A Message from Director Robinson

Spring is just around the corner and Team DMV is in full bloom! For those residents who need to visit a Service Center to complete your DMV business, we are open via walk-in service. As a reminder, many DMV services can be completed online or via our mobile app, allowing you to Skip-the-Trip. In this month's newsletter, we offer some important tips to help prevent your teen from driving distracted. Also, please read on to learn more about the many organizational vehicle tags DMV offers and how to obtain a tag that represents an organization you're affiliated with. Additionally, learn more about our virtual hearings by listening to my recent podcast interview with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA).  March is also Women's History Month and DMV is celebrating several women who have made significant contributions to the automotive industry. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to learn more! Finally, we include a reminder in this month's edition that masks are still required to be worn inside all DMV facilities until further notice. We appreciate everyone's cooperation. In closing, please join me for our DMV Live Chat the first Thursday of each month. I'll be online for a full hour to respond in real-time to any of your DMV related questions. Our next live chat is scheduled for Thursday, April 7 at 12 p.m. Spread the word! Thank you for reading this edition of our newsletter. Enjoy and stay safe!

Teens and Distracted Driving

Teens' inexperience behind the wheel makes them more susceptible to distraction behind the wheel. Distracted driving can take on many forms beyond texting and talking on the cell phone. Any distraction is a dangerous distraction. Taking eyes off the road even for five seconds could cost a life. 

What Can You Do?

• Talk to your teen about the rules and responsibilities involved in driving. Share some stories and statistics related to teen drivers and distracted driving. Remind your teen often that driving is a skill that requires the driver's full attention. Texts and phone calls can wait until arriving at his or her destination.
• Familiarize yourself with your state's graduated driver licensing law, and enforce its guidelines for your teen. Check to see what your state's laws are on distracted driving; many states have novice driver provisions in their distracted driving laws. Create your own rules if necessary. Restricting the number of passengers your teen can have, or the hours your teen can drive, is a very effective way to minimize distraction for your teen driver. Talk about the consequences of distracted driving and make yourself and your teen aware of your state's penalties for talking or texting on a phone while driving.
• Set consequences for distracted driving. If your teen breaks a distraction rule you've set, consider suspending your teen’s driving privileges, further limiting the hours during which they can drive, or limiting the places where they can drive. Parents could also consider limiting a teen’s access to their cell phone—a punishment that in today’s world could be seen by teens as a serious consequence.
• Set the example by keeping your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel while driving. Be consistent between the message you tell your teen and your own driving behaviors. Novice teen drivers most often learn from watching their parents.
• Visit DMV's Teen website where you will find useful tips and videos to help keep the young drivers in your family safe and focused on the road.

Bottom Line: Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel. All the time.

Use DC DMV's Mobile App to Order a Personalized Tag

Let your license plate do the talking! You can have a personalized tag on your vehicle in no time by simply downloading DC DMV's mobile app and ordering your personalized tag today. 

No punctuation or symbols are permitted on DC DMV personalized tags. DC DMV reserves the right to reject any combination of letters or numbers that may be deemed offensive. Please review your personalized tag order. Once you accept this order, you cannot change or cancel it. A non-refundable reservation fee of $100 is due when the order is placed. 

A personalized tag request may take up to 8 weeks to fulfill. You will receive a letter in the mail when your personalized tag is available for pick-up. DC DMV will send you an email notification if you have provided the agency with your email address.

NOTE:  Per District law, personalized tags cannot be issued to vehicles registered to business or government entities.

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

DC DMV Offers Select Organizational Vehicle Tags

DC DMV offers members of certain organizations special vehicle tags. A list of organizations that currently offer vehicle tags is available here.

March is Women's History Month

Every year, March is designated Women's History Month by presidential proclamation. This month is set aside to honor women's contributions in American history. Visit us on social media this month where DMV will celebrate the accomplishments of several women who have made extraordinary contributions to the automotive industry. We're excited to celebrate their legacies and the accomplishments of all women who have helped shape America.

Masks Still Required at All DMV Locations

Effective March 1, 2022, masks are still required at DC Government facilities with direct interaction between employees and the public. Please continue to wear your mask at all DC DMV facilities.

Director Robinson Highlights Virtual Hearings During Podcast Interview

Earlier this month, Director Robinson attended the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) annual conference where he was interviewed on the Association's podcast. During the interview, Director Robinson discussed the evolution of DC DMV's virtual hearing program, including its recent expansion to include parking and photo enforcement tickets. He also noted how the virtual hearings have benefitted local law enforcement personnel as they are now able to participate in hearings virtually from their local precincts rather than traveling to Adjudication Services.

The full interview can be heard here.

Have an Upcoming Community Meeting?

District residents are always interested in understanding how their local government is operating. If you are coordinating an upcoming community meeting, and there's an opportunity for DMV leadership to participate and provide updates on the agency's various activities and initiatives, we would love to partner with you. 

To schedule a representative from DMV to speak at your next community event, please contact us at 202-729-7035.

Holiday Closure Update

In recognition of DC Emancipation Day, all DC DMV locations will be closed Friday, April 15. Regular business hours will resume Saturday, April 16. Many of DC DMV's services will remain available online or via the agency's free mobile app.