All imported vehicles must meet federal motor vehicle safety standards before they can be registered in the District.

For DC DMV, the following items are required to register imported vehicles to the US:

• You (or at least one person listed on the vehicle title as an owner) must legally reside in the District and have a DC DMV credential
• US Customs and Border Protection Form 7501 (must have a wet stamp and include vehicle make, model and VIN)
• US Environmental Protection Agency Form 3520
• US Department of Transportation Form HS-7
• US Customs Cargo Release (if applicable)
• Vehicle ownership/foreign registration document*
• Bill of sale/lien documents (if applicable)
• Proof of DC vehicle insurance (must be printed)
• Vehicle must pass DC safety and emissions inspection

*If the required documents are not in English, you must attach an English translation from your embassy or from a translation company. The embassy translation must be on official embassy letterhead. The date of the translation must be on or after the actual date of the non-English language document. Translations from companies must be certified with a translation stamp or notarized by preparing a notarized affidavit confirming the translation was prepared by a qualified translator and that it is both accurate and complete. 

Registering Imported Non-Traditional Motor Vehicles (Motorcycles, Motor-Driven Cycles and Motorized Bicycles)

Non-traditional motor vehicles must meet federal motor vehicle safety standards before they can be registered in the District. Detailed information about the requirements to register a non-traditional motor vehicle can be found here.

For importing non-tradional motor vehicles, you must provide proof of compliance with the federal safety standards.

How proof may be provided:

• Present in-person at a DC DMV service center a manufacturer's certification of compliance. This is in addition to the registration application and other documents required to title and register the vehicle.
• You must bring the non-traditional motor vehicle to the inspection station to be inspected before it can be titled.

Once an inspector determines the vehicle has complied with the federal safety standards, you may then visit a DC DMV service center to title and register it.