A Message from Director Robinson

Greetings DC! Summer is here and for many of us, this time usually means vacations and road trips. I encourage everyone to be safe and follow the rules of the road. Also, when traveling in the District, please watch out for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly when approaching intersections. By taking these actions, we can all help achieve the Mayor's Vision Zero goal to reach zero fatalities and serious injuries to travelers. In this month's newsletter, we include some safety tips on how to prevent your vehicle from theft as this National Vehicle Safety Month. I'm also proud to share that DC DMV recently received an award from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) recognizing our outstanding community service and outreach efforts. Finally, as a reminder, please join me for our DC DMV Live Chat, held the first Thursday of each month. We'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, August 1 at 12 p.m.  Thank you for reading this edition of our newsletter. Enjoy and stay safe!

July is Vehicle Safety Month

Vehicle theft is a multi-billion-dollar crime, costing vehicle owners more than $8 billion in 2022 alone. Passenger cars made up more than 74 percent of all stolen motor vehicles. Summers prove to be the worst season for vehicle theft. So, to help drivers keep their vehicles safe, NHTSA is continuing its annual Vehicle Theft Prevention Campaign during July — National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month.

Vehicle Safety Tips

Use common sense when parking and exiting your vehicle:

• Take your vehicle's key; do not leave it in or on your vehicle.
• Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
• Park in well-lit areas if possible.
• Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle.

If you are a victim of vehicle theft, follow these steps:

• Contact the police immediately to file a stolen-vehicle report. You will need a copy of the police report and/or a case number to provide to your insurance company and as evidence in any DMV adjudication hearings. You may also be asked to provide the following information:
  • License plate/tag number;
  • Make, model and color of your vehicle; and
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and any identifying characteristics.
• Contact your insurance company to file a claim within 24 hours of your vehicle being stolen.
• If you find your vehicle before the authorities do, contact the police and your insurance company immediately.

DC DMV Hosts First Ever Permit Prep Knowledge Test Boot Camp

This summer DC DMV holds its first DC Permit Prep Boot Camp for teenage and young adult District residents who are interested in taking the DC DMV Knowledge Test.

The goal of this boot camp is to increase the number of youths who pass the DC DMV Knowledge Test enroute to obtaining a learner permit. With a comprehensive curriculum and three 2.5-hours classes, the boot camp is designed to help students gain a better understanding of the rules of the road, road signs and symbols, safety protocols and test-taking strategies. Students will leave the boot camp with confidence, knowledge and prep materials, which will aid them in taking and passing the DC DMV Knowledge Test. The DC Permit Prep Boot Camp summer classes will run from July 9 until August 15.

For more information about preparing for the Knowledge Test and obtaining a Learner Permit, visit DC DMV’s teens website here. To join the wait list for the DC Permit Prep Boot Camp classes, call (202) 483-1757. 

DC DMV at Your Fingertips

#DidYouKnow with DC DMV at Your Fingertips you can submit payment for outstanding tickets or replace your driver license or ID card? Scan the QR code below to download to get the job done!

Our mobile app transactions include:

• CDL Human Trafficking Awareness Training
• Driver License and ID Card Renewal
• Driver License and ID Card Replacement
• Insurance Lapse Payment
• Organ Donor Status Update
• Provisional License Conversion Request
• Registration Renewal
• Registration Replacement
• Tag Cancellation
• Ticket Payment

DC DMV Ignition Interlock Device Program Reminds Residents to Drive Sober This Summer

DC DMV has a mandatory Ignition Interlock Device (IID) program for any DC credential holder that is convicted of an alcohol or drug-related driving offense by a court or found administratively liable by DC DMV.

An IID is a breath alcohol analyzer connected to the ignition system of a vehicle. The driver must blow into the device and if their breath alcohol level exceeds the accepted level set on the device, the vehicle will not start. The accepted level is below 0.020.

In an effort to eliminate dangerous driving on District roads, DC DMV is deploying a city-wide public education campaign to inform residents about the IID Program and the consequences of drug and alcohol-related driving offenses.

Drive to Thrive with a DC Commercial Driver License 

Before you’re able to obtain a DC DMV Commercial Driver License (CDL), you must successfully complete and pass two trainings: Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) and Human Trafficking Awareness Training.

The ELDT regulations establish a Federal standard for training CDL applicants. Applicants must successfully complete this training before they will be permitted to take the CDL skills test or, in the case of the H endorsement, the knowledge test.

District law also requires all new drivers seeking a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) and those looking to convert an out-of-state Commercial Driver License (CDL), to complete mandatory Human Trafficking Awareness training before being issued a CLP or converting an out-of-state CDL.

To learn more about becoming a CDL driver in the District, visit our website here.

DC DMV Receives Community Service Award

The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) held its Region 1 Conference in Quebec, Canada, May 20-23. During the conference, DC DMV was presented with the 2024 Community Service Award for participating in the 2023 DC Senior Symposium, held on June 28, 2023 at Ballou Senior High School.

This award is presented to jurisdictions, who demonstrate exemplary efforts in community outreach programs, such as providing backpack supplies for returning veterans, holding food drives, organizing gifts for children, or adopting military families.