A Message from DC DMV Director Gabriel Robinson

Spring is just around the corner here in Washington, DC! For residents who need to visit a Service Center to complete your DC DMV business, we are open for walk-in services during regular business hours. Visit the DMV website for locations and times. As a reminder, many DC DMV services can also be completed online or via our mobile app, allowing you to #SkiptheTrip. In this month's newsletter, read about what DMV is doing to help keep the March madness to a minimum on DC roads this month. Whether you're celebrating Saint Patrick's Day or your favorite college basketball team, DMV's Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program is here to remind you that driving impaired can cost a lot more than you think. Keep reading to learn more about ways you can get around safely while celebrating this season. Vehicle Recall Safety Week takes place this month; and here at DC DMV, we are encouraging all District drivers to check your automobile status for a possible recall. The article below has more information about this crucial safety check. This time last year we were excited to launch a new DMV self-service emissions test kiosk at the Fort Stanton Recreation Center. Over 600 vehicles have been inspected at the Fort Stanton Kiosk and if you need a refresher on how to use our time-saving self-service kiosks, we've got you covered in this edition. Keep reading to learn more about how to get your next inspection done in your own time. Finally, your feedback is important to us. Please write us a letter or join me for the DC DMV Live Chat, held the first Thursday of each month. In these sessions I respond to DMV customer questions and concerns in real time. Thank you for reading this edition of our newsletter. Enjoy the spring weather and cherry blossoms. Stay safe, DC!

Vehicle Safety Recalls Week - What Triggers a Recall?

Vehicle Safety Recalls Week (March 3-9) reminds us that it is always a good time to check for important vehicle updates.

Recalls can be prompted for a variety of reasons. Whatever it is, every vehicle recall is important and should be repaired immediately. Your diligence will help keep you and others safe on the roadways. Please note that if a recall has been identified for your car, it is something that will be repaired at your car's dealership at no cost to you.

The National Highway Safety Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2024, there were 1,073 safety recalls affecting more than 35 million vehicles and other automotive equipment. 

Watch this video on our YouTube Channel to learn more about recalls and visit our website to make sure your vehicle is safe! 

Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving - Plan a SoberRide This St. Patrick's Day!

On March 17th, millions of people across the globe will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Steeped in Irish tradition, the day is generally filled with festivities, including colorful parades, live music, food, and parties. St. Patrick's Day is also one of the most popular drinking nights of the year, making it one of the deadliest times to be on the road. Let's make this year one without any drunk driving fatalities. Here's what you can do to prevent drunk driving on St. Patrick's Day: 

• Plan a safe ride home before you start to party, choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver, or keep reading to learn more about the WRAP program below.
• 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, utilize the WRAP SoberRide, or call a sober friend.
• Offer non-alcoholic drink options if you are hosting a party where there’s alcohol, and make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
• Always wear your seat belt — it's the best defense against drunk drivers.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, safely pull over and call law enforcement.

Offered by the nonprofit Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day SoberRide® program will be in operation beginning at 4:00 pm Saturday, March 15, until 4:00 am on Tuesday, March 18. For more information about the SoberRide Program, visit WRAP's website here.

From DUI to IID: A few more drinks? It could cost more than you think.

DC DMV’s Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program is mandatory for all DC licensed Drivers after any impaired driving offense.

What’s an IID? It’s a device placed on your car to prevent impaired driving from alcohol or drug abuse. The IID system stops a vehicle from being able to start until the driver passes a blow test checking their blood alcohol concentration level.

If you are convicted of an alcohol and driving related offense, or if you refuse to take a breath test when stopped by law enforcement you will be required to join this program.

The DC Department of Motor Vehicles’ IID Program is a response to our community’s safety concerns about individuals convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. DC DMV is committed to the safe operation of motor vehicles and public safety.

Before you drink and drive this St. Patrick's Day and beyond in the District – stop and think. It could cost you a lot more than just a cocktail.

DC DMV Celebrates Women's History Month 

Happy Women's History Month, DC! This March we honor the unique contributions of women to American history and the automotive industry.

We are proud to have many exceptional women on the front lines of service and behind the scenes at #TeamDMV! The women of DC DMV embody our mission of promoting the safe operation of motor vehicles and public safety as they work diligently to perform their duties and provide exceptional customer service.

Thank you, #TeamDMV women, for saving lives every day!

DMV's Self-Service Emissions Test Kiosk in Fort Stanton Celebrates One Year of Operations

Throughout Fiscal Year 2024, DMV inspected more than 150,000 vehicles, including 13,698 inspections conducted at our self-service kiosks at the Takoma (13,086) and Fort Stanton Recreation Centers (612).

The Fort Stanton kiosk, which is now celebrating a year in operation, is the newest offering that allows District residents to perform their own vehicle emissions tests on a 24-hour, seven days per week basis.

The ATM-style kiosk includes touch screen technology, an integrated VIN bar code scanner, step-by-step audio support and other user-friendly features.

For vehicles that pass self-inspection, the kiosk will print a Vehicle Inspection Report and a temporary paper inspection certificate to be displayed on the vehicle’s dashboard.

DC DMV will mail a two-year inspection sticker to the vehicle’s owner(s). If residents do not receive their inspection sticker within 10-15 business days, they can contact DC DMV or DC 311.

Vehicles that fail the self-inspection will see a message on the kiosk screen detailing the emissions failure. The kiosk will then print a Vehicle Inspection Report indicating the reason for the failed inspection.

For more information about vehicle inspections and self-service kiosk emissions testing, visit our website.

Order Personalized Tags Using DC DMV's Mobile App!

Let your license plate do the talking! Request a personalized tag for your vehicle in no time by simply downloading DC DMV's mobile app and ordering yours today!

Remember, punctuation or symbols are not permitted on DC DMV personalized tags, and other restrictions may apply. 

A personalized tag request may take up to eight weeks to fulfill. You will receive a letter in the mail when your personalized tag is available for pick-up. DC DMV will also send you an email notification if you have provided the agency with your email address. For more information about personalized vehicle tags, visit our website here.

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

DC DMV Holiday Closures 

In recognition of the District of Columbia Emancipation Day, all DC DMV locations will be closed on Wednesday, April 16.

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