A Message from DMV Director Gabriel Robinson

It's a wonderful time of year to be out and about in the District! As we gear up for spring and summer seasons of travel, we want to remind everyone to make sure you are Real ID compliant. The Federal Real ID deadline is coming up on May 7, 2025. Take a look at your current ID and check for the star at the top right-hand corner. No star present? Please visit us today!  Whether you're updating to the Real ID or looking to register your vehicle this Spring, plan ahead for your DMV visit and review our Document Verification Guide prior to coming to a service center. The document verification guide will help you determine which documents you need to complete your transaction in one visit.  April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. As more pedestrians are out and about in DC this time of year, it is essential to practice distraction-free driving. Keep reading for helpful tips to navigate busier roads and pedestrian-heavy areas. April is also National Donate Life Month! In this month's newsletter and across our service centers, we are encouraging residents to register to become an organ donor and give the gift of life. It's easy, and you can even update your donor status while submitting paperwork for your Real ID, or instantly on the DMV mobile app.  As always, your feedback is important to us. Please write us a letter or join me for the DC DMV Live Chat, scheduled for Thursday, May 1 at 12 p.m. For a full hour, our team will respond in real-time to any of your DMV related questions. Thank you for reading this edition of our newsletter. Stay safe, DC!

What's a Real ID and Why Do I Need One? 

Starting May 7, 2025, your DC Driver License or Identification Card must be a Real ID to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

The REAL ID Act set standards for US Government issued sources of identification, such as driver's licenses and ID cards. A Real ID is verified visually by checking for the Star at the top right-hand corner of the credential as pictured in the image above. 

Visit DC DMV to update your ID to a Real ID:  

1. Know Before You Go - Read about REAL IDs in DC and browse DMV's REAL ID FAQ's online before you plan your visit.

2. Be Prepared - Residents are encouraged to come prepared with the right documents. Utilize the document verification guide above to make sure you have what you need.

3. Plan Your Visit - As of April 2025, the average Service Center wait time is about 30 minutes. Thursday is the least busy day for the DC DMV most weeks. View our locations and times here. 

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

At one time or another everyone is a pedestrian, so it is important for drivers to remember that people need and want communities where streets are safe, accessible, and comfortable for all users, including those traveling by car, foot, bike, or mass transit.

Here are eight safety tips for pedestrians:

1. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
2. Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
3. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
4. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
5. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
6. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
7. Avoid alcohol and drugs even when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
8. Embrace walking as a healthy form of transportation. Get up, get out and get moving!

Vision Zero: Tips for Distracted Driving Awareness

Every time you glance at your phone or take a bite of food and look away from the road, you're gambling with someone's life.

Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes and it only takes a second of looking away to change everything. Put the phone, food, or makeup down. Protect yourself, and everyone around you. Learn more about what DC is doing to prevent distracted driving throughout the District. 

Safety Tips for Drivers:

• Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.
• Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, or put your cell phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.
• Designate your passenger as your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.

For more information, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's page on distracted driving.

April is National Donate Life Month

In recognition of National Donate Life Month, DC DMV encourages all District residents to register and become an organ donor! DC DMV has a close working relationship with Infinite Legacy and Donate Life DC. The powerful impact organ donation has on District residents and their families goes beyond what words can state or express.

We are committed to raising awareness through educating the public on facts specific to organ donations and registering donors year-round so we can continue to donate life throughout the District and beyond.

Have questions about organ donation? Watch this video with common frequently asked questions or ask a representative about organ donation at any DC DMV Service Center and become a lifesaver today. 

Interested in becoming an organ donor? Update your donor status using DMV's mobile app! Simply download DC DMV's mobile app and click on the "Organ Donor Update" icon to become a donor today. Help save a life through the gift of organ donation! 💚💙

Never Miss a Ticket Update With Ticket Alert Service

Over 125,000 individuals are signed up for DC DMV’s Ticket Alert Service.

Never miss a ticket update! Stay in the know about your ticket activity and deadlines with Ticket Alert Service. 

• Receive updates on your ticket activity through email, SMS or both. 
• For new tickets, penalties, reminders, ticket decisions and more! 
• Know before it's too late about boot eligibility, late penalties and collections. 
• Out of state residents with at least one ticket received in the past 18 months may apply. 

Register for Ticket Alert Service today and stay informed on ticket activity associated with your vehicle.

DC DMV Participates in Inaugural Wiper Week 2025

A clear view is a safe view. 274 vehicles came to the DC DMV Inspection Station Thursday April 3, where Metro Motor and partners did a pop up to install free windshield wipers for vehicle owners who rolled through. 

Thank you to all of our partners who helped make this event a success. If you missed out on getting your free wipers this year, we hope to see you next year!

Wiper Week is underwritten by Metro Motor, with additional support provided by Mighty Auto Parts and Rain-X. Community partners include Westfield Montgomery Mall, Vision Zero, the Highway Safety Office, DC Families for Safe Streets, Washington Area Bicycle Association, Cars-N-Coffee and the DMV Auto Alliance.

DC DMV Hosts AAMVA Global Summit Site Visit

At the end of March, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) hosted international partners from Austroads (Australia and New Zealand), The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators and The Association of European Vehicle and Driver Registration Authorities in Washington, DC for the 2025 Global Summit.

These global Department of Motor Vehicle leaders visited the DC DMV to learn more about how we promote the safe operation of motor vehicles and public safety, while providing outstanding customer service. Thank you to all who came to visit us, we truly appreciate our team who helped make this an exceptional experience for all involved.  #TeamDMV is proud to be saving lives every day!

Reminder: DC DMV April 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.