A Message from DC DMV Director Gabriel Robinson

It's a wonderful time of year to be out and about in the District; however, safety is key no matter the season!  We started the month with Heatstroke Prevention Day on May 1. Every year, dozens of children are left in the back seat of a car by a parent or caregiver. It can happen to anyone – especially if the child is sleeping or if you are out of your routine. Never leave a child unattended in the car. Take a moment to stop, look, and lock before you leave your vehicle. Did you know? May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and National Bicycle Safety Month. As the weather gets warmer, more individuals are out this time of year. DC government is committed to the safety of our city's pedestrians, bicyclists, motor-driven cyclists, and drivers. Keep reading for safety tips and remember to wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road! As a reminder, all DC DMV locations will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Saturday, May 24 and Monday, May 26. The Inspection Station will also transition to Spring/Summer operating hours starting on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. View our website here for more information on our 24/7 Kiosks and Inspection Station hours.  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. Our next online live chat is scheduled for Thursday, June 5 at 12 p.m. For a full hour, I will respond in real-time to any of your DMV related questions. Thank you for reading this edition of our newsletter. Remember to always wear a seatbelt as you journey through the District and beyond. Stay safe, DC!

Stay Ticket Alert, DC! Sign Up Now for DMV's Ticket Alert Service

Join over 125,000 DC residents who 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 DC DMV's free 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: Boot eligibility, late penalties, collections. 
• Out of state residents with at least one ticket received in the past 18 months may apply. 

Medical Certification Update for CDL and CLP Drivers

A medical Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is a physical examination that is required of individuals who drive commercial vehicles.

The point of a DOT physical is to make sure that people who are driving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), such as large trucks and buses, are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires this testing for the safety of the public. 

Starting June 23, 2025, doctors will submit medical DOT reports to the FMCSA National Registry electronically. Previously, CDL and CLP drivers were required to submit medical DOT documentation in person. With this change CDL and CLP drivers no longer need to visit a DC DMV service center to submit their medical DOT report. 

DMV Inspection Station: Spring/Summer Hours

Effective Tuesday, June 3, 2025, the Inspection Station will transition to "Spring/Summer" operating hours.

The Inspection Station operates on a first-come, first-serve basis and is closed Sunday and Monday. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday the station is open from 6am - 2pm. Wednesdays the operating hours are 7am - 2pm. 

DC DMV offers two self-service on-board diagnostic (OBD) emissions test kiosks that allow District residents to perform their own vehicle emissions tests, 24-hours, seven days per week. Visit our kiosks located in Ward 4's Takoma Recreation Center, and Ward 8's Fort Stanton Recreation Center.

Learn more about vehicle inspections and self-service kiosk emissions testing here. 

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month!

Safe practices and cooperation from all road users help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our nation’s roads and highways.

Here are some tips to help keep you safe as a motorcyclist:

• Watch out for intersections, where about 70 percent of motorcycle collisions occur.
• Stay out of cars’ blind spots to stay visible. Avoid riding between lanes of slow moving or stopped traffic.
• Be extra cautious in bad weather and bad road conditions; minor problems for cars are major hazards for motorcycles.
• Stay sober: approximately half of all fatal single-vehicle motorcycle crashes involve alcohol.
• Wear protective clothing with bright, reflective colors on your upper body to make you visible.
• Always wear a helmet with a U.S. Department of Transportation certification.
• Know and obey traffic laws, including ordinances in your community.
• Use signals when turning or changing lanes and, always check the rearview mirrors.

A motor-driven cycle (commonly referred to as a “moped” or “motor scooter”) is a motor vehicle that has a seat or saddle for the use of the operator and has two or three wheels in contact with the ground.

Things to remember when operating a motor-driven cycle:

• You must obey traffic signals and the speed limit.
• You must wear a helmet.
• You may not ride on the sidewalks and bike lanes.
• You must have a valid driver license.
• Your motor-driven cycle must be registered and display a license plate.
• Your vehicle cannot have the capability of traveling more than 30 mph.
• Your vehicle may be gas, electric, or a hybrid; however, it must be 50cc or less.

For more information on motor-driven cycles and other non-traditional vehicles, visit the DMV website here.

DC Vision Zero: National Bicycle Safety Month

Every person on a bicycle is someone’s parent, sibling, friend, or loved one.

Slow down and give bicyclists at least three feet of distance when passing and always check before opening your car door. Safe streets mean everyone gets home alive no matter how they travel. Learn more about bicycle safety at visionzero.dc.gov. 

Three important traffic laws to know when bicycling in DC:

• Bicyclists traveling on roadways have all the general rights and duties of vehicle drivers.
• Helmet use is mandatory for cyclists under the age of sixteen. Helmet use is strongly recommended for all others.
• Cycling on sidewalks is permitted outside of the DC Central Business District. Cyclists must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks.

DC DMV Locations CLOSED to observe Memorial Day

In recognition of Memorial Day, all DC DMV locations will be closed on Saturday, May 24 and Monday, May 26.

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.