlock Device Program.
The restriction and conditions on your driver license and on your driving record will remain in place for the period in which your driver license has been revoked. That period of time will be extended if you violate the IID Program rules or commit another driving-related violation. For more information on the IID Program, please visit the IID program webpage.
Proof of DC Residency Certifications
The DC Proof of Residency Certification is for residents who need to prove current residency, live with a current DC resident, and do not have residency documents in their name.
Instructions for obtaining a Limited Occupational License
Drivers licensed in the District of Columbia may submit a request to DC DMV for a Limited Occupational License following the suspension or revocation of their license. Please provide a letter from your employer, on company stationery or letterhead, addressed to Adjudication Services, certifying your need to have a driver license to maintain your livelihood.
6-Month DC Residency Certification
This form is used to certify 6-month District of Columbia residency when applying for a Limited Purpose Driver License or a Limited Purpose Identification Card.
Social Security Number Declaration for Limited Purpose Credential
This form is used for those applying for a Limited Purpose Driver License or a Limited Purpose Identification Card.
Limited Purpose Credential
The Limited Purpose credential requires a one-time validation of source documents when applying for your DC Limited Purpose credential. The driver knowledge and road tests will be required for all applicants applying for the Limited Purpose driver license. First time DC applicants must be a resident of the District of Columbia for at least six months. Applicants must have never been issued a Social Security number, previously been issued a Social Security number but no longer be eligible, or not be eligible for a Social Security number. The Limited Purpose credential may not be used for official federal purposes and will be marked to reflect this requirement. For more information on how to obtain a limited purpose credential, please visit the limited purpose webpage.
- Limited Purpose Credential Required and Acceptable Documents
- Limited Purpose Credential Step by Step Process
- Limited Purpose Brochure
Commercial Driver License (CDL)
DC DMV offers a commercial driver license (CDL) to professional drivers who reside in the District. The DC DMV CDL is a credential that complies with federal identification guidelines and can be used as a federal-level ID. It is valid for eight years and can be renewed.
Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) requires a higher level of knowledge, experience, skills, and physical abilities than driving a car or other non-commercial vehicle. To get a DC DMV CDL, you must pass both skills and knowledge testing geared to these higher standards. Additionally, you must take Entry-Level Driver Training by a FMCSA approved training provider for first time Class A and Class B CDL holders; CDL upgrades to Class B and A; and Endorsements S, P and H. For more information on how to obtain a CDL, please visit the CDL webpage.
- Commercial Driver License Application
- Commercial Driver License Supplemental Form
- Commercial Driver License Military Skills Test Waiver Form
- US Department of Transportation Medical Examination Certificate Report
- US Department of Transportation Medical Card
Learner Permit
To learn to drive—and to practice driving in the District—you must have a valid DC DMV learner permit. You must be at least 16 years old to get a DC DMV learner permit, and you must pass vision screening and knowledge tests and provide documentation that proves your identity, residency, and eligibility, among other things. To learn more on how to obtain a learner permit, please visit the learner permit webpage.
Gradual Rearing of Adult Drivers (GRAD)
If you are between 16 and 21 years old, DC DMV offers you a special license program to help you become a safe, experienced driver. The Graduated License Program (known as GRAD) gives novice drivers the support you need to improve your driving skills and graduate from learner permit to provisional license, to a full DC DMV driver license.
DC DMV’s GRAD program does not simply help with basic driving skills; it addresses complex driving situations, such as night driving, and offers a supportive framework through which you learn to safely navigate. For more information on the GRAD License Program, please visit the GRAD webpage.
- Certification of Eligibility for Provisional License with Conditions - 40 hours
- Certification of Eligibility for Full License with Conditions - 10 hours
Vehicle Services
DC DMV provides certification and inspection services to residents, businesses, and government entities so they may legally park, drive, and sell their vehicles in the District of Columbia.
You can access more information on DC DMV Vehicle Services available at: DC DMV Vehicle Services.
Certificate of Title/Temporary Tag Application
Complete this application to obtain a temporary DC DMV registration and hard temporary tag. A valid DC Driver License, DC Identification Card, DC Business License, DC Certificate of Occupancy or a government issued document showing DC Tax Identification Number must accompany this application; and Power of Attorney for a Dealer Temporary Tag or Temporary Registration.
Disability Accommodation Reduced Registration Application
This application is to be used for vehicles over 3,500 pounds or greater if the vehicle weight is due to the accommodation of a disability.
Non-Traditional Motor Vehicles
Motor vehicles are defined as vehicles propelled by an internal-combustion engine, electricity or steam. All traffic laws apply to motor vehicles, motorized bicycles and other types of non-traditional vehicles except as identified in the applicable DC Code statute or regulation.
For more information, please visit the non-traditional motor vehicles webpage.
Personalized Tag Application
DC DMV offers three types of personalized vehicle tags:
- Standard (for automobiles): May contain up to seven letters, the numbers one through nine, and/or spaces
- Motorcycle: May contain up to five letters, the numbers one through nine, and/or spaces
- Disability: May contain up to five letters, the numbers one through nine, and/or spaces
No punctuation or symbols are permitted on DC DMV personalized tags. DC DMV reserves the right to reject any combination of letters or numbers that may be deemed offensive. Please review your personalized tag order. Once you accept this order, you cannot change or cancel it. A non-refundable reservation fee of $100 is due when the order is placed. For more information on how to obtain personalized tags, please visit the personalized tags webpage.
Registration of Out-of-State Automobiles (ROSA)
If you are a recurring visitor to the District, that is, you have frequent, short-term visits and you have received a DC Department of Public Works (DC DPW) citation for parking or operating a vehicle without a DC DMV registration or tags, you may apply for a ROSA exemption.
Lienholder Out-of-State Title Request
Letter to Lienholder requesting out of state title to expedite the titling and registering of a customer's vehicle in the District of Columbia.
Leasing Agent Title/Temporary Registration and Tag
This application is to be used by Leasing Agents. Vehicle is titled and registered in DC to either DC Company or non-DC Company. The leasing agent will be on the title as lessor. The DC or non-DC company will be on the registration as lessee and the leasing agent will be on the registration as primary lessee.
Organizational Vehicle Tags Application
To obtain a membership organization tag to register to your vehicle, you will have to pay an extra member application tag fee in addition to the regular vehicle tag fee. You will also have to pay a tag replacement fee if you are replacing other tags on your vehicle.
If you would like to obtain organizational vehicle tags, contact the participating local organization for an application and approval. All organizational tag types are available at any DC DMV service center. For more information on how to obtain organizational vehicle tags, please visit membership organization tags webpage.
Vehicle Power of Attorney
This form allows the registered owner to authorize someone to act on his/her behalf for ticket issues.
Department of For-Hire Vehicles Application
To obtain taxicab tags in the District of Columbia, you must complete the following steps, which are outlined on the How to Obtain H Tags for a Taxi Cab webpage.
Requirements for Clearance of Title on Vehicle Sold for Garage Keeper's Lien
This application is for obtaining a title after an auction to enforce a garage keeper’s lien.
Multi-Owner Fleet Application
This form is used for government agencies and businesses to enroll in the ticket fleet program, if eligible.
Excise Tax Gift Exemption Form
This application is for people described in one of the relationships listed on the form and only if the vehicle already has an existing DC title.
Salvage Vehicle MPD Anti-Theft Inspection Form
View the Salvage Vehicle MPD Anti-Theft Inspection Form below.
Beneficiary Designation to Certificate of Title Application
Please complete this application and submit it with the required proof of identity documents.
Other DC DMV-related Forms
Medical Forms
Disability Parking Placards and Permits
On behalf of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), which regulates parking in the District, DC DMV issues three types of disability placards or permits, one-week permits, temporary placards, and long-term placards. For more information on how to obtain a disability parking placard, please visit the disability placard webpage.
- Application for Disability Parking Placard or Tags
- Online Application for Disability Parking Placard or Tags
- One-Week Temporary Disability Parking Permit Application
Medical Report Forms
This is a combined medical and eye report form. Therefore, depending on your medical condition, you may only need your doctor to complete one section of the form/report.
This form is used for drivers 70 years of age and older who are required to have a licensed medical practitioner complete the Fitness to Drive Certification.
International Registration Program Forms
The International Registration Program (IRP) is an international highway program designed for the licensing of heavy (>26,000 pounds) commercial vehicles that travel in two or more jurisdictions. A jurisdiction may be a state, the District of Columbia, or a Canadian province. Vehicles licensed under the IRP are called apportioned vehicles. To apply for IRP registration, print and complete the form at the link below, then bring it to the DC DMV at the Southwest Service Center, 95 M Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. It is important to complete the form fully; any missing information will delay the processing of the application. For more information, please visit the IRP webpage.
Legal Forms
AALA Forms
Language Access Services
For oral language interpretation and/or translation, please contact DC DMV's Language Access Coordinator, Dechelle Hampton at [email protected].