In order to register a vehicle, you must obtain a liability insurance policy through an approved insurance company licensed to conduct business in the District of Columbia, or through an authorized agent of such a company. The policy must meet DC insurance requirements, or must carry insurance that shows the vehicle is registered with a District address.

To show your vehicle is insured, you must have the following primary source documents, which may be copies:

• DC insurance policy with dates of coverage as well as vehicle identification number (VIN), make, year of vehicle, and District address of vehicle
• DC insurance card with unexpired expiration date as well as VIN, make, year of vehicle, and District address of vehicle
• Letter of Certification on insurance company letterhead, verifying District coverage dates as well as VIN, make, year of vehicle, and DC address of vehicle

NOTE: You must maintain your vehicle insurance continuously as long as your vehicle is registered. If your insurance lapses, you will be subject to fees. Insurance should not be cancelled before the vehicle tags have been surrendered to DC DMV. Failure to do so could result in an insurance lapse and fee.