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Transferring a Car Title in District of Columbia

Steps and fees to transfer a vehicle title in District of Columbia when you buy, sell or inherit a car, and the deadline to register after moving.

Short answer: To title a purchased vehicle in D.C., bring the current title (or manufacturer's certificate of origin), a bill of sale, proof of D.C. DC DMV, Vehicle Titles; Vehicle Registration and Inspection

Transferring a car titleTo title a purchased vehicle in D.C., bring the current title (or manufacturer's certificate of origin), a bill of sale, proof of D.C. insurance, the odometer statement (certified on the back of the title for a used car), any lien or lease contract, and a completed Certificate of Title/Temporary Tag Application to a DC DMV service center. The primary owner must be a D.C. resident with a DC DMV credential, all owners must be listed, and all debts owed to the D.C. government must be paid. Excise tax is owed when the title changes ownership, and title and registration fees are due at processing. The new title is mailed within 10 business days. The DMV's title page links to separate procedures for designating a beneficiary and for vehicles acquired through the death of an owner.
Excise tax: https://dmv.dc.gov/service/vehicle-registration-and-inspection .
Source: DC DMV, Vehicle Titles; Vehicle Registration and Inspection
Registering after you moveA person who moves to D.C. has 60 calendar days from the date they begin living in D.C. to register their vehicle, and must first convert their out-of-state driver license to a D.C. license or ID card (surrendering the old license; tests are required if it has been expired more than 90 days). The vehicle must pass D.C. inspection (brand-new passenger vehicles excepted; out-of-state inspection stickers are not accepted), and printed proof of D.C. insurance is required. Students, diplomats, active military, part-time residents, members of Congress and presidential appointees who keep home-state licenses or tags must get a reciprocity permit.
License page: https://dmv.dc.gov/service/convert-out-state-driver-licenses .
Source: DC DMV, Registration of a New or Used Vehicle; Convert Out-of-State Driver Licenses; Vehicle Registration and Inspection

More District of Columbia car insurance & vehicle laws

FAQ

How do you transfer a car title in District of Columbia?
To title a purchased vehicle in D.C., bring the current title (or manufacturer's certificate of origin), a bill of sale, proof of D.C. insurance, the odometer statement (certified on the back of the title for a used car), any lien or lease contract, and a completed Certificate of Title/Temporary Tag Application to a DC DMV service center. The primary owner must be a D.C. resident with a DC DMV credential, all owners must be listed, and all debts owed to the D.C. government must be paid. Excise tax is owed when the title changes ownership, and title and registration fees are due at processing. The new title is mailed within 10 business days. The DMV's title page links to separate procedures for designating a beneficiary and for vehicles acquired through the death of an owner.
How long do you have to register your car after moving to District of Columbia?
A person who moves to D.C. has 60 calendar days from the date they begin living in D.C. to register their vehicle, and must first convert their out-of-state driver license to a D.C. license or ID card (surrendering the old license; tests are required if it has been expired more than 90 days). The vehicle must pass D.C. inspection (brand-new passenger vehicles excepted; out-of-state inspection stickers are not accepted), and printed proof of D.C. insurance is required. Students, diplomats, active military, part-time residents, members of Congress and presidential appointees who keep home-state licenses or tags must get a reciprocity permit.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.