Vehicle license or registration - District of Columbia

License plate display

The District of Columbia issues two registration plates to be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle, except trailers are issued one plate to display on the rear.

International Registration Plan

The District of Columbia is a member of the International Registration Plan (IRP). The IRP is a base state system for vehicle registration allowing a carrier to apply for vehicle registration and pay fees to a single jurisdiction.

The IRP provides for all carriers from participating states, operating as a fleet to prorate fees. The IRP defines a fleet as one or more vehicles with three or more axles or having gross vehicle weight in excess of 26,000 pounds, operating in two or more member jurisdictions.

Any vehicle qualifying for IRP registration that lists the District of Columbia as its established place of business must declare the District of Columbia as its base jurisdiction for IRP and obtain a base plate from the District. IRP registration and renewal is staggered, with monthly enforcement dates.

The District of Columbia charges fees based on the combined gross vehicle weight. Buses use the same fee schedule as trucks. Trailer fees and inspection fees will be charged only to District-based carriers. Carriers must delete and add vehicles on the same supplement to obtain a credit. Proof of title is required prior to registration.

Temporary Permit/Hunter Permit: A “temporary registration tag” is issued in lieu of a “hunters permit.” The operator must purchase a separate temporary registration tag if the trailer is also unlicensed.

Agency: Department of Motor Vehicles; see Regulatory Agencies for address(es).