Overview
A new or newly-titled bike also needs to clear the same single government inspection station on Half Street SW every two years, at the standard $35 fee. Add the flat $30 title fee for a purchase, and the calculator below gives you the full first-year total - registration, excise tax, title, and inspection.
01 - Official fees
Washington D.C. motorcycle fees fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle registration | $52.00/yr | |
| Motor-driven cycle / moped | $30.00/yr | |
| Excise tax (most bikes: ≤3,499 lbs) | 1.5%–9.0% | by city MPG; electric motorcycles 1.0% |
| Title fee | $30.00 | |
| Biennial inspection | $35.00 |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with the DC DMV - counties can add small local fees.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Washington D.C. vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Washington D.C. motorcycle fees FAQ
How much does it cost to register a motorcycle in D.C.?
$52 a year flat, regardless of engine size or weight - significantly simpler than the car registration ladder. A moped or motor-driven cycle registers even cheaper, at $30 a year.
Do motorcycles pay the same excise tax as cars?
Yes - motorcycles fall under the same NADA book value × weight/MPG grid, and since almost every motorcycle weighs under 3,499 lbs, most fall in that band's range: 1.5% for a 40+ mpg bike up to 9% for a low-mpg cruiser, with electric motorcycles at 1.0%.
Does my motorcycle need the Half Street inspection too?
Yes - the same biennial $35 inspection requirement and single-station rule apply to motorcycles as to cars. It's still the only government inspection facility in the District.
Is there a cheaper registration tier for a small scooter?
If it's titled as a motor-driven cycle or moped rather than a motorcycle, the annual fee drops to $30. Whether a given scooter qualifies depends on its engine displacement and top speed under DC's vehicle classification rules - DC DMV makes the call at titling.
Do I need a Residential Parking Permit for a motorcycle?
Same RPP rules apply as for cars - if you're parking on a residential block, you'll pay the same tiered household fee ($55 for a first vehicle, up to $175 for a fourth) regardless of whether that vehicle is a car or a motorcycle.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.