How to Renew Your Driver's License in District of Columbia
You can renew your District of Columbia driver’s license online, by mail, or in person at the DMV for a fee of $47.
Written by Mary Cahill
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Renewing your District of Columbia driver’s license can be done online, by mail, or in person at the DMV. You’ll need to pay a fee of $47 to complete this process. You are required by law to renew your license in D.C. every eight years.
If the thought of renewing your driver’s license makes your eyes roll, despair no more! Nowadays, most states—and the District of Columbia—have simplified the matter by offering an online or mail-in option.
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When to renew your driver’s license in the District of Columbia
D.C. residents will receive a reminder to renew their driver’s license in the mail 60 days prior to the expiration date. If you’ve provided your phone number or email address to the district’s DMV, you’ll get your reminder via text or email instead. Your driver’s license expires on your birthday every eight years.
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How to renew your driver’s license in the District of Columbia
You have the option to renew your driver’s license in D.C. online, by mail, or in person at the DMV. There are certain requirements you must meet if you want to renew your license online. You will be able to utilize D.C.’s online service as long as you can fulfill the following:
- Are a REAL ID holder (that’s the driver’s license with the star in the upper right corner)
- You have no changes in name or address to report
- Your driver’s license number and control number are printed on your renewal reminder
- Are under the age of 70
- Your license is in good standing
- Are not experiencing medical problems that involve fainting, having seizures, vision impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, or another condition that could endanger your driving
- A credit card to pay the fee (the DMV accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover)
Renew your license online
If you can meet all the aforementioned expectations, you’re ready to log onto the
DC.gov
website. From there, you can enter the requested information and go through all the steps. You will be asked to fill out a medical questionnaire, update your organ donor information, and pay the mandatory fee. The fee for renewing your driver’s license in Washington D.C. is $47 and you can submit the payment directly through the website. Within 15 business days, you’ll receive your new driver’s license.
Renew your license by mail
Mail-in renewals are similar to online renewals in that you must already have a REAL ID driver’s license. You will know if you’re eligible to renew by mail if your renewal reminder notice says you are authorized to. The notice will contain the instructions and mail-in details for you to follow.
Renew your license in person
Current D.C. DMV driver’s licenses that are expiring will be renewed with either a
REAL ID
driver’s license or a Limited Purpose
driver’s license depending on your eligibility. Limited Purpose driver’s licenses are for D.C. residents who cannot provide a social security number. Currently, walk-ins are available Wednesday through Saturday only. To make sure you maximize your visit, take the time to gather all the documents you’ll be asked to show when you arrive for your license renewal. You will need to bring the following:
- REAL ID driver’s license or ID card (if applicable)
- Proof of identity, such as:
- State-issued US birth certificateCurrent passportPermanent resident cardNaturalization or citizenship certificateConsular report of birth abroad (BRBA)Foreign passport accompanied by a Visa
- Two verifications of address, such as:
- Utility bill no older than 60 daysPhone bill no older than 60 daysDeed or mortgageLease agreementProperty tax bill no older than 12 months
You must provide your full social security number, which will then be verified at the DMV through the electronic database. If it cannot be verified, you must contact the Social Security Administration and request that your record be updated.
If your legal name has changed since your last renewal, you must also bring the original documentation, such as your marriage license, divorce decree showing the name change, or a court-official document.
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How long does it take to renew a driver’s license in the District of Columbia?
If you opt for renewing your driver’s license via mail or online, you will receive your renewed license in the mail in 15 business days.
If you don’t receive your new license within the designated time period, contact the D.C. DMV at (202) 737-4404.
How to save money on car insurance in the District of Columbia?
You’ve done it! Your driver’s license has been successfully renewed—but if you want to feel truly secure while you drive, make sure you’re not overpaying for
car insurance
. With the help of insurance comparison and licensed broker expert Jerry
, finding the best price is easier than it’s ever been. Once you download the free app, Jerry handles the entire insurance shopping process—you won’t have to fill out any monotonous forms or wait on hold with insurance companies! When you select the coverage that’s right for you and are ready to switch, Jerry will even help cancel your existing policy! On average, Jerry users save $887 a year on car insurance.
“Jerryis very easy to use. I switched to Progressive without ever being on a phone call, and they emailed me my new card in minutes!” —Ashtyn U.
What happens if I go a year or more without renewing my license?
If you haven’t renewed your driver’s license in D.C. for more than 365 days, you will be required to retake and pass the
written test
or attend an online traffic school course
in lieu of taking the written test. If you fail to renew your expired driver’s license for more than 545 days, you must retake and pass the written test and the
road test
(by appointment only).How can I renew my driver’s license in Washington D.C. if I am 70 or older?
If you’re 70 years old or over, you’ll be required to renew your driver's license in person. You must have a medical professional complete the
medical and vision report form
, in addition to the medical certification on the driver's license renewal application.RECOMMENDED
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This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
4.7/5 Rating on App Store
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