What you need to get a DC driver license
Washington DC issues driver licenses through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You'll need to visit a DMV service center in person — you cannot complete this entirely by mail or online. Bring proof of identity (a valid passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
If you're explore for your first DC license, you must pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test. If you're transferring from another state, DC will waive the knowledge test but you still take the driving test. You'll also need to pass a vision screening at the DMV. The written test covers DC traffic laws and safe driving practices; the DMV provides a study guide on its website.
The fee for a DC driver license is $100 for an eight-year license. If you're under 21, the license costs $70 and expires when you turn 21. Payment is cash, check, or card at the service center.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DC DMV service center in person with proof of identity, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
- First-time applicants take both a written knowledge test and a driving skills test; people transferring from another state take only the driving test.
- A standard eight-year DC driver license costs $100; licenses for people under 21 cost $70 and expire at age 21.
- DC DMV service centers have limited hours and can have long wait times, so arriving early or scheduling ahead when possible reduces delays.
Where to go and how to schedule
DC has three DMV service centers: one in Northeast DC, one in Southeast DC, and one in Northwest DC. You can find their addresses and current hours on the DC DMV website. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times often exceed two hours during peak times (mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). The DMV does not currently offer online appointment scheduling, but you can call ahead to ask about current wait times.
The Northeast location (3220 Pennsylvania Avenue SE) and Southeast location (2670 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE) tend to have longer waits than the Northwest location (1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW). If you have flexibility, visiting early in the morning when the center opens or on a weekday afternoon after 3 p.m. typically means shorter waits.
Renewing your DC driver license
DC driver licenses expire every eight years. You can renew online through the DC DMV website if you meet these conditions: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no outstanding traffic violations or unpaid fines, and your address has not changed. Online renewal costs $100 and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.
If your address has changed, your license is suspended, or you have outstanding violations, you must renew in person at a DMV service center. You'll need the same documents as a new applicant: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. In-person renewal does not require a new driving test unless your license has been expired for more than one year.
DC sends renewal reminders by mail about 60 days before your license expires. If you miss the important date, you can still renew, but driving with an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation.
What to expect during your visit
When you arrive at the DMV, you'll check in at the front desk and receive a number. You'll wait until your number is called. A DMV representative will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. If you're taking a test, you'll be directed to a testing area after this step.
For the written knowledge test, you'll sit at a computer and answer 25 multiple-choice questions about DC traffic laws and safe driving. You must score at least 70 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no additional cost, though you may have to wait for another appointment slot.
For the driving skills test, a DMV examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a rental) and evaluate your ability to start, stop, turn, parallel park, and respond to traffic signals and pedestrians. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you fail the driving test, you can schedule another test, but there may be a wait of several days to a week depending on DMV availability.
Documents you must bring
Proof of identity can be a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a valid state driver license from another state, a military ID, or a permanent resident card. The document must not be expired (except birth certificates, which do not expire).
Proof of residency must show your current DC address and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, or government mail (such as a tax return or voter registration card). A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.
You must provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, contact the DC DMV before your visit to learn about alternative documentation.
Costs and payment methods
A standard eight-year DC driver license costs $100. If you are under 21, your license costs $70 and expires on your 21st birthday. Renewal through the online process costs $100. If you need a replacement license (because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged), the cost is $20.
The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Personal checks are accepted at some locations but not all; call ahead if you plan to pay by check. There are no additional fees for the written test or driving test — these are included in the license fee.
If you're moving to DC from another state
DC law requires you to obtain a DC driver license within 30 days of establishing residency in the district. You do not need to surrender your previous state license, but you should not use it to drive in DC after you have a DC license. When you explore for your DC license, bring your out-of-state license along with your other documents.
Your out-of-state driving record will be reviewed. If you have an active suspension or revocation in another state, DC will likely deny your process. If you have traffic violations or unpaid fines in another state, DC may place a hold on your license process until those matters are resolved. Contact the DMV in your previous state to check your record before you explore in DC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the driving test in a vehicle I don't own?
Yes. You can use a rental car, a friend's car, or a family member's vehicle. The vehicle must be registered and insured, and you must have permission from the owner. The DMV examiner will verify the registration and insurance before the test begins. The vehicle must be in safe working condition with functioning brakes, lights, wipers, and steering.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the test, but you must schedule another appointment. Depending on DMV availability, this may take several days to a week. You pay the full license fee again for each attempt. Some people find it helpful to take a few driving lessons with a professional instructor between attempts.
Do I need to renew my license before I move out of DC?
No. Your DC license remains valid for eight years from the date it was issued, even if you move to another state. However, once you establish residency in a new state, that state's law typically requires you to obtain a license there within a certain period (usually 30 to 60 days). Check your new state's requirements.
What if my proof of residency is in someone else's name?
The document must show your name and your current DC address. If you live with a family member or roommate and the utility bill or lease is in their name only, ask them for a letter on their letterhead confirming you live at that address, and bring both documents together. Some DMV staff will accept this; others will not, so calling ahead to confirm is wise.
How long does it take to receive my license by mail after online renewal?
The DC DMV estimates two to three weeks for delivery. Mail can be delayed, so if your license expires soon, renew online at least three weeks before the expiration date. If your license expires before it arrives, you should not drive until you receive it.