How to Get a Washington DC Assigned Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – Washington DMV Title

Did you know that a Washington DC Assigned Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is not as easy to get as you may think?

You’re probably going to want this number when it comes time for tax returns and insurance purposes. You might also need the VIN in order to register your car with DMV.

This article will walk through the steps of getting a Washington DC Unique Vehicle Identifier, or VIN number assigned from DASNY.

Washington D.C. has the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Other states might call it something different, like the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Motor Vehicles Division (MVD), Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV), Driver Services Department (DSD), Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), Department of Licensing (DOL), Department of Driver Services (DDS), Department of Public Safety (DPS), or Department of Transportation (DOT).

How Do I Get a Washington DC Assigned Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

You need to request a duplicate vehicle title if you’re applying online. The duplicate vehicle title fee is $26. You can contact the D.C. Citywide Call Center by dialing 311 or by calling (202) 737-4404 if you experience any issues.”

What Documents Do I Need to Get a Washington DC VIN?

1. A valid driver’s license or ID card from D.C.

2. A vehicle title or manufacturer’s certificate of origin

3. Proof of a valid D.C. address

4. A valid vehicle inspection sticker (if applicable)

5. Your expired vehicle registration (if applicable)

Why Should I Get a Washington DC VIN Check/Car ID Check?

1. To find out a vehicle’s history.

2. To make sure the vehicle you are buying is not stolen.

3. To check for any outstanding recalls on the vehicle.

4. To see if the vehicle has been in any accidents.

Smog Certification/Vehicle Inspection in Washington DC

As of 1968, all vehicles are required to have a smog certification/vehicle inspection in order to be driven on public roads. Most commercial and fee-for-hire vehicles are required to have an emission test performed every year, while personal non-commercial vehicles that were made in the past 4 years are exempt from this requirement.

To get a smog certification/vehicle inspection, you can either take your vehicle to a certified emissions testing facility or have a mobile emissions testing company come to you. Once your vehicle passes the inspection, you will be issued a certificate that is valid for two years.

License Plate Lookup in the District of Columbia

Looking up a license plate in the District of Columbia can be helpful for law enforcement officers in order to learn more about a vehicle and its driver. A license plate lookup can also be used for a variety of other purposes, such as verifying parking or speeding tickets, obtaining information about a vehicle’s past, or purchasing a secondhand car.

There are both free and paid services available online that can be used to lookup a vehicle’s license plate. However, if you’re looking for more comprehensive and accurate data, it’s recommended that you contact the DC DMV or use a paid service. A license plate search will often include information such as driver criminal history, vehicle registration, mileage and odometer readings, and more.

What is a District of Columbia License Plate?

The DMV issues Disabled American Veteran (DAV) license plates. The tags can have up to 7 characters, 1-9 numbers, and spaces. The tags are available in three forms – standard, motorcycle, and personalized. Personalized license plates can only have letters and numbers. No punctuation or symbols are allowed

Passenger License Plates vs. Commercial License Plates in Washington DC

There are two types of license plates in Washington DC: passenger and commercial. Passenger license plates are for private vehicles that are not used for business purposes, while commercial license plates are for vehicles that are used for business purposes. The registration fees for commercial vehicles are higher than for passenger vehicles.

Washington D.C. Emissions and Smog Check Requirements

All vehicles made in 1968 or newer must have an emission test performed every two years. Commercial and fee-for-hire vehicles must have an emission test performed every year.

Certain vehicles are exempt from smog checks in Washington, D.C., including personal non-commercial vehicles that were made in the past 4 years, motorized bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles, and zero-emissions vehicles (diesel and electric personal trailers and vehicles). New personal non-commercial vehicles that were made in the past 4 years but do not possess a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin are also exempt from smog checks. Finally, any personal non-commercial vehicle made in the 1968 model year or earlier is not subject to smog checks.

How to Transfer Your Vehicle Title in Washington, D.C.?

1. Gather the required documents. You will need the following:

-The out-of-state title or registration

-A completed Application for Certificate of Title (Form DMV/DOT FC-1)

-A completed Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification Certificate (Form DMV/DOT VR-129)

2. Bring the documents to a D.C. DMV service center. You can find your nearest location here:

3. Pay the required fees. The fee for transferring a vehicle title is $26.

Transferring a Vehicle’s Title As a New Resident of Washington, D.C.

1. The vehicle’s title, signed over to the new owner

2. A completed Application for Certificate of Title form (HSMV 82040)

3. A completed Odometer Disclosure Statement (HSMV 82993) if the vehicle is 9 years old or newer

4. Payment for the $26 title transfer fee

5. If the vehicle was purchased from a dealer, the dealer’s reassignment section on the back of the title must be completed

Temporary D.C. Registration or Tags

You can register your vehicle immediately after getting your D.C. inspection. You need to bring: a Certificate of Title/Temporary Tag Application, a signed vehicle title, proof of a valid D.C. auto insurance policy, and a valid D.C. driver’s license or ID card to the DMV to apply for temporary tags . You’ll also need to pay for the tags which may include registration or tag fees, as well as title and lien holder fees .

Can I Gift a Car to a Family Member in Washington DC?

You can give a vehicle as a gift in Washington DC. The recipient will need to register the car in their name and pay sales tax on the value of the vehicle.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to get a Washington DC assigned vehicle identification number, the process is actually pretty simple. Just follow the steps outlined in this guide and you should be good to go.