Washington, D.C. License PlatesWashington, D.C. license plates, commonly called "vehicle tags", are metallic plates issued by the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (D.C. DMV) to vehicles registered in the district. These tags are essential identifiers for these vehicles and directly link the vehicle to its registered owner. To this end, every D.C. vehicle tag displays a distinct combination of letters and numbers known as a tag number. This tag number correlates with the vehicle's registration details stored in district records and streamlines the process of identifying vehicles (and their owners) for law enforcement, tax, and administrative purposes.
Under district law (specifically Title 50, Chapter 15 of the Code of the District of Columbia), every vehicle housed and operated in D.C. must be registered with the D.C. DMV and display a current tag assigned by this department. Most vehicles, like sedans, SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks, are issued two tags, which must be displayed at the front and the rear of the vehicle. However, motorcycles, mopeds, and trailers are issued a single license plate to display at the rear. The vehicle tags must be affixed in a horizontal position, securely fastened to prevent them from dislodging, and remain visible and unobstructed at all times.
The D.C. DMV offers vehicle owners several license plate options. These include:
Be aware that the D.C. DMV typically issues a registration card or sticker with your license plate that details your registration information, including your vehicle registration's expiration date. You must always carry the card in your vehicle or display the sticker on your windshield, whichever is applicable.
Washington, D.C. License Plate Design and FormatsD.C. vehicle tags are rectangular-shaped metallic plates usually made from reflectorized aluminum material. The district's standard license plate (the end taxation tag) features a simple design with a six-character license plate number screened in blue over a reflective white background. This plate number utilizes an "AB-1234" serial format with a screened district flag as a separator. Red stripes are screened above and below the plate number, with the words "WASHINGTON, D.C." and "END TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION" screened in blue at the top and bottom of the plate, respectively.
The "www.D.Cgov" variant of this standard tag features the same design but with "Washington, D.C." and "www.washingtonD.Cgov" screened at the top and bottom of the plate instead. Similarly, specialty and membership organization tags usually deviate from the standard license plate format and feature designs, images, and logos specific to the organization or cause being represented on the plate.
Here are pictorial representations of some D.C. license plates:
Standard tags:
Specialty and membership organization tags:
* Source: D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles
Washington, D.C. Vanity License PlateIn Washington, D.C., vanity license plates, also known as personalized tags, are custom license plates that display a license plate number chosen by the vehicle owner instead of one assigned by the D.C. DMV. This custom license number usually features a name or phrase that allows the vehicle owner to express an opinion or make their vehicle stand out on the road.
The D.C. DMV offers personalized tags for district-registered automobiles and motorcycles. For automobiles, the customized tag number may be up to seven characters and can include the numbers 1 through 9 or spaces, while a maximum of five characters (numbers and spaces included) are allowed for motorcycles and disability plates. Punctuations, symbols, or the number "0" are not allowed. The department also reserves the right to reject any customizations it deems offensive.
You can check the availability of your desired customization and request personalized tags online. You can also make requests by completing a Personalized Tags Application and submitting it to your nearest D.C. DMV Service Center. When placing your order, you will be charged a non-refundable $100 reservation fee, which is separate from your regular registration fees.
Requests are typically reviewed and processed within 6 – 8 weeks, and you will be notified once your personalized tags are available for pickup at the D.C. DMV's Southwest Service Center located at:
95 M Street, SWTo pick up your personalized tags, you must bring your current vehicle tags, registration card, and driver's license (or any valid D.C.-issued ID); otherwise, they won't be issued.
Most Popular Washington, D.C. Special Plate NumbersCommon specialty license plate themes and designs that are currently available in Washington, D.C., are:
Washington, D.C. License Plate LookupA license plate lookup is a process used to obtain vehicle-related information; this process typically involves inputting a license plate number into a database to retrieve details like the vehicle's registration status, make, model, mileage, accident history, repair records, and maintenance records. A license plate lookup might also reveal details about the vehicle's registered owner; however, access to this information is usually limited to law enforcement and specific authorized individuals or organizations. License plate lookups are typically used to confirm information about cars before buying them and gather information to further law enforcement investigations and court proceedings.
The D.C. DMV provides an online tool that you can use to verify a vehicle's registration status using its tag number. You can also access vehicle-related information and driver records in person at any of the department's Service Centers. Be aware that the D.C. DMV closely adheres to the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act and will only release driver records (and personal vehicle-related information like a registrant's name and address) to the following requesters:
Note that all requesters must provide the record owner's name, date of birth, and driver's license or Social Security number. Contact the D.C. DMV at (202) 737-4404 for more information on accessing driver records.
Alternatively, you can look up vehicle information in D.C. online through third-party websites like RecordsFinder. These websites generally offer free access to basic vehicle details and the option of buying a more detailed report for a small fee. Note that these websites do not provide access to the vehicle registrant's personal information, as mandated by district law.
License plate lookups and reverse license plate number searches are ways to get vehicle information, albeit through slightly different processes. A license plate lookup requires you to provide a plate number to get details about the linked vehicle, like it's make, model, and registration status. However, with a reverse license plate number search, you input available vehicle details, like the car's make and description, to find associated plate numbers and more detailed vehicle information.
You can conduct reverse license plate number searches through third-party websites such as RecordsFinder. However, these websites do not process search requests that violate federal and local regulations regarding motor vehicle information disclosure.
What Do I Need to Get a License Plate in Washington, D.C.?D.C. vehicle tags are only issued to vehicles titled and registered by the district's Department of Motor Vehicles (D.C. DMV). You are typically required to initiate this registration process as soon as you purchase the vehicle or within 60 calendar days from the date you begin living in the district. To title and register your vehicle, you will need to visit a D.C. DMV Service Center location, where you will be required to provide proof of the following:
The D.C. DMV provides a Document Verification Guide that you can use to determine the exact documents you will need to take along for your vehicle registration. Registration fees are generally determined by your vehicle type, weight, and fair market value. You can estimate your titling and registration fees using the D.C. DMV's Vehicle Registration and Title Fee Estimator. Be aware that you must also pay any outstanding debts you owe the District of Columbia government before your vehicle will be titled and registered.
Vehicle tags and registration cards/stickers are typically issued once the submitted application has been processed and all necessary fees paid. The processing time may differ depending on location and the current workload of the service center handling your application. Contact the D.C. DMV at (202) 737-4404 for more information on vehicle registration and license plate issuance.
Differences Between a Passenger License Plate and a Commercial License Plate in Washington, D.C.?In Washington, D.C., any four-wheeled vehicle that exceeds twenty-two feet in length or is primarily used for transporting freight, merchandise, or other commercial goods is considered a commercial vehicle. Examples of these include trailers, trucks, and buses. Conversely, passenger vehicles generally refer to personal or private-use vehicles like automobiles, sedans, SUVs, minivans, and coupes.
The table below summarizes the differences between passenger license plates and commercial license plates in Washington, D.C.:
| Features | Passenger License Plate | Commercial License Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Use | For personal/private use | For business/commercial use |
| Plate number arrangement |
Six-character license plate number with "AB-1234" serial format * specialty and membership organization tags may have anywhere from two to seven characters |
Six-character license plate number with "AB-1234", "A-12345", or "ABC-123" serial format. Preceding letters typically indicate the vehicle type |
| Design & Color |
Blue plate number over a reflective white background, with the district flag as a separator. Red stripes are screened above and below the plate number, with "WASHINGTON, D.C." and "END TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION" written in blue at the top and bottom of the plate (replaced with "Washington, D.C." and "www.washingtonD.Cgov" for the "www.D.Cgov" tag variant) * design and background features/images may vary for specialty and membership organization tags |
Same as passenger license plates. However, tags issued for apportioned vehicles may replace the slogan under the plate number with "APPORTIONED" |
| Use Limitations | Typically intended for non-commercial purposes | Typically used for business and commercial purposes |
| Requirements for obtaining |
Proof of:
|
Same as passenger tags. * vehicles weighing 55,000 lbs or more have to pay a separate Heavy Vehicle Use Tax |
How to Renew License Plate in Washington, D.C.Vehicle registration in Washington, D.C., is typically valid for one or two years (registrants usually choose their desired validity period at the time of registration and subsequent renewals). This registration must be renewed with the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (D.C. DMV) by midnight of the last day of the designated validity period. The department typically sends a renewal notice approximately 60 days before this date. Under district law, the first ticket issued for driving with an expired registration may be dismissed if the D.C. DMV did not send you a renewal notice before your registration expired.
Renewal notices typically include instructions on what you must do before renewing your vehicle registration. Generally, your vehicle must have a valid inspection certificate before you can renew your registration, and you must also pay any outstanding debts to the district.
Renewals can be done online through the department's Vehicle Registration Renewal portal (available for passenger cars only) or via mail. Note that vehicles with registrations that have expired for more than 90 days cannot utilize the online renewal option. You will also need to visit a D.C. DMV Service Center if you encounter any stops during the process preventing you from completing your renewal online,
To renew via mail, follow the instructions outlined in your renewal notice and submit all required documents, including a check or money order for the stipulated fees made payable to "D.C. Treasurer", to
D.C. DMVRenewal fees vary by vehicle type, weight, plate type, applicable taxes, and late renewal penalties (if any). Registration renewals are typically processed and mailed to your address on file within 7 – 10 business days. However, contact the D.C. DMV online, in person at any of its service centers, or by calling 311 or (202) 737-4404 if you don't receive your new registration after 15 business days. Inquiries concerning the registration renewal process can also be directed to the department via these channels.
How to Transfer a License Plate in Washington, D.C.D.C. vehicle tags can be transferred between vehicles under the following conditions:
To transfer your tags, visit any D.C. DMV Service Center with the following documents:
Washington, D.C. License Plate Lookup Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Washington, D.C., closely adheres to the federal Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and prohibits the disclosure of personal information contained in motor vehicle records and accident reports. This information, which includes a vehicle registrant's name, address, telephone number, and photograph, is only shared in specific situations. These include, but are not limited to, law enforcement investigations, insurance matters, court proceedings, or notifying owners of towed vehicles.
Therefore, unless you have a legally permissible reason for seeking this information, you cannot find the owner of a D.C. license plate using a license plate number. However, you can utilize these plate numbers or the vehicle's identification number (VIN) to access basic details and non-personal information on over 269 million vehicles registered across the US through third-party websites like RecordsFinder.
You can replace your lost vehicle tags in Washington, D.C., by visiting a D.C. DMV Service Center. You will need to submit a Metropolitan PD police report, your registration card, a valid D.C.-issued ID, and any remaining vehicle tag (failing to submit a police report or surrender remaining tags makes you liable for any tickets issued to the tag number). Tag replacement costs vary by plate type and typically range from $10 to $25 (or more).
In Washington, D.C., police officers and other law enforcement officials typically have access to the following information when they run license plates:
Online license plate searches are handy for looking up a vehicle's history. Many Washington, D.C., residents typically use these services when purchasing used cars to check details like the vehicle's make and model, tank, year of manufacture, engine style, body style, and price and to ensure that it isn't being sold with a cloned VIN.
Several third-party websites, including RecordsFinder, offer free license plate search services. You can utilize these websites to gather information on D.C.-registered vehicles. However, access to D.C. vehicle owners' personal information is restricted by district law, so these websites do not typically facilitate searches requesting this information.
D.C. license plates are valid for the length of your vehicle registration (usually one or two years) and are revalidated when you renew your registration. Your registration expiration date is indicated on your registration card – you must renew no later than midnight on the last day of this month.
Under district law, there is a $200 fine for registration lapses of one to 30 days and an additional $200 fine for each extra month your vehicle does not have a valid registration (and tags), up to a maximum fine of $2,400. You may also face separate penalties of up to $1,000 in fines and jail time of up to 30 days if it is determined that you knowingly operated your vehicle with expired tags. Other penalties for driving with expired license plates in D.C. include potential vehicle impoundment and administrative charges to reinstate your registration with the D.C. DMV.
You must cancel your D.C. license plates and return them to the district's DMV if you:
You can cancel your license plates online. However, this option is only available for vehicles registered to individuals (not businesses) and can only be utilized by the primary owner of the car in question. You will be issued a receipt, which you can keep for your records; you can also send a copy to your insurer to cancel your vehicle insurance. Do not cancel your insurance before canceling and returning your vehicle tags; otherwise, you will be charged an insurance lapse fee. Once you cancel your tags online, you can destroy and dispose of them yourself. It is advisable to blackout the plate number before doing this.
Vehicle registrants who cannot cancel their tags online will have to return them in person to a D.C. DMV Service Center. You can also surrender the tags via mail or certified mail to:
D.C. DMV D.C. DMVYou will receive a receipt for mail-in returns within 7 – 10 days; however, contact the department if you don't get one after 15 days. Remember to remove your registration sticker from your vehicle after canceling your tags.
If you move out of D.C., you must cancel and surrender your vehicle tags to the district's DMV. You can do this in person at any D.C. DMV Service Center or by mailing the tags to:
D.C. DMV D.C. DMVAn online tag cancellation option is also available for vehicles registered to individuals. Be aware that you will be responsible for disposing of the tags if you cancel them online.
D.C. tags are 12 inches by 6 inches, the same dimensions adopted by states nationwide for passenger vehicles. However, motorcycle tags measure 7 inches by 4 inches.
The D.C. DMV typically provides a 45-day temporary registration and vehicle tag for residents who need to get their vehicles inspected before completing full registration. This applies if they are converting an out-of-state registered vehicle or have purchased a used vehicle that requires inspection before registration. The department may also issue a 5-day temporary paper tag for out-of-state residents who recently bought a used vehicle in D.C. through a private-party sale.
These tags can be obtained in person at any of the department's service centers across the district. You will be required to submit the following documents:
You will be charged a temporary registration fee plus all costs of titling your vehicle. These include a title fee, excise taxes, and a lien recordation fee (where applicable).
Using temporary tags beyond their validity is punishable by fines of up to $200 for the first 30 days after the registration lapsed and an additional $200 each month after that. You may also be subjected to additional administrative penalties, including vehicle impoundment.
Here are the steps to take to renew your D.C. license plates:
Take the following steps if your D.C. vehicle tags get lost or stolen:
Be aware that you will be liable for any tickets issued to your lost or stolen tag number if you do not provide a police report or surrender any remaining tags.