A Message from Director Robinson

DC DMV's Service Centers are once again operating at full capacity and Team DMV remains focused on serving the public. To assure your visit goes smoothly, it's important that you bring the proper documents to complete your DMV business. I encourage everyone to plan ahead and review our Document Verification Guide prior to your Service Center visit to assure a quick and efficient transaction. Additionally, you may be able to "Skip the Trip" as we  have more than 55 services available online, as well as many services available through our free mobile app. Our September newsletter includes some important information, including an update on the District's Ticket Amnesty program, which has been extended to December 31, 2021. This months newsletter also includes information that will help consumers avoid purchasing a vehicle that was damaged in a flood. Please take a look at our Vision Zero tips and help keep our children safe by avoiding backover incidents. Additionally, read on to learn about our partnership with DFHV last month to assist for-hire drivers. Finally, stay tuned for an upcoming e-notice from DC DMV over the coming days with details on protecting yourself from phishing emails. Thank you for reading this edition of our newsletter, Please continue to stay safe!

Prefer to be Vaccinated at Home?

To ensure that everyone can be vaccinated, DC Health is now offering at-home vaccinations to those who need it. To schedule a free, at-home vaccination, call 1-855-363-0333.

Keeping Kids Safe - Preventing Backover Incidents

Many children are killed or seriously injured in backover incidents. A backover incident typically occurs when a vehicle coming out of a driveway or parking space backs over an unattended child because the driver did not see him or her. The following tips can prevent backover incidents:

• Teach children not to play in or around cars.
• Be aware of small children—the smaller a child, the more likely it is you will not see them.
• Teach children to move away from a vehicle when a driver gets in it or if the car is started.
• Have children in the area stand to the side of the driveway or sidewalk so you can see them as you are backing out of a driveway or parking space.
• Make sure to look behind you while backing up slowly in case a child dashes behind your vehicle unexpectedly.
• Roll down your windows while backing out of your driveway or parking space so that you'll be able to hear what is happening outside of your vehicle.
• Teach your children to keep their toys and bikes out of the driveway.
• Because kids can move unpredictably, you should actively check your mirrors while backing up.
• Many cars are equipped with detection devices that provide rearview video or warning sounds, but they cannot completely take the place of actively walking around your car to make sure children are safely out of the way. Do not rely solely on these devices to detect what is behind your vehicle.

Update Your Donor Status Using DC DMV's Mobile App

Did you know there are approximately 115,000 people in the United States awaiting an organ transplant? Have you considered updating your donor status? If so, you can easily register to become a donor by downloading DC DMV's free mobile app. Once the app is open, simply click on the "Organ Donor Update" icon  and complete the requested organ donor information. By updating your donor status today, you could give someone a second chance at life.

Scan the QR Code Below or click here & Download the DCDMV App Today!

DC DMV Helps Asylum Seekers Navigate Process to Obtain a Driver License and ID

In partnership with the non-profit organization AsylumWorks, representatives from DC DMV's Driver Service Team participated in a virtual presentation to more than 20 asylum seekers from countries around the world. The September 13 presentation focused on helping asylum seekers to understand the process to obtain a DC driver license or identification card.

Attendees received information on credential categories offered by DC DMV, including REAL ID, which serves as a valid federal-level identification credential, and a Limited Purpose credential, which is available to District residents who do not have, or are not eligible to receive, a Social Security number. DC DMV Driver Services provides driver certification and identification services to residents to ensure they have the proper credentials to reflect identity, residency and driving qualifications so they may legally operate their vehicle(s).

Ticket Amnesty Program Extended until December 31, 2021

The District's ticket amnesty program, originally scheduled to conclude on September 30, 2021, has been extended to December 31, 2021. The amnesty program gives District and non-District drivers a chance to pay outstanding tickets for parking, photo enforcement, and minor moving violations without penalty. At the end of the amnesty period, all penalties will be added back on all tickets. Details: ticketamnesty.dc.gov.

Watch Out for Flood-Damaged Vehicles

The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) has advised all states to be on the lookout for flood-damaged vehicles. Flooded vehicles are often re-sold and buyers may be unaware of their compromised condition.

Information about vehicles is available to prospective car purchasers, states, and law enforcement through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), which is designed to protect consumers from fraud and unsafe vehicles and to keep stolen vehicles from being sold.

Before issuing a new title on a vehicle from or purchased in another state, federal law requires that states verify through NMVTIS the title being presented and accuracy of other vehicle information.

Most states participate in NMVTIS, putting title and brand data on vehicles titled in those jurisdictions into the national database. 

For more information, visit vehiclehistory.gov.

DC DMV Partners with DFHV to Assist For-Hire Drivers with Inspection and Registration Services

On Monday, August 23 and Monday, August 30, 2021 DC DMV, in partnership with DC Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV), opened its Southwest Service Center and Inspection Station specifically to assist for-hire drivers with obtaining vehicle inspection and renewal services.

The special project followed the Mayor's recent announcement that inspection and registration fees would be waived for for-hire drivers during fiscal years 2021 and 2022. The fee waiver offers much needed operational relief for these important service providers following the public health emergency.

Over the two-day project, DC DMV completed 195 vehicle inspections and 506 transactions, including driver records and registration renewals.

Inspection Station Now Operating on Fall/Winter Hours

The Inspection Station has transitioned to "Fall/Winter" operating hours and is currently operating on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Indigenous Peoples' Day Closure Update

In recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day, all DC DMV locations will be closed on Saturday, October 9, 2021 and Monday, October 11, 2021. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, October 12. Many of DC DMV's services will be available online or via the agency's free mobile app.