A Message from DC DMV Director Gabriel Robinson
Greetings, DC! The 2026-2027 school year is just around the corner. As students return to school this month, we want to remind you to please slow down when driving in neighborhood school zones and watch for children crossing the street and near bus stops.
In this month's newsletter, the team has curated a selection of items that cover pedestrian safety tips for our kids who are returning to school, how to update your address with the DMV if you have moved, a recent award the agency was presented with, a new license plate unveiling, and a reminder for our upcoming Labor Day holiday closure.
As always, 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, September 3, at 12 p.m. For a full hour, I will respond in real-time to any of your DMV-related questions.
To stay up to date on all things DC DMV year-round, follow us across our social media accounts on Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Thank you for reading the August 2026 edition of our newsletter. Stay cool, DC!
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 Purple Heart License Plates are Now Available at all DC DMV Locations
On Saturday, August 8, Director Gabriel Robinson joined the Military Order of the Purple Heart and retired US Army Captain and Purple Heart Recipient Eric Rudberg at George Washington's Mount Vernon for the estate's official National Purple Heart Day Commemoration Ceremony to unveil the District's newest specialty tag design. Watch Director Robinson's Purple Heart Unveiling Remarks on our YouTube Channel here.
In November, DC DMV and the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs (MOVA) Directors went before the DC Council to testify in favor of a Purple Heart Specialty Tag. In May, the Purple Heart Amendment Act of 2025 went into effect, allowing the DC DMV and MOVA teams to create a tag commemorating the bravery of combat wounded veterans and Purple Heart recipients.
This new tag honors Purple Heart recipients, their surviving spouse, and joins a lineup of existing DC DMV specialty tags for DC veterans, DC woman veterans, disabled American veterans, and veterans specialty tags for each branch of the US Armed Forces.
The one-time application fee of $10 for the Purple Heart tags will be deposited into the Office of Veterans Affairs Fund for use in servicing the District’s Veterans. Learn more about all of DC DMV's specialty vehicle tags on our website here.
 Back to School: Stay Alert While Crossing the Street
It's back to school time already, and kids are headed back to the classroom later this month! Here are a few pedestrian safety tips geared toward kids from the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) that serve as great reminders for everyone.
- Stop, look and listen. Stay alert when you’re walking — use your eyes and ears to stay safe.
- Use a crosswalk when possible or cross at the corner or at an intersection. Always look both ways for traffic before crossing the street.
- If you can’t see the driver, the driver can’t see you — wait to cross until you can make eye contact and the driver has stopped the car.
As you go about your day while out and about remember: Safer people save lives!
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NEW: Smart Glasses Use Restricted for DC DMV Administered Tests
For privacy, security, and testing integrity reasons, smart glasses, augmented-reality eyewear, wearable recording devices, and other recording and/or communication capable wearable devices are not permitted in sensitive DMV areas; this includes but is not limited to testing spaces.
Individuals may be asked to remove, secure, or discontinue use of these devices when participating in any DC DMV-administered testing activities. Refusal to comply may result in denial of service, invalidation of testing, or discontinuation of a road or skills test.
 AAMVA Community Service Award Presented to the DC DMV!
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, DC DMV partnered with the DC Highway Safety Office, District Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Police Department, Children's National Hospital, Safe Kids Worldwide, and State Farm's Good Neighbor Car Seat Safety Program to hold another successful Car Seat Safety Check event at the DMV Inspection Station (pictured below).
 During the event, we conducted 45 inspections and installations, served 42 families, and distributed 32 brand new car seats! Each year, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) recognizes jurisdictions doing exceptional work within their communities. We are honored to receive regional recognition for this year's Community Service Award for our Car Seat Safety Check Event!
Although Child Passenger Safety Week is typically observed at the end of September, DC's Child Safety Seat Program provides qualifying District residents with an infant or toddler a free booster seat and helpful information about properly installing and buckling children into their safety seats year-round. Know someone who would like a car seat inspection and/or installation? Send them to the DC DMV Inspection Station!
 Notify DMV of Your Change of Address through our Mobile App
We know that moving can be a long, exhausting process, but in the midst of packing and unpacking, don't forget to notify the DC DMV of your change of address within 60 calendar days of a move to keep your records current.
Unsure of what two items you will need to verify your new District residence? Learn more on the approved list here. You can also #SkipTheTrip and visit us online or with DC DMV's free mobile app!
 Labor Day Holiday Closure
In observance of the Labor Day holiday, all DC DMV locations will be closed on Saturday, September 5 and Monday, September 7. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, September 8.
Many of DC DMV's services will remain available online or via the agency's free mobile app.
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