A Message from Director Robinson

It's hard to believe summer is almost behind us and the start of a new school year is just a few days away. As students return to school, please slow down when driving in neighborhood school zones and watch for children playing and congregating near bus stops. Also, when approaching a stopped school bus with red flashing lights, always stop your vehicle and wait until the red lights stop flashing before proceeding. We all have a responsibility to ensure our children arrive to and from school safely. Please do your part. In this month's newsletter, we include some important bicycle safety facts and tips to help protect our neighbors who move about on two wheels. Bicycle safety needs to be a priority for all of us during the summer and all year round. I'm also pleased to announce in this edition of our newsletter that DC DMV has resumed offering free child car seat inspections and installs to District residents at our Inspection Station. Thank you to DDOT for your continued partnership on this important community initiative. For those considering the purchase of a previously owned vehicle, please read our National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) article and learn how to access important vehicle history information before you buy. Be sure to watch the NMVTIS video also! Finally, continue reading to learn more about our new online chat option for customers who have ticket-related questions. All questions are answered in real-time by a member of our Adjudication Services team. As a reminder, please join me for our DC 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 DC DMV-related questions. Our next online live chat is scheduled for Thursday, September 1 at 12 p.m. Spread the word! Thank you for reading this edition of our newsletter. Enjoy and stay safe!

Bicycle Safety

When it comes to bicycle safety, there are things you can do to decrease your risk of a crash. First, know some of the latest facts:

1. Bicyclist deaths are highest during the summer months between June and September.
2. Nearly three quarters of all bicyclist deaths occur in urban areas.
3. Failing to yield the right of way is the highest factor in fatal bike crashes, followed by bicyclists not being visible.

Be Prepared Before Heading Out

• Ride a bike that fits you - if it's too big, it's harder to control the bike.
• Ride a bike that works - it really doesn't matter how well you ride if the brakes don't work.
• Wear equipment to protect you and make you more visible to others, like a bike helmet, bright clothing (during the day), reflective gear, and a white front light and red rear light and reflectors on your bike (at night, or when visibility is poor).  
• Ride one person per seat, with both hands on the handlebars, unless signaling a turn.
• Carry all items in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike.
• Tuck and tie your shoelaces and pant legs so they don't get caught in your bike chain.
• Plan your route - if sharing the road with vehicles, choose routes with less traffic and slower speeds. Your safest route may be away from traffic altogether, in a bike lane or on a bike path.

Download DC DMV's Mobile App to Request a Certified Driver Record

Are you in need of a Certified Driver Record containing the DC DMV stamp for official purposes? If so, simply download DC DMV's mobile app, tap the "License and Identification Card Services" icon, select Certified Driver Record, and enter the requested driver information to obtain your Certified Driver Record. DC DMV protects the privacy of individuals by closely adhering to the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act.

DC DMV's mobile app users can also update their voter registration information when renewing their ID or license and add their digital vehicle registration card to their Apple Wallet from an iPhone device. Users will have immediate access to other DC DMV information, including holiday closing schedules, interpreter and translation services, employment information, and DC DMV’s privacy policy.

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

Masks Still Required at All DMV Locations

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

DC DMV Resumes Free Child Car Seat Inspections and Installs

Effective July 12, 2022, DC DMV, in partnership with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), resumed offering child car seat inspections and installs. The free service is offered at the agency's Inspection Station located at 1001 Half Street, SW during normal business hours.

As part of the service, a Certified Passenger Child Safety Technician will properly install a child safety seat and share information with parents and caregivers about the importance of proper use of child safety seats. Learn more here.

Stay tuned for DC DMV's next live video chat on social media, featuring a demonstration on how to properly install a child car seat. More information will follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Check NMVTIS Before You Buy!

Are you in the market for a previously owned vehicle and want to learn more about the vehicle's history before buying? If so, the NMVTIS offers consumers important vehicle history information. Simply search and select from a list of Approved NMVTIS Data Providers and request a NMVTIS vehicle history report. Information in the report includes:

• Current and previous state/jurisdiction of title data
• Title issue date
• Latest odometer data
• Theft history data (if any)
• Any brand assigned to a vehicle and date applied
• Salvage history, including designations as a "total loss" (if any)

To learn more about NMVTIS and how it can protect you as a consumer, please view the following video.

DC DMV Introduces Adjudication Chat

Customers with ticket-related questions may now submit their inquiries online through a chat option available on DC DMV's "Ticket Services" webpage. Adjudication Chat is available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Simply click on the chat icon located on the right side of the page, enter the requested information to start your chat, and a representative from Adjudication Services will address your ticket-related questions in real-time. It's that easy!

Holiday Closure Update

In recognition of the Labor Day holiday, all DC DMV locations will be closed Saturday, September 3 and Monday, September 5. Regular business hours will resume Tuesday, September 6.

Many of DC DMV's services will remain available online or via the agency's free mobile app.