A Message from Director Robinson

Team DMV remains committed to our mission to promote the safe operation of motor vehicles and public safety. As we transition to a new year, we'll continue to introduce innovative initiatives that support DC DMV's mission and enhances public safety. During this holiday season, as many of us travel to visit family and friends, my wish is that everyone arrives safely to their destination. As December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, please read this month's Vision Zero article where we remind everyone not to drink and drive. Driving after drinking can be deadly and it's a crime! On a related topic, in this month's newsletter, we include an update on DC DMV's new Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program. The mandatory program was developed in response to legislation and requires DC driver license holders who have been convicted of an alcohol or drug related driving offense to enroll in the IID Program. In this month's edition, we also include a recent update from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announcing the extension of their REAL ID enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025. Finally, your feedback is important so please join me for our DC DMV Live Chat held 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, January 5 at 12 p.m.  Thank you for reading this edition of our newsletter. Enjoy and stay safe! Happy holidays!

December Is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month - Don't Drink and Drive!

Every day about 32 people in the United States die in drunk driving crashes. In 2020, 11,654 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths, a 14% increase from 2019.

It's not difficult to be a responsible driver. If you are drinking, do not drive! The following actions could help save someone's life:

• Plan your safe ride home before you start the party, choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver.
• If someone you know has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home. 
• If you drink, do not drive for any reason. Call a taxi, a ride-hailing service, or a sober friend.
• If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
• Always wear your seat belt — it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement.

Replace Your Driver License or ID Card Using DC DMV's Mobile App

Has your DC REAL ID driver license or ID Card recently been damaged, lost or stolen? Users of DC DMV's mobile app can "Skip the Trip" and request a replacement credential from the convenience of their smartphone or other mobile device.

Users of the mobile app also have immediate access to other DC DMV information, including holiday closing schedules, interpreter and translation services, employment information, and DC DMV's privacy policy.

Don't delay! Download our free mobile app and have DC DMV At Your Fingertips!

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

Mask Requirement Reminder

DC DMV continues to recommend the use of masks by employees and customers at all DC DMV facilities.

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

DC DMV Announces New Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device Program

This month, DC DMV announced the agency will implement a mandatory ignition interlock device program. Effective Monday, December 19, 2022, residents holding a DC driver license who have been convicted of an alcohol or drug related driving offense on or after that date will be required to enroll in DC DMV’s Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program. An ignition interlock device is a breath alcohol analyzer connected to the ignition system of a vehicle.

Once convicted of an alcohol or drug related driving offense, a driver will be required to visit DC DMV’s new online IID Program Portal to complete an application and enroll in the IID program. Eligibility requirements for program enrollment include:

• Must not have any additional current or pending driver license suspensions or revocations
• Must have enrolled or completed a substance abuse treatment program
• Must obtain and maintain High Risk SR22 (Certificate of Financial Responsibility) Insurance
• Must have an IID installed in all applicable vehicles by an approved DC DMV vendor

Residents with a Commercial Driver License (CDL) will be required to downgrade to a non-commercial driver license and enroll in the mandatory IID Program.

Enrollment in the IID Program must be completed within 30 days from the date of conviction and there is a non-refundable $50 application fee. Once enrolled in the IID Program, a driver will be issued a restricted DC DMV driver license and may only operate designated vehicles with an installed ignition interlock device. All vehicles registered to the driver are required to be equipped with an ignition interlock device.

Failure to enroll in the IID Program will result in the indefinite revocation of an individual’s DC driver license and suspension of all vehicles registered to the driver. Residents holding a driver license that has been revoked for more than six months will also be required to retake DC DMV’s knowledge test and road skills test.

Additional information on DC DMV’s IID Program is available here.

DHS Extends REAL ID Enforcement Deadline

On December 5, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it has extended the REAL ID enforcement date by two years, from May 3, 2023 to May 7, 2025. Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older must have a REAL ID-compliant driver license or identification card, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel.

Holiday Closure Update

In recognition of the Christmas holiday, all DC DMV locations will be closed on Saturday, December 24 and Monday, December 26, 2022. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, December 27.

Additionally, in recognition of the New Year's holiday, all DC DMV locations will be closed on Saturday, December 31, 2022 and Monday, January 2, 2023. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, January 3.

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