A Message from DC DMV Director Gabriel Robinson

Greetings DC! It's hard to believe the end of the year is already upon us. In the spirit of the holiday season, I am looking back on 2025 with immense gratitude for the hard work of every employee at the Department of Motor Vehicles, and all of our colleagues across DC Government. 2026 is sure to be another fruitful and exciting year! In our December newsletter, we include an important reminder about senior driver safety, along with helpful tips about keeping your vehicle winter ready. We also share news of recent critical DMV system updates, and looking ahead to the holidays, we want to remind everyone of the impact of impaired driving in the District. After all, December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.  As a reminder, DC DMV will close for the Christmas and New Year holidays as our staff takes time to be with loved ones, to refresh and renew for the new year. Keep reading for more information on our holiday operating schedule. As always, your feedback is important to us. Write us a letter or join me for DMV's monthly Live Chat on the first Thursday of each month. The next DC DMV Live Chat is scheduled for Thursday, January 8 at 12 p.m.  Thank you for reading this edition of our newsletter. Wishing you and your loved ones a beautiful holiday season filled with peace, joy and love. Enjoy and stay safe, DC!

Vision Zero Reminder: Older Driver Safety 

The beginning of December marked Senior Driver Safety Week. Aging impacts every individual differently, which is why it's important to understand how growing older can challenge our ability to drive safely. 

Making a decision about someone’s ability to drive should never be based on age alone. However, changes in vision, physical fitness and reflexes may cause safety concerns. Join us in encouraging the older adults in your life to be proactive about discussing safe mobility and building a transportation plan. For more resources on senior driver safety, visit DMV's senior driving website. 

Is Your Vehicle Winter Ready? 

Rain, sleet, snow, and ice can trigger dangerous driving conditions. Preparing yourself and your vehicle for inclement weather is key as we approach the winter season.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022 there were 498 fatal traffic crashes and an estimated 32,213 injuries that resulted from snow and sleet conditions at the time of the crash.

A simple thing you can do to ensure safety is to slow down. Winter weather conditions can make slowing or stopping your vehicle tricky, so increasing your distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you can safeguard against slippery roads and possible crashes. Always wear your seatbelt, stay alert, and don't forget to use your headlights when conditions create visibility issues. 

Continue to stay up to date on vehicle maintenance, inspect your tires for unusual wear, and check your tire pressure as the temperatures begin to dip. For more winter driving tips this holiday season, visit NHTSA's website. 

DC DMV Holiday Closures 

In recognition of Christmas, all DC DMV locations will be closed on Thursday, December 25. In recognition of the New Year holiday all DC DMV locations will be closed on Thursday, January 1. 

While our physical locations will be closed, many of DC DMV's services will remain available online or via the agency's free mobile app. Happy Holidays!

DC DMV Enhances Customer Payment Options  

DMV's online payment platforms will accept ACH/electronic check payments with no service fee added. Contactless and Digital Wallet payments will now be accepted at all DMV locations!

10 Languages Added to DC DMV's Knowledge Test

Beginning December 15, 2025, the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will offer the Knowledge Test in 10 new languages, including American Sign Language (ASL). 

In addition to the 15 languages currently available, District residents will be able to take the Knowledge Test in Turkish, Hungarian, Finnish, Danish, Indonesian, Dutch, Farsi, Italian, Swedish and ASL.  

From DUI to IID: December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

Two of the most celebrated days of the year, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, are also among the deadliest. In 2018, drunk driving crashes claimed 108 lives in those two days alone, accounting for nearly half of total traffic deaths, according to advocacy group MADD. This December, DC DMV has partnered with the DC Highway Safety Office to amplify an important message about impaired driving this holiday season: 

Drugs, alcohol or meds, over the counter or by your bed - any substance that impairs driving can lead to a DUI conviction in DC.

Substances that cause impairment can include drugs, alcohol, or prescription or over-the-counter medications. Anything that impairs your ability to drive can lead to a DUI conviction, and subsequently those individuals are required to enroll in DC DMV's Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program.

Remember, if you celebrate the holidays with libations and cheer, make sure you and your loved ones are practicing safe and sober driving this year! 

Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) is helping you drive sober this holiday season. Their Lyft SoberRide® code will posted at 9:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025 and will be valid nightly, (10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.) from Friday, December 19 until 4:00 a.m. Thursday, January 1, 2026.

Download the Lyft app and enter the code in the app’s ‘Payment’ tab under the ‘Add Lyft Pass’ option for up to $15 off one ride. This Holiday Season, don't drink and drive!

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.