A Message from Director Robinson

With the start of the new school year and the end of summer vacations, the volume of traffic on our local roadways has noticeably increased. I remind all drivers in the District to follow posted speed limits and always use caution around pedestrians and cyclists. Whether it's school, work, or home, we want everyone to arrive safely to their destination, and we all have a responsibility to assure that happens.  In this month's newsletter, we highlight that registration fees will change on October 1, 2022 for select passenger and commercial vehicles and trailers. Please refer to the chart provided in the article for more details on the specific fees that will apply starting October 1. We're also excited to announce that eligible residents who are 70 years and older now have the option to renew their driver license online. Previously, mature drivers were required to complete this transaction in-person at one of our service centers. I encourage everyone to read our Vision Zero article, highlighting school bus safety. The article includes important information for parents and drivers that will help keep children safe when arriving at a bus stop as well as when entering and exiting a school bus. Finally, or those residents who need their vehicle inspected, please note that the Inspection Station has transitioned to "Fall/Winter" operating hours. We also include a reminder in this month's edition that inspection renewals for newer model vehicles can be completed 24/7 at our self-service OBD emissions kiosk located at the Takoma Recreation Center. 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, October 6 at 12 p.m.  Thank you for reading this edition of our newsletter. Enjoy and stay safe!

School Bus Safety

The greatest risk to your child is not riding a bus, but approaching or leaving one. As the new school year is underway, it’s important for you and your child to know traffic safety rules. Teach your child to follow these practices to make school bus transportation safer.

FOR PARENTS

Safety Starts at the Bus Stop

• Your child should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Visit the bus stop and show your child where to wait for the bus: at least three giant steps (six feet) away from the curb. Remind your child that the bus stop is not a place to run or play.
• When the school bus arrives, your child should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver says it’s okay before approaching the bus door. Your child should use the handrails to avoid falling.
• Your child should never walk behind a school bus. If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, tell him/her to walk on a sidewalk or along the side of the street to a place at least five giant steps (10 feet) in front of the bus before crossing. 

FOR DRIVERS

Make school bus transportation safer for everyone by following these practices:

• When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school.
• When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking of getting there safely.
• Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in neighborhood.
• Watch for children playing and congregating near bus stops.
• Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
• Learn and obey the school bus laws in your jurisdiction, as well as the "flashing signal light system" that school bus drivers use to alert motorists of pending actions:
  • Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
  • Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.

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. After opening the app, 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 DC DMV App Today!

Mask Requirements Update

Effective August 20, 2022, DC DMV recommends the use of masks by employees and customers at all DC DMV facilities.

Masks will still be required during the in-vehicle portion of a road test. 

DC DMV Announces New Registration Fees Effective October 1

Effective October 1, 2022, annual registration fees for select passenger and commercial vehicles and trailers will change. Annual registration fees for Class I vehicles weighing 3,499 pounds or less will remain unchanged at $72.

DC DMV Introduces Online Driver License Renewal Option for Mature Drivers

Effective September 26, 2022, eligible residents who are 70 years of age and older may now complete their driver license renewal online. Previously, mature drivers could only complete their driver license renewal in-person at a DC DMV Service Center.

Mature drivers renewing their driver license online will be identified as eligible and prompted to complete a Mature Driver Certification submission, which includes uploading the Mature Driver Fitness to Drive Certification Form completed by a licensed medical practitioner. Once the submission has been reviewed and approved by DC DMV, the resident may proceed and complete their driver license renewal online.

Inspection Station Now Operating on Fall/ Winter Hours

Effective Tuesday, September 6, 2022, the Inspection Station transitioned to "Fall/Winter" operating hours. The Inspection Station is currently operating on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The best times to visit the Inspection Station are Thursdays or Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Volume is particularly heavy on Tuesdays as well as days preceding and following a holiday. The Inspection Station is also busy the first hour of opening and between the hours of 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Avoid the Lines with DC DMV's Self-Service OBD Emissions Kiosk

As a reminder, residents who need to renew their vehicle emissions inspection may visit DC DMV's self-service on-board diagnostic (OBD) emissions kiosk located at the Takoma Recreation Center on 300 Van Buren Street NW. The ATM-style technology provides District residents with 24-hour access to perform their own vehicle emissions test.

The OBD kiosk can be used for most OBDII-compliant vehicles and all model year 2005 and newer vehicles. In addition, the self-service kiosk includes touch screen technology, integrated VIN bar code scanner, and step-by-step audio support. First-time vehicle inspections in the District must be completed at the Inspection Station located at 1001 Half Street SW.

Holiday Closure Update

In recognition of the Indigenous Peoples' Day holiday, all DC DMV locations will be closed Saturday, October 8 and Monday, October 10. Regular business hours will resume Tuesday, October 11.

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