Vehicle titling - District of Columbia

To obtain a current, valid title to a vehicle your purchase or otherwise obtain, you'll have to submit certain documents to the District of Columbia (DC) Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The following original documents are required to obtain a new vehicle title (the DMV can't accept photocopies or scanned documents):

• Current title or certificate of origin,
• DC DMV driver's license or non-driver identification card,
• Bill of sale,
• Proof of insurance,
• Proof of valid odometer statement,
• Lien contract (if applicable), and
• Lease contract.

If the registered owner or lessee is a business, a copy of the DC Business License is required in addition to a copy of the DC Certificate of Occupancy. If the registered owner/lessee does not own the property, then the Certificate of Occupancy must be accompanied by a premises lease agreement between the vehicle registered owner/lessee and the listed party on the Certificate of Occupancy.

Other relevant information includes:

• The vehicle and/or title may be subject to sales and use tax;
• Vehicles titled by the DC DMC that won't be operated within the District don't need to pass a vehicle inspection or be insured; and
• Vehicles may not be operated within the District unless it is registered; to register the vehicle, it will need to have a valid inspection sticker and be insured.

Agency: District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles.

Fees: There are fees associated with titling a vehicle within DC, including a $26 title fee.

For information about titling and registration services at J. J. Keller, contact us at 800-558-5011 Ext.8218