Washington DC

Title Fee

$26.00

Who must title a vehicle in D.C.?

All motor vehicles and trailers used on highways and all vessels under 26 feet must be titled.
Exempt: Vehicles propelled/drawn by muscular power, personal mobility devices, motorized bicycles, battery wheelchairs, road rollers, ATVs, ORVs, snowmobiles, documented vessels, and barges.

Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?

What documents are needed as proof of ownership?

New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin + bill of sale.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title + bill of sale.
Non-title states: Valid registration certificate + bill of sale.
Government surplus: SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs, customs, EPA 3520-1, NHTSA HS-7, DOT compliance, bill of sale, English translation if needed.

How are special titles or brands handled?

Non-Negotiable Title: If DMV is not satisfied as to ownership or there are undisclosed liens, “Nontransferable” is printed; not assignable.
Brands: Flood Vehicle, Hull Damaged, Non-Repairable, Parts Only, Rebuilt Salvage, Reconstructed, Sold at Public Auction, etc. Out-of-state brands are carried forward with jurisdiction noted.
Salvage: Required if repair cost >75% of retail value or voluntarily designated; insurer/owner must apply within 30 days of settlement/damage.
Rebuilt: Salvage vehicle passing emissions, safety, and anti-theft inspection is branded “Rebuilt Salvage.”
Junk: Apply for Junk Vehicle Certificate within 30 days or before transfer; may only be transferred once and never retitled again.

How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?

Duplicate: Certificate of Title/Temporary Tag Application, $26.00 fee; online option if no changes.
Vessels: PD 330, $2.00 fee.

Other notes:

Odometer disclosure required for all transfers (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN inspection required for salvage vehicles and for vehicles without D.C. title.

Are electronic signatures accepted?

What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?

Excise Tax: Based on fair market value (varies by weight and fuel economy; 1.0%–10.1%).No credit for trade-in or taxes paid to another state.
Exemptions: Nonresidents titling/registering in home state, new residents (if previously titled/registered), gifts between spouses/partners/child-parent, government, certain replacements, some commercial vehicles, and more.
Title Tax: 6.0% of gross sales price for vessels under 26 feet.
Sales/Use Tax: Vehicles/trailers subject to excise tax are exempt from sales/use tax.
Property Tax: On mobile homes and some special equipment.
- Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Proof required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.

How are liens recorded and perfected?

Application (title/temp tag) + contract, $20.00 per lien; perfected upon DMV receipt.
Vessels: PD 330, $1.00 per lien.

How are liens released or assigned?

Lienholder must release within 72 hours of satisfaction and deliver to next lienholder/owner; release on title, letter, or paid contract.
Assignment: Submit assignment + title + $20.00 fee.

How does repossession work in D.C.?

Lienholder may repossess if peaceful; submit title, lien contract, letter to owner (default/intent to sell), condition report, and fees within 5 business days.
DMV issues title to lienholder within 7 business days.
Vessels: Title + secured party transfer statement to Harbor Master.

Other notes:

Garage/mechanic’s liens: Written notice to interested parties, 30 days unclaimed, public auction after 3 weeks’ newspaper notice.

Enforcement Agency:

D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles95 M St SW, Washington, DC 20024
202.737.4404 | DC DMV

Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:

Key Regulations:

Insurance required: $25,000/$50,000/$10,000 liability + $25,000/$50,000/$5,000 UM.
Proof required at registration and must be carried; plates must be surrendered before canceling insurance.
Safety/emissions inspection required for most vehicles.
Two plates for most vehicles; one for motorcycles, trailers, etc. Plates transferable within class.
- Title records maintained by imaging company.