The following documents are required to register a vehicle at an applicable fee:
The Document Verification Guide will assist you with determining which documents you will need to collect and bring to DC DMV. Click here to begin.
For Multiple Vehicle Owners:
If the secondary owner of the vehicle lives in a different state, you must bring a letter of authorization with you to DMV in order to act on the other person’s behalf, and a copy of their driver license or non-driver ID card.
If multiple owners want to be added to the vehicle registration, they must have a valid DC driver license or non-driver ID card. All owners must already be listed on the title/Certificate of Origin and any lien/leased paperwork.
All documents must match the information provided on the application.
Note: At least one owner on the title must be a DC resident.
Title Only (Please see applicable Fee)
The following documents are required to title a vehicle:
Additional Vehicle Title Information
- Altered titles are not accepted. If the title is altered, it is required to obtain a replacement.
- Additional documents are necessary to obtain a title for a vehicle if an individual acquired it through the death of the vehicle owner.
- Although a title can have multiple owners, the primary owner must be a District resident or a DC based business. If an individual have a co-owner and the co-owner is not a DC resident, It is required to present the valid photo identification.
- Salvage Vehicle(s) must pass safety inspection to obtain title.
Note: It is not necessary for a vehicle to pass inspection or have insurance to receive a title only (without a registration). It is not permissible to operate a vehicle in the District of Columbia without registration of the vehicle. Titles are not issued over-the-counter. Titles are mailed to the primary owner within 10 business days. In case of lien holder, the title will be mailed to the primary lien holder. 
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