A Message from DC DMV Director Gabriel Robinson

Black History is one of the reasons we love February at DMV! This month encourages us to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and inspire a more equitable future for all. This edition of News You Can Use covers a variety of topics and happenings at DMV, including the exciting new specialty vehicle tags available now at all service centers! Keep reading to learn more about the brand new 'We Demand Statehood' and 'Pride Lives Here' vehicle tags. February also celebrates love in all its forms with Valentine's Day, and we know there are few acts of love greater than giving the gift of life as an organ donor. This month we remind you to consider becoming an organ donor today. Keep reading to learn more.  Earlier this week, I testified before the DC City Council's Committee on Transportation and the Environment for DMV's Performance Oversight Hearing. In case you missed it, you can watch the hearing on our YouTube channel or read my testimony on our website. Finally, we've included the reminder that DMV will be closed for President's Day, with changes to our operating hours over the holiday weekend. Please know, your feedback is important to us. Write us a letter or join us for DMV's monthly Live Chat on the first Thursday of each month. The next DC DMV Live Chat is scheduled for Thursday, March 6 at 12 p.m.   Thank you for being here and for reading this edition of our newsletter. Enjoy and stay safe!

Now Available: Specialty Vehicle Tags for Statehood, Pride movements

The DC Department of Motor Vehicles has added two new license plates to its inventory this February. The following license plates are available for the residents of the District of Columbia.

We Demand Statehood

The “We Demand Statehood” tag features recognizable DC icons such as Cherry Blossom flowers and the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge incorporated into a bold new design.

The tag supports the fight for District residents’ right to voting representation and comes as a bill to make DC the nation’s 51st state has been reintroduced to congress. 

The application fee is $51, and the annual display fee is $26. Both fees will be deposited in the New Columbia Statehood Fund. 

Pride Lives Here

The new “Pride” plate comes as 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations in Washington, DC, with the international World Pride event slated to take place in the District from May 17 to June 8, 2025. 

The tag features the emblematic LGBTQIA+ rainbow as a ribbon, accompanied by the declaration that “Pride Lives Here.” 

The application fee is $25, and the annual display fee is $20. Both fees will be deposited in the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Affairs Fund.

Learn more about DC DMV's Specialty Vehicle Tags by clicking the button below. 

Give the Gift of Life this Valentine's Day 

Did you know there is over 100,000+ Americans on the national transplant waiting list? In contrast, although quite large, Caesars Superdome has a maximum capacity of 83,000 people. 

With Donate Life's National Donor Day falling on Valentine's Day each year, remember to hold your loved ones close and consider registering to become an organ donor with Donate Life. Each day, 16 people pass away waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.

Join 545,152 people who have signed up to be organ donors in DC and register your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor today at donatelifedc.org or on DC DMV's Mobile app.

Together, we have the power to #TackletheWait. 💙💚

DMV Mobile App: Check Your Vehicle Inspection Status from Your Phone!

Did you know? You can now check your vehicle's inspection status right from the DC DMV mobile app!

Our latest feature lets you save time and plan ahead before making a trip to the Inspection Station. You can also download a recent inspection report directly from the app.

From the main menu, navigate to the Vehicle Services section and enter your driver license/ID card information, name, date of birth and VIN to get comprehensive and free vehicle information today!

DC DMV Celebrates Black History Month 

February is Black History Month! We celebrate and remember the history, accomplishments and contributions of Black women and men, past and present. We honor the many legacies of Black people who have shaped our District, nation and world. 

New Excise Tax Changes

There has been a recent change to the vehicle excise tax rate due to the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Amendment Act of 2024. 

Effective Monday, February 17, 2025, DC DMV will automatically calculate the vehicle excise tax based on the excise tax formula.

Please note, electric vehicles are no longer exempt from excise tax. To learn more about this important update, visit our website. 

DC DMV at the WANADA Washington Auto Show 

DC DMV was glad to be a part of the annual Washington Auto Show once again this January! We participated in the 2025 Tag and Title Seminar, which was an opportunity to speak to Washington Area dealers about the special tag and title issues they face.

The seminar, which focused on proper document processing, inter-jurisdictional coordination and administrative efforts, was attended by over 80 area tag & title processors from Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA) dealerships and National Independent Vehicle Title Agents (NIVTA).

Pictured above from left to right: Online Dealer Interface System (ODIS) Program Coordinator Joelle Flythe, Processing Center Manager David Privott, National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) Program Coordinator LaChelle Johnson-Britton, Management Analyst Kellye Underwood, Vehicle Services Administrator Rakonda Cobb and Vehicle Services Management Analyst Christopher Dina all represented the DC DMV well during the Tag and Title Seminar.

Special guests included other nearby jurisdictions with sessions also presented by the Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Motor Vehicle Association and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

DMV's Performance Oversight Hearing

On Monday February 10th, DMV Director Gabriel Robinson testified before the DC City Council's Committee on Transportation and the Environment, highlighting the agency's accomplishments throughout the past fiscal year and in the current fiscal year. 

Annually, DC DMV serves over 650,000 licensed drivers and identification card holders in the District, and over 310,000 registered vehicle owners. DMV serves District residents and non-residents, with an average of 3,200 daily customer contacts— among the most of any District government agency. In Fiscal Year 2024, DMV met the needs of 296,472 customers across our service center locations. This fiscal year, we have already provided services to over 75,000 District residents! 

Pictured above from left to right: Agency Fiscal Officer LaChelle Burr, Adjudication Services Administrator Wanda Butler, Deputy Director Darnell Fountain, Director Gabriel Robinson, Chief of Staff Tyrone Sweatt, Budget Officer Shaniqua Richardson, General Council Pamela Washington and Driver Services Administrator Marquis Miles. 

Want to watch the Director's entire hearing? Visit our YouTube Channel or read the testimony on our website. 

DC DMV is hiring!

#TeamDMV is truly saving lives every day! Curious about joining us? Find out more about several open positions on the DC Human Resources website.

DC DMV Holiday Closures 

In recognition of President's Day, all DC DMV locations will be closed on Saturday, February 15 and Monday, February 17.

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

DC DMV at Your Fingertips: Get the Mobile App!

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

Mobile app transactions include:

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

The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles promotes the safe operation of motor vehicles and public safety while providing outstanding customer service.