A Message from DC DMV Director Gabriel Robinson

It's the start to a beautiful May in the best city in the world. As you travel throughout the District and beyond, remember, your safety is key no matter the season!  At the end of April, I presented DMV's FY27 Budget Proposal before the District Council's Committee on Transportation and the Environment (pictured below). During the hearing, I highlighted the agency's accomplishments throughout the past fiscal year and provided a deeper look into the agency's budget request for current and upcoming agency projects and initiatives.

This 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, remember to wear a helmet, and follow all the rules of the road!

As a reminder, all DC DMV locations will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Saturday, May 23 and Monday, May 25. The Inspection Station will also transition to Spring/Summer operating hours starting on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Learn more about our 24/7 Kiosks, Inspection Station, and Service Centers here to ensure the most current updates on our operational hours. External online sources such as Google or other search engines may not have the most up to date information. 

Your feedback is important to me and the team. Please write DMV 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 4 at 12 p.m. I will respond in real-time to your DMV-related questions for a full hour.

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! 

- Director Gabriel Robinson  

Cars get hot fast. Always Stop, Look, then Lock your vehicle

Heatstroke Prevention Day began on Friday May 1, 2026. 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.

Heatstroke awareness does not stop here. As the weather gets warmer, remember to never leave a child unattended in the car. Take a moment to stop, look, and lock before you leave your vehicle.

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: Stay ahead of the curve to avoid boot eligibility, late penalties, and collections. 
• Out of state residents with at least one ticket received in the past 18 months can also apply. 

DC DMV Locations Close to Observe Memorial Day

In recognition of Memorial Day, all DC DMV locations will be closed on Saturday, May 23 and Monday, May 25. Many of DC DMV's services will remain available online or via the agency's free mobile app.

DMV Inspection Station: Spring/Summer Hours to Begin June 2

Effective Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the Inspection Station will transition to "Spring/Summer" operating hours and will remain closed Sunday and Monday. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday the station will be open from 6am - 2pm. Wednesdays the operating hours will be 7am - 2pm. 

DC DMV also offers two self-service on-board diagnostic (OBD) emissions test kiosks that allow District residents to perform their own vehicle emissions tests, 24/7. Visit our kiosks located in Ward 4's Takoma Recreation Center, and Ward 8's Fort Stanton Recreation Center. Learn more about our locations here. 

380 windshield wipers installed at DMV's Inspection Station for Wiper Week 2026!

Last month, Metro Motor joined us at our Inspection Station to install new windshield wipers on 380 vehicles for this year's Wiper Week initiative. As spring showers and pollen continues to blanket the city, we want to remind you of the importance of driving with a clear view ahead of you!

Many thanks to DMV's Certified Passenger Safety Technicians who were also on site to ensure our littlest District Residents are safe while in the car. Drop by our Inspection Station during operating hours for free car seat safety checks during the week!

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.

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.

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. Please use the 120+ miles of dedicated bike lane space made available for your enjoyment and safety.

Learn more about bicycle safety at visionzero.dc.gov. 

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.