Overview
New DC residents get more room - 60 calendar days from the date you start living in the District to title and register an out-of-state vehicle, but you'll need a DC driver's license or ID first and the car has to pass DC inspection. Miss any of these windows and D.C. doesn't scale penalties gradually: it's a flat $100 fine if you're caught within 30 days of the deadline, jumping to $200 (with real impoundment risk) after that.
01 - Official fees
Washington D.C. title transfer fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title fee (new / replacement / duplicate) | $30.00 | |
| Lien recordation | $20.00 | per lien |
| Title information request | $7.00 | |
| 45-day temporary tag | $13.00 | no extensions issued |
| Late fine, within 30 days of deadline | $100.00 | |
| Late fine, past 30 days | $200.00 | plus impoundment risk |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with the DC DMV - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to transfer a title in D.C.
- 1
Seller signs over the title's assignment section; both parties keep a copy of the bill of sale.
- 2
New owner gets the vehicle inspected at 1001 Half Street SW if it isn't already on a current DC inspection cycle.
- 3
Complete the Certificate of Title/Registration Application and bring the signed title, ID, and proof of DC insurance to a service center.
- 4
Pay the $30 title fee, any lien recordation, and the excise tax based on NADA fair market value.
- 5
If driving before this appointment, use the 45-day temporary tag - there is no second one issued.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Washington D.C. vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Washington D.C. title transfer FAQ
How much does a D.C. title transfer cost?
$30 for the title itself, plus $20 if a lender is recording a lien. The real cost driver is usually the excise tax due at the same visit - 1% to 11% of the vehicle's NADA book value depending on weight and MPG, not a fixed transfer charge.
How long do I have to title a car I just bought in D.C.?
New-vehicle dealer sales come with a 45-day temporary tag to get titled and registered - firm, with no renewal or extension issued. Used private-party purchases should be titled promptly to avoid the flat $100 unregistered-vehicle fine.
I just moved to D.C. with an out-of-state car - what's my deadline?
60 calendar days from when you start living in the District, per DC DMV's own guidance. You'll need a DC driver's license or ID card first, and the vehicle must pass DC inspection before the title/registration is issued.
What if my temporary tag expires before I get to DC DMV?
There's no second temporary tag - DC DMV is explicit that the 45-day window doesn't renew. Driving on an expired temp tag risks the same $100/$200 fines and possible impoundment as any unregistered vehicle.
Does the lienholder or I hold the title if the car is financed?
DC DMV records the lien ($20 fee) and, in most cases, the physical title is issued to the lienholder while you hold the registration card. Once the loan is paid off, the lienholder files a lien release and the title reissues in your name alone.
Can I do the title transfer online?
No - a new-owner title application requires an in-person visit to a DC DMV service center with your signed title, ID, and proof of insurance. Registration renewals for existing DC titles, by contrast, can often be done online.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.