Understanding DMV Fees in the District of Columbia

Navigating the array of fees associated with the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) is essential for residents and newcomers alike. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the current fees for vehicle registration, driver licensing, excise taxes, and specialty plates as of 2025.

Vehicle Registration Fees

Vehicle registration fees in D.C. are determined by the weight and type of the vehicle. As of October 1, 2023, the annual registration fees are as follows:

Passenger Vehicles

Class I (≤ 3,499 lbs): $72.00
Class II (3,500–4,999 lbs): $175.00
Class III (5,000–5,999 lbs): $250.00
Class IV (≥ 6,000 lbs): $500.00
Class V (Battery Electric Vehicles): $36.00

Note: For battery electric passenger vehicles under 5,000 lbs, 1,000 lbs may be subtracted from the manufacturer's weight when determining the applicable class.

Commercial Vehicles

Class I (≤ 3,499 lbs): $125.00
Class II (3,500–4,999 lbs): $175.00
Class III (5,000–6,999 lbs): $250.00
Class IV (7,000–9,999 lbs): $500.00
Class V (≥ 10,000 lbs): $700.00, plus $50.00 for each additional 1,000 lbs

Trailers

Class I (≤ 1,499 lbs): $50.00
Class II (1,500–3,499 lbs): $150.00
Class III (3,500–4,999 lbs): $275.00
Class IV (5,000–6,999 lbs): $500.00
Class V (7,000–9,999 lbs): $700.00
Class VI (≥ 10,000 lbs): $850.00, plus $75.00 for each additional 1,000 lbs

For more detailed information, refer to the DC DMV Vehicle Registration Fees.

Vehicle Title and Excise Tax Fees

Effective February 17, 2025, the vehicle excise tax in D.C. is calculated based on the vehicle's weight and fuel efficiency. Notably, electric vehicles are no longer exempt from this tax. The rates are as follows:

Vehicles Weighing 3,499 lbs or Less

20 MPG or less: 9.0%
21–25 MPG: 5.0%
26–30 MPG: 3.1%
31–39 MPG: 2.2%
40 MPG or more: 1.5%
Electric Vehicles: 1.0%

Vehicles Weighing 3,500–4,999 lbs

20 MPG or less: 10.0%
21–25 MPG: 6.0%
26–30 MPG: 4.1%
31–39 MPG: 3.2%
40 MPG or more: 2.5%
Electric Vehicles: 2.0%

Vehicles Weighing 5,000 lbs or More

20 MPG or less: 11.0%
21–25 MPG: 7.0%
26–30 MPG: 5.1%
31–39 MPG: 4.2%
40 MPG or more: 3.5%
Electric Vehicles: 3.0%

These percentages are applied to the vehicle's fair market value at the time of titling. For a complete breakdown, visit the DC DMV Vehicle Title and Excise Tax Fees.

Driver License and Identification Card Fees

The DC DMV offers various licensing and identification services with associated fees:

Driver License (First-Time and Renewal): $47.00 (valid for 8 years)
Provisional Driver License: $20.00
Learner Permit: $20.00
Non-Driver ID Card (First-Time and Renewal): $20.00 (valid for 8 years)
Non-Driver ID Card for Seniors (65+): Free (valid for 8 years)
Duplicate Licenses and ID Cards: $20.00
Knowledge Test at DMV Service Centers: $10.00
Knowledge Test at Test Proctoring Center: $39.95
Virtual Knowledge Test: $49.95
Road Test: $10.00
Road Test Cancellation Fee: $30.00
Motorcycle Endorsement: $20.00
Instructor License (First Issuance or Renewal): $78.00
Driver License Reinstatement: $98.00
Change of Address: $20.00
Ignition Interlock Application: $50.00

Specialty and Commemorative License Plates

D.C. offers a variety of specialty and commemorative license plates, each with specific fees:

Personalized Tags: One-time application fee of $100.00; replacement fee of $25.00 per tag
Organizational Tags: One-time application fee of $100.00; replacement fee of $25.00 per tag
Pride Plates: Application fee of $25.00; annual display fee of $20.00

Fees for other specialty plates, such as veterans, arts and humanities, and awareness tags, vary. Detailed information can be found in the D.C. Code § 50-1501.03.

Additional Resources

For more information on DMV-related topics in the District of Columbia, consider the following resources:

For the most current information and updates, visit the official DC DMV website.