A Message from DC DMV Director Gabriel Robinson

Although it has been an unusually cold winter, 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 and keep in mind that our Georgetown location remains closed until further notice. 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, learn how DC DMV is working to keep March Madness on the court, not the roads. 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 week and here at DC DMV, we are encouraging all District drivers to check your vehicle for a possible recall. The article below has more information about this crucial safety check. As always, 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, April 2 at 12 p.m.   Thank you for reading this edition of our newsletter. Enjoy the spring weather and cherry blossoms. Drive safe, DC!

Vehicle Safety Recalls Week — What Triggers a Recall?

Vehicle Safety Recalls Week (March 2-8) 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! 

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.

Here's what you can do to prevent drunk driving before and on St. Patrick's Day: 

• Plan a safe ride home before you start to party, choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver, use the Metro, or utilize the SoberRide® 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 ride home.
• 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), and other regional partners, the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day SoberRide® program will begin at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, March 17, until 4:00 am on Wednesday, March 18. For more information, visit WRAP's website here.

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.

The DMV team is proud of our many exceptional women employees who operate both on the front lines of service and behind the scenes. The women of the 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.

DMV's Annual Performance Oversight Hearing

On Thursday, February 12, DMV Director Gabriel Robinson testified before the District of Columbia City Council's Committee on Transportation and the Environment. In this year's Performance Oversight Hearing, he highlighted the agency's accomplishments throughout the past fiscal year and provided a look ahead to some of the agency's projects. 

Annually, the DC DMV serves over 650,000 licensed drivers and identification card holders in the District, and over 270,000 registered vehicle owners. DMV serves District residents and non-residents with an average of 3,200 customer contacts each day — among the most of any District government agency. In Fiscal Year 2025, DMV met the needs of 101,659 customers across our seven service center locations.

In Fiscal Year 2026, the DMV team is excited about opportunities to advance it’s mission, vision, and service to the community. Our focus will largely be on reaching District residents with vital information using enhanced technology and communication.

Watch Director Robinson's testimony on our YouTube Channel or read it on our website. 

Drugs, Alcohol, or Meds — Any substance that impairs driving can lead to a DUI

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

What is 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 initiated its IID Program in response to the community’s safety concerns about individuals convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. DC DMV remains committed to the safe operation of motor vehicles and public safety.

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

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.