Everything You Need to Know About Washington, D.C. License Plates: Types, Fees, and Registration
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If you're a new resident, commuter, or longtime car owner in Washington, D.C., you have different options regarding your license plates. Did you know you can choose between two different standard or ten different specialty plates? This guide covers everything you need to know about the types of Washington, D.C. license plates, how to apply for them, and what fees to expect.
Types of License Plates Available
By D.C.'s motor vehicle registration laws, all vehicles in the District must display vehicle tags issued by the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), one in the front and one in the back. You can choose from a range of license plate types.
Standard D.C. License Plates
All newly registered cars will receive the standard "End Taxation Without Representation" license plate in Washington, D.C.
However, if you do not want this general issue plate, you can request the "www.dc.gov" license plate when registering your vehicle.
Specialty Plates
The D.C. DMV offers specialty plates for those wanting to support a cause or a local professional sports team, or to display military affiliation. These plates feature unique designs and logos. The current Washington, D.C. specialty license plates that the D.C. DMV offers are:
- Anacostia River Commemorative
- Breast Cancer Awareness
- D.C. Veteran
- D.C. Woman Veteran
- Disabled American Veteran (DAV)
- Washington Capitals
- Washington Mystics
- Washington Wizards
- Veterans Specialty
- Vision Zero Bicycle Awareness
Personalized Plates
You can also choose personalized plates to display a custom message or name. The D.C. DMV provides three options for customizing your license plates:
- Standard Vehicle Plates: You can have up to seven characters, including letters, numbers between 1 and 9, and spaces.
- Motorcycle Plates: You can have up to five characters, including letters, numbers between 1 and 9, and spaces.
- Disability Plates: You can have up to five characters, including letters, numbers between 1 and 9, and spaces.
Only those with a D.C.-registered vehicle can apply for these personalized plates. You can apply online, by mail, or in person and must pay a non-refundable $100 reservation fee. Once you apply for a personalized Washington, D.C. license plate, you can't change or cancel it.
In addition, punctuation and symbols are not allowed, and the D.C. DMV has the right to turn down any custom message it deems inappropriate. Personalized tags are not allowed for government or commercial vehicles. Your custom plate may take as long as eight weeks to arrive. They'll send you a letter and an email as soon as it is ready.
Applying for a License Plate in Washington, D.C.
You will receive your Washington, D.C. auto license plates, license plate validation stickers, and a registration card when registering your car. You must visit a D.C. DMV service center with the following documents:
- Certificate of Title or Temporary Tag Application. All vehicle owners must be on the title.
- If a used car, it must pass a D.C. inspection.
- Proof of insurance
- Tile and registration fees
You can request a specialty tag during vehicle registration. If your car is already registered, you must visit a D.C. DMV Service Center to request one with the following documentation:
- Proof of eligibility for the respective specialty plate
- Valid D.C. DMV vehicle registration and license plates
- Application, display, and other applicable fees
There are two ways to apply for a personalized license plate in D.C. You can submit a completed application by mail or in person at a D.C. DMV Service Center and pay the applicable fees. If approved, the D.C. DMV will notify you by mail or email.
You can only pick up your personalized plates at the D.C. DMV's Southwest Service Center, and you must bring your D.C. DMV-issued credential, registration, and current vehicle tags.
Renewing Your D.C. License Plate
The D.C. DMV will send you a renewal notice by mail or email 60 days before the current vehicle registration expires. Before renewing the registration, you must ensure your vehicle passes an inspection and pay any outstanding debts, such as tickets. You have the option to renew your vehicle registration online or through mail.
Understanding License Plate Costs and Fees in D.C.
Fees will vary based on the type of plate you choose. Standard plates are the cheapest, while specialty and personalized plates cost more. The standard license plates are issued when you register your vehicle — the annual costs for a passenger motor vehicle range from $72 to $500.
Other license plate costs and fees are:
Vehicle Tags
- Regular Tag Replacement - $10.00
- 45-Day Temporary Tag or Registration - $13.00
- Tag Transfer - $12.00
Organizational Tags
- Organizational Application Fee - $100.00
- Member Application Tag Fee - $100.00
- Tag Replacement - $25.00
Specialty Tags
- Application Fee - $25 to $52
- Display Fee - $10 to $26
Personalized Tags
- Tag Request Fee - $100.00
- Tag Replacement - $25.00
The "Taxation Without Representation" Plate
This plate was introduced in 2000 to highlight the District's lack of representation in Congress despite paying federal taxes. The political slogan originated in 1765 in response to the Stamp Act, a British law taxing American colonists. This plate is unique to D.C. and popular due to its historical significance.
Using D.C. DMV Online Services
The D.C. DMV offers many services online. You can apply for a driver's license, vehicle plates, registration, renewals, and more. D.C. DMV's online services are available 24/7.
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