DC Department of Motor Vehicles

Efficient at handling crowds and funnelling lines. Horriblely dismissive and snotty customer service personnel. I was barely at the window when she copped an attitude.

Mr. Stephen Lawson is awesome. I came here at 1:54pm on a Wednesday in August. We waited till about 2:30 for our number to be called. It was finally called and I was sent to a room with other folks there for a walk in hearing. They ask you to say if you admit, deny, or admit with explanation to your violation. The lady before me had a speeding ticket she was denying. He makes you state your name and address. Then he reviews the video. Then he asks what you state. She denied. He reviewed and was like «the video has two cars and it is not clear which car was speeding and so unable to verify it was your car, therefore I dismiss this ticket.» He was totally fair! Then my turn. Did the same thing except I admit with explanation. I explained. He listened. He was fair. He was very professional and serious but wise. I was so happy with the outcome.
Why 5 stars you ask?
1. I was in and out within 1.25 hours
2. Nobody was rude
3. The security guards (two different ones) were very helpful at different times when I was trying to figure out where to go and what to pay
4. It didn’t seem dirty or smell bad
5. The people are reasonable and respectable. Opposite of what I was expecting for District government employees
6. I had a positive outcome which definitely helps and puts a smile on my face. Instead of paying a $ 200 ticket, I paid $ 100. That’s a win!
7. Efficient number calling system
8. Pay by check but not for tow or boot issues
I walked in and requested the hearing in person. You might save time setting up the hearing before hand!
Don’t give up guys. There are positive outcomes at the DMV!

I would give negative infinity rating to DC DMV if I can. I despise DC parking enforcement. Most importantly they put up really confusing signs one on top of the other (and some signs in negative sentences — please learn to use affirmative sentences). You need a special PhD to understand their signs. I bought a car recently and brought it home around 11:45 pm (yeah it was a long day!!!). I saw Zone 2 parking sign and I parked it there. Little did I know that there was also a rush hour parking sign on that street. I went to check my car the next morning only to find it towed away. When I found my car towed and parked on a different busy street, it has been ticketed $ 200. $ 200 on the first day of car ownership. I went to the DMV parking enforcement office on C street and wasted four hours of my life I will never get back. If they are DMV aren’t they supposed to have parking space for the public? NO! After the ordeal I was told I had to pay up because it is my fault I didn’t read the signs properly. No forgiveness even for first time car owners or first time oversight.
The dialogue from Bridesmaids came to my mind — «Ooh, This is a very strict plane that I’m on. ‘Welcome to Germany! Auf wiedersehen, a****le.’»

half of the workers arnt actually working and browsing the internet with the same number above them, My wait for a parking ticket at a broken meter was 90 minutes. If i was the supervisor id fire the workers who are not actually working. If you make a drcent salary you will lose money from worktime as opposed to just paying the bill.

Soooooo I was disappointed that the front entrance did not have entrance for strollers. If I hadn’t had help from others, I wouldn’t know how to get my babygirl in with the big stroller. Security check was painful as taking out my outer jackets along with my baby’s. Such hustle but I guess it’s security measurement. They need to consider people with strollers and wheelchairs. But other than that, service and sign to direct particular rooms and all was visible.

I’ve been to the Rhode Island location 3 times. Every single time, every single person that helped me was rude. They all had an attitude when helping me and I could tell they hated their jobs. If they only knew they would enjoy their jobs more if they were pleasant to their customers. Seriously, I’ve never encountered service workers with such bitchy attitudes before. If you start your day off in a good mood, you will leave the dmv with the opposite. It’s disappointing we pay the salaries for these types of workers.

M Street DMV: I had to go there to change my out of state license, registration and title. All I have to say is read over the DMV website instructions very carefully and make sure you have all your documents before going over there. I went there during the week at 3:30 and there was a line to get to the information desk but it moved quickly and even if it passed 4 pm, we learned we would not be sent away. The people were nice who helped me at first and the facility was clean. It all moved relatively quickly. Please note, there is wifi but there is no cell phone service. I had planned on calling the insurance company to switch over my insurance while I was waiting and I not only wasn’t able to do so on my phone but was reprimanded by a nasty supervisor for waiting until now «the last minute». I had read in another post that if you don’t have the insurance paperwork, they can fax it to the DMV. Yes, you can fax it and I was able to use their landline to call my insurance company but I think I caused such a ruckus within their «system» that when I was dealing this supervisor it seemed to me that she was out to find a tiny detail that was incorrect and not permit me to do the services I came for but she made me feel bad for not having what I needed.
She even tried to say I didn’t show my papers to the person at the info. desk (but I had). I wasn’t able to start the process and get my license because one of my 2 proofs of residency was a letter from PEPCO stating that I am now in their system and they will be soon billing me but it was not a bill. This apparently was not acceptable.
Make sure you have bills for utility, cable, or homeowner or renter’s insurance. My personal property insurance bill was not acceptable too. I also advise everyone to stay away from the supervisor with the «bob» haircut. All the other employees I encountered were relatively courteous except this one woman. Even going accross the street and eating a Georgetown cupcake didn’t completely cancel out the bad mood effect this woman had on me. Be careful and bring extras of your docs if you’re not sure what you have will suffice!

I know. Weird. 4 stars for DMV?
Check it.
I went to Rhode Island Ave DC DMV. Line was long… but moved FAST as… umm…REAL FAST! I told them what I was there for and got a number. The wait was long, but efficient. They helped within 1.5 hours and I was free to go. Customer service was good. Treat them well, they reciprocate.
Given all the backgrounds, cultures, languages, needs, problems, attitudes, and so on that they have to deal with, they did a fantastic job. I’m proud!

One week later– no supervisor call back despite the fancy confirmation number they gave me promising one. Guess I have to go in and the online process is not one that I’d recommend. In person update to come

Apparently it is punishable to park in DC after 11pm twice within 6 months without a Registration of Out-​of State Automobile. I got a warning notice that I needed to prove I don’t live in DC by presenting to a DC DMV with my original mortgage, recent utility bill, and car registration or my Maryland registration would be revoked, and I could be ticketed and/​or impounded — because my car was seen parked LEGALLY in DC at night twice within 6 months! I kid you not.
This is insane, how many people who live in Maryland and Virginia work or visit DC on a regular basis? Why do people need to prove they don’t live in DC in order to visit DC to go out to dinner, or go to work without having to worry about getting their car impounded or ticketed? It’s outrageous!

The DMV and the ticketing system is the absolute worst system in the entire world!
I have been towed, ticketed and pulled over for the most absurd reasons! Never have I been in a city where people profit off of capitalizing on their residents in such fashion. I am an educator for DCPS and quite frankly am underpaid and I am being mistreated by these abusers of the city.
I have paid over 2000 in tickets!
I was pulled over by some miscreants on foot! I was so confused and handed two tickets for nonsense. I made a turn and the sign not to turn was not visible. Jesus help me!
I have a hearing coming up in September, and today felt as If I was waiting in line at jail as these women barked orders and demeaned just about everyone that walked through the line! They are such an embarrassment to the human race. I am completely disgusted by the customer service and how much they exploit people. They must be paying these people incentives to treat people like dirt.
I am over it and am considering switching professions and moving to a new state! I cant spend my whole pay check on paying tickets!
GOD help DC and their bogus charges… I am beyond done!

I came here several times to straighten out a ROSA warning I got (when you have a parking permit and out of state plates and the parking authority sees your far several times over a 6 month period, they get suspicious and want you to prove you’re really an out of state resident and not using someone else’s address to avoid having to switch your tags). I made 2 trips there and made several phone calls and each time I was told something different about which documents I needed. First I needed my lease, then it was just a letter from my landlord saying I really live at that address, then I needed a copy of his mortgage and ID, and then everything had to be notarized. It was ridiculous. I gave up trying to straighten it out after a while, it was more trouble than it was worth. Last time I went I think the only thing that kept me from losing my temper was the fact there was an armed security guard standing just a couple feet away from me

Apparently I had been issued a camera ticket for speeding last year. The only problem is, first if all, I was not driving and have never driven in DC and thus am not guilty of speeding. Secondly, I never was served a ticket. The vehicle, which again I was not driving, was never pulled over. Instead a ticket was mailed to an address I do not live at so I never got the ticket. Having never gotten the ticket, I didn’t have the opportunity to dispute it. I also didn’t get the second ticket they sent informing me if the late charge, as they sent that to the same address as the first, which I don’t live at. Instead, the only thing I got at my home address here in CA was a notice that this ticket was going to a collection agency and going on my credit report. Talk about unethical — this DMV saw nothing wrong with trying to ruin the credit of someone they failed to properly serve and convict. I was never served a ticket by an officer and I absolutely was not guilty since I’ve never driven in DC. Luckily, I have near perfect credit so this doesn’t damage me, because I looked the collection agency up online and they had absolutely nightmare reviews about people paying their debts and the agency still not removing the item from their credit report, so I will not be paying them. What is the point if they wouldn’t remove the collection item from my report even if I paid them? I’ll let them lose money on their purchase of my ticket from the DMV. I’m not guilty so I refuse to pay for something I didn’t do. Be warned of the low morality of this DMV, who will try to collect money from innocent people without ever properly serving them, and then selling the tickets to corrupt collection agencies who tell you they’ll remove the item from your credit report if you pay them, but the second they get your money they don’t have the time. What an awful organization. I feel sorry for everyone who is involved in it.

Got there at 7:45am. waited in a line for it to open at 8:15am (yes the dmv opens at 8:15 not 8:00…i had no idea either). it took about 20 minutes to get through the security line. then you go to the right hallway and go to another line to get your ticket. then you wait till you are called. then you wait for the person to get all your stuff together and give you what you need. it took 2 hours total.
They let you pass the security if you work for the government and have your ID.
I had all of my paperwork but it still took forever in my eyes.

I never imagined I’d use the words «DMV» and «efficient» in the same sentence, but the DC DMV has been shockingly efficient. The key is, folks, (1) read their online instructions carefully, and (2) make appointments online, or go at off-​peak hours. They need a *ton* of paperwork, but if you get everything right, it can actually go really quickly.
I moved from out of state and needed both a new driver’s license and new plates. To switch your registration, you first need to do a vehicle inspection. I made an appointment, but that turned out to be unnecessary. I showed up on a Thursday afternoon and there was no line. They just plugged my car into a diagnostic machine and they were done. In and out in less than 5 minutes.
So then, after passing the inspection, I made a «new resident» appointment online to switch my license and plates. Showed up at the M St SW office at 1:15 on a Monday, per my appointment. Was in and out in under 20 minutes — and that would have been even faster if I hadn’t forgotten my title certificate in my car. And that is even including the time spent waiting for their printer to spit out my license. They even got a good photo of me for the license (and asked me if I liked it or wanted to do it over).
Oh yeah, and then they lent me a Philips head screwdriver to put my new plates on my car.
How is this even possible? Have I entered some kind of secret parallel universe?
DMVs get a lot of haters. It’s important to recognize that a DMV can actually do things right.

It’s very unsettling to know that the simpletons who work at this organization have control of your personal records.

I picked the absolute worst day to go to the C Street DMV… a Monday on the last day of the month. It was actually quite bearable!
I got there at 7:45 AM and was third in line. We waited until about 8:15 AM –by this time the line had about 30 – 35 people in it – and then were allowed to go through the metal detector. Another wait outside a room, then one in a room, then one outside of another room, then in a room. I really think they keep you moving to keep you from getting antsy. I have to say, it worked.
I was out of there around 8:45 AM. Everyone was pretty darned pleasant and they let me lie about my weight!

My experience was actually pretty smooth — visited the Georgetown Branch of the DMV and was in and out within an hour. Couple of tips I can give you:
1. Make sure to use the document verification guide on the website prior to making the trip to the DMV. It goes step by step what documents are acceptable for what they are looking for. It will make your trip go MUCH smoother!
2. If you are going to your immission inspection the same day as visiting the DMV, then make sure you budget at least 4 hour of your day (I went on Tuesday, Saturday likely will be longer)
3. Safety Inspections, while we’re on the topic. are not required if you are registering a private vehicle. You only have to take the Emission Inspection.
4. Overall, I found that DC DMV was easier to deal with than MD and VA, having registered my car in both states before.
5. The gentleman that assisted me was very professional and friendly, the information desk ladies, however, were not.
6. Overall — if you go into this with the right expectations, knowing this is not going to be a trip to Club Med, you’ll do just fine.

Dealing with the DMV in DC makes me want to move. What on earth do our high taxes pay for? All of the employees are mean, nasty and quite frankly should be fired. Drastic measures are needed to improve this dysfunctional agency.
I purchased a used vehicle and needed to get the registration. I had my DC license, original bill of sale, and letter from my insurance company with my temporary insurance coverage. Not good enough for the nasty woman who was supposed to «help» me. In a beyond rude voice as if I were a 12 year old delinquent, she informed me I need an actual insurance card before my registration can be issued, then literally dismissed me and pressed her button for the next number at her station.
Dear new mayor — balance the DC budget. Get rid of the useless employees that are a drain us tax payers. I’m serious!

The DMV reminds me a lot of a traveling carni show.
Instead of a fire breather, the guy behind me just had fire breath. Instead of Lizardman, I had a snake trying to hit on me. And instead of a bearded woman… never mind, I saw a bearded woman.
Hyberbole aside, I hate coming here with a passion. And I don’t use the word hate lightly.
But after being pulled over one early morning for not wearing my seat belt, I found myself with a $ 500 ticket because I had no put my newest insurance card into my glove compartment. Yes folks, it was that serious.
Fortunately, the seemingly bitter cop told me that if I took it to traffic court with my current insurance information the fee would be waived and I would have no points added to my license.
I sent it a written appeal, requesting a court date. Weeks passed, no response. I panicked and went down there in person to make sure they received it. I didn’t want my fines to double and be in more of a pickle if they had no received my appeal.
I went down there, made it through the metal detectors, waited in a line, checked my status only to find out that they received it weeks ago but had just gotten around to sending a response back. I asked if I could wait indefinitely today for a walk-​in and they said I could not since they had already scheduled the date and that the cop had to be present.
Two months later I’m back for my court date. My appointment was for 11am, so I made sure to get there early. They were not going to play me in an insane line and then tell me I missed my hearing.
So I get to the front of the line around 10:30am, after waiting about 30 mins. At this point I’m told I will need to sit down, and come back in line at 10:50am because that is when they will be checking people in for 11am hearings.
Wtf. So I go through the process once again.
My cop never showed (shocker) and my whole morning was spent.
Both times I came here, it was hard to get a straight answer from anyone on where to go, what to do, who to talk to or how things worked. On top of that, I often was given some attitude on the side.
My only star goes out to the judge that handled my case. He was efficient, professional, stern but yet very helpful.
From here on out, my seat belt will be double, triple checked and I will immediately throw my newest insurance card into my car immediately to avoid these stressful shenanigans.
If I had the option to come back here or kiss Lizardman at the carni, I might just have to slip him some tongue.