The renewal of license plate stickers in Washington DC is a mandatory procedure What car owners must do to drive legally in the District of Columbia.
Those who do not manage the license plate sticker renewal, or do not do so within the stipulated time, risk receiving traffic fines and late fees from District authorities.
The entity in charge of this management is the Department of Motor Vehicles of the District of Columbia(DMV DC, for its acronym in English).
When should I renew my license plate sticker in Washington DC?
License plate sticker renewal in Washington DC must be done once a year or every two years, depending on the time period the car owner chooses when requesting the renewal. The procedure must be completed before the license plate sticker expires.
To help drivers complete this process in a timely manner, the DMV is sending a notice to the driver's mailing address (and email, if registered) 60 days before registration expires.
The reminder indicates the exact registration expiration datethe fees to be paid and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
You can request the renewal of the license plate sticker from the moment you receive the notice and before it expires.
Continue reading: Vehicle registration in California
Requirements to renew the license plate sticker in Washington DC
To carry out the license plate sticker renewal in Washington DC, it is necessary to comply with some conditions required by law.
Below we present what are the requirements that you must comply with:
- A valid DC DMV driver's license or ID card
- Renewal notice
- Current record
- Name and updated address on file with DC DMV
- A DC auto insurance policy
- A valid credit card. The DC DMV accepts Visa and MasterCard
Additionally, to renew registration You must not have outstanding debts with the District of Columbia (fines, parking tickets, etc.).
Also you must have previously passed a vehicle inspection in Washington DC (you must have the current decal attached to the car).
Continue reading: License plate sticker renewal in Colorado
How to renew plates in Washington DC?
In Washington DC. The license plate sticker can be renewed online or by mail.
If you do not meet the requirements to renew by mail or online, you must visit a DC DMV service center to resolve the issue (e.g., address locks, returned check locks, etc.).
If you have expired Washington DC vehicle registration and inspection stickers, you should also go to a DMV service center to obtain a temporary registration, which allows you to operate your vehicle (for 5 days) while you process the renewal.
Plate sticker renewal online
To renew your license plate sticker online you must enter the official page of the DC DMV online system.
Complete the requested information:
- Tag Number
- Vehicle Identification Number (last 4 characters)
- Registration Renewal Term
- (email address)
Retrieved from public.dmv.washingtondc.gov
Then, follow the instructions on the page, pay for the registration renewal (with Visa or MasterCard credit card), print the receipt and the 45-day temporary permit.
The registration renewal will be ready within 7 to 10 business days after the request. If 15 days pass and you do not receive it, contact the DC DMV at +1-202-737-4404.
To renew the car sticker online you must meet the following conditions:
- Registration cannot be more than 90 days expired
- You must have a vehicle inspection passed in Washington DC
- You must have your address and name up to date on DMV records.
- Valid driver's license or ID card
- Car insurance policy
- Valid credit card
Plate sticker renewal by mail
In the registration renewal notice that the DC DMV sends by mail, you will find the fee you must pay, the expiration date, and the return envelope.
Be sure to enclose a check or money order made out to DC Treasurer (DC DMV cannot accept cash by mail).
Shipping must be made to the following address:
DC DMV
Vehicle Services Administration
PO Box 90120
Washington, D.C. 20090
The license plate sticker renewal will be ready between 7 and 10 business days after the request. Please wait 15 business days before contacting DC DMV if you do not receive it.
If you have a change of address or a change of name, you cannot make the license plate sticker renewal by mail. You must first visit a DC DMV service center with the appropriate documentation to verify the changes.
Keep reading: How to check a car's license plates in the United States?
Places where I can get the license plate sticker in Washington DC
The agency responsible for processing the license plate sticker change in Washington DC is the Department of Motor Vehicles of the District of Columbia.
The DMV offices welcome residents of the District to manage any difficulties related to the renewal of license plate stickers (for example, changes of address, name, etc.), However, the management must be done online or by mail.
Keep reading: Places where I can remove the sticker from the license plates
License plate sticker renewal near me in Washington DC
If you need to resolve any problem related to the management of license plate sticker renewal in Washington DC, you can locate some of the offices that are closest to your work or home. Remember that the process must be done online or by mail.
Below we present a map so you can locate the closest and most convenient place for you.
Continue reading: License plate sticker renewal in Washington State
How much does it cost to renew plates in Washington DC?
License plate sticker renewal in Washington DC can cost from $36 (for electric cars) to $250, for two-year renewals of non-commercial vehicles.
Prices vary depending on weight and type of car. If it is a commercial vehicle, rates can be between $125, for vehicles weighing 3,499 pounds or less, and $700, for vehicles weighing 10,000 or more.
Keep reading: How to register a car in Virginia
When will I receive my new Washington DC license plate stickers?
It takes 7-10 days for your Washington DC license plate sticker to arrive at your mailing address, whether you order them online or by mail. If 15 passes and you have not received it, you should contact the DC DMV.
Continue reading: License plate sticker renewal in Illinois
How much is the fine for an expired sticker in Washington DC?
When the car sticker has an expiration of 30 days or less, the fine will cost $100. Drivers with registrations that are more than 30 days expired must pay a $250 fine, and authorities could also confiscate the car.
Continue reading: Car registration in NJ
How to cancel license plates in Washington DC?
Deregistering a car's license plates in Washington DC is a fairly simple process. To cancel the registration of a car at the DMV you can enter this link.
Fill out the boxes with the requested information (name, last name, date of birth, last 5 digits of the social security number), including the reason for canceling the license plates, and then click the button that says “Continue.”