A Message from Director Robinson

Welcome to November! As we celebrate the season of gratitude, I reflect on how thankful I am to have the opportunity to work with so many hard-working DMV colleagues and partners who demonstrate their dedication and commitment to public safety and providing exceptional customer service.  In this month's newsletter, we acknowledge and honor the men and women who have served our country in uniform by marking Veterans Day. We also include helpful information about how to obtain specialty vehicle tags for veterans, and how to access DMV services during the Veterans Day holiday closure. Thank you to the brave men and women across the District who have served. Additionally, as November is National Child Safety and Protection Month, keep reading for child protection measures and tips. Finally, your feedback is important to us so please join me for DMV's monthly Live Chat which occurs the first Thursday of each month. The next DC DMV Live Chat is scheduled for Thursday, December 5 at 12 p.m.  Thank you for reading this edition of our newsletter. Enjoy and stay safe!

DMV Holiday Closure Updates: Veterans Day and Thanksgiving

In recognition of the Veterans Day holiday, all DC DMV locations will be closed on Saturday, November 9 and Monday, November 11. DC DMV Service Centers and the Inspection Station will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, November 12.

In recognition of the Thanksgiving holiday, all DC DMV locations will be closed on Thursday, November 28. DC DMV Service Centers and the Inspection Station will resume regular business hours on Friday, November 29.

As you travel this month, don't forget to buckle up! According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017.

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

Download our Free Mobile App Today: DC DMV at Your Fingertips

Do you need to renew or replace your Driver License or ID Card? #SkipTheTrip and order your replacements with our free mobile app!

Mobile app transactions include:

• Address Change Request
• Registration Renewal
• Tag Cancellation
• Ticket Payment
• and much more

Scan the QR code below to download our mobile app today!

Thank You #TeamDMV: DMV Visitors recognize our exceptional customer service on social media

As we enter the spirit of Thanksgiving this month, we want to take a moment to thank our team for the wonderful work they do each and every day to promote the safe operation of motor vehicles and provide exceptional customer service. The DC DMV team is recognized by customers too! A customer shared their "Surreal DMV Experience" on social media platform Reddit, and others quickly chimed in.

Research shows that gratitude can support health, happiness, and wisdom in ourselves and our communities. As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, we hope you are thankful for those around you, and that in turn you also feel appreciated by us at DC DMV.

Veteran Specialty Tags Available at DC DMV

As we celebrate Veterans Day this month, DC DMV is proud to offer specialty vehicle tags to those who have served and reside in the District. Specialty vehicle tags are available for purchase at any DC DMV service center. The tags include separate designs and emblems for each branch of the United States Armed Forces including:

• Air Force
• Army
• Coast Guard
• Marines
• Navy

Veterans can pay a one-time application fee of $52 for the specialty tag and a yearly display fee of $26. Both the application and yearly display fees support the Office of Veterans Affairs Fund, dedicated to enhancing resources and opportunities for our veteran community. For more information about DC DMV specialty vehicle tags, visit our website here.

November is Child Protection and Safety Awareness Month

November is Child Protection and Safety Awareness Month. The month recognizes the unique potential dangers many children face in their everyday lives and encourages taking tangible preventative steps against those challenges. On the roads and around the District, we have a shared responsibility to ensure children are safe while in a car. 

When riding in a car, children should be fastened with a seat belt and seated in the appropriate car seat. Parents can learn which safety seat is best for your child’s age and size at the DMV Inspection Station.

Our Certified Passenger Child Safety Technicians at DMV's Inspection Station located at 1001 Half Street SW are more than happy to assist you with free child car seat safety inspections and installations. The Inspection Station is open during the winter season from 8am-3pm on Wednesdays, and 7am to 3pm on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Trailer Driving Tips with U-Haul

As you travel this fall and beyond, watch the video above for safe trailering techniques.

Be sure to follow these guidelines to avoid dangerous situations like rolling or jackknifing:

• If swaying or whipping occurs, take your foot off the gas pedal. Do not brake or speed up.
• When passing other vehicles, know that you will require more space than normal to pass.
• Use the same gear to go downhill as you would to go uphill (this helps you keep a consistent speed).
• Slow down before going downhill.
• When turning a corner, turn wider so the trailer won't hop the curb.
• Be alert and wear your seatbelt.

Check for Tire Recalls This Fall

As winter approaches, it is important to stay up to date on vehicle maintenance and check your tire pressure as the temperatures begin to dip. Checking for possible recalls for your vehicle, car seat or tires assures you have everything you need before embarking on holiday travel. Safety recalls can occur at any time and are completed free of charge to ensure your safety. Learn more about vehicle recalls.