How to Replace Car Registration in the District of Columbia

To replace a damaged or lost car registration in the District of Columbia, you must submit a request directly through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV). Typically, you can replace a stolen, damaged or lost vehicle registration online or in person, depending on your eligibility. If you wish to replace your registration credentials online, your name and address must be current with the DC DMV and you must have a credit card for the replacement fee. However, you cannot replace a defective or lost credential online if your registration needs to be renewed within 10 calendar days. To learn more about these requirements and the steps you must take to replace your DC DMV materials, review the information below.

When to Get an Auto Registration Replacement in the District of Columbia

By law, you must replace car registration materials as soon as possible after they become lost, damaged or stolen. In Washington DC, driving without proof of registration may result in traffic citations and penalty fees. Additionally, you must replace your registration stickers whenever they are removed from your vehicle’s windshield. If your registration stickers are removed from your windshield, they cannot be reapplied.

Can you print your car registration online in the District of Columbia?

To obtain duplicate registration credentials, you may submit your request online or in person at a local DC DMV Service Center. If you need to change your address or name with the DC DMV, you must purchase your replacement credential in person. Learn more about these replacement car registration application methods in our free step-by-step guide.

How to Replace Online

You may order a copy of registration materials online if you meet certain eligibility requirements. In order to complete the process, you will need to provide a few pieces of information. When replacing a lost registration online, for instance, you must provide your vehicle’s license plate number and identification number (VIN).

After submitting your online request, you will receive your replacement DC car registration in the mail within 10 business days.

In Person

To obtain your DC DMV copy of registration credentials in person, you must visit a local Service Center. When submitting your request, you will typically need to provide the VIN and license plate number of your registered automobile. During your office visit, you must also provide payment for the applicable fee. If purchasing a duplicate car registration credential and changing your name with the DC DMV, you will need to present proof of your name change to update your vehicle records. Review our free registration guide for step-by-step instructions on how to replace your DC registration quickly and smoothly.