What You Need to Do to Get a DC Driver's License
To get a DC driver's license, you must visit the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You will take a written test covering traffic laws and road signs, pass a vision screening, and pass a driving test in your own vehicle or a DMV test vehicle. The entire process takes between two and four weeks from process to receiving your license in the mail.
DC does not issue licenses by mail or online. Every applicant must appear at a DMV service center to submit documents and complete the vision and written tests. The driving test is scheduled separately and typically happens within one to two weeks of passing the written exam.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or state ID as proof of identity, plus a document showing your current DC address and your Social Security card or tax return.
- The written test covers DC traffic laws and road signs; you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
- The driving test uses either your own vehicle or a DMV test vehicle and lasts about 20 minutes.
- DC charges $37 for a five-year license or $74 for a ten-year license; fees are paid at your first visit and do not include the road test appointment fee.
- You can schedule your appointment online at dmv.dc.gov or by phone at 311, but walk-ins are accepted at some locations during specific hours.
Documents You Must Bring to the DMV
Bring an original or certified proof of identity. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID from another state, a military ID, or a permanent resident card. Photocopies are not accepted. If your birth certificate is not certified, the DMV will not take it.
Bring proof of your DC residency. This must be a document dated within the last 30 days showing your name and current DC address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government letter (such as a tax notice or benefits letter). A postmarked envelope is not sufficient.
Bring proof of your Social Security number. You can bring your Social Security card, a tax return from the past two years, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
If you are renewing a DC license and your name has not changed, you can bring your expired license instead of a birth certificate or passport. However, you still need proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number.
The Written Test and Vision Screening
The written test covers DC traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 25 multiple-choice questions on a computer or paper form. You must score at least 70 percent (18 out of 25 correct) to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages; ask at the service center which languages are available at your location.
You will also take a vision screening at the same visit. The DMV uses a machine to check your vision; you must see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will be referred to an eye doctor and cannot proceed with the driving test until you return with a vision certificate.
Most people pass the written test on their first attempt. If you do not pass, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no extra fee to retake the test.
Scheduling and Taking Your Driving Test
After you pass the written test, the DMV will schedule your driving test for a later date, usually within one to two weeks. You will receive a notice in the mail with your test date and time. You can also check your test date online using your process number.
For the driving test, you must bring a valid photo ID, your test notice, and a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. You can use your own car, a friend's or family member's car, or a DMV test vehicle. If you use your own vehicle, make sure the registration and insurance are current and the vehicle passes a basic safety inspection (working lights, brakes, wipers, and horn). The DMV inspector will check these before the test begins.
The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and includes driving in traffic, parking, turning, and stopping. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers and will watch how you handle the vehicle and follow traffic laws. You must pass the test to receive your license. If you do not pass, you can retake it after paying the road test fee again.
Fees and How to Pay
DC charges $37 for a five-year driver's license or $74 for a ten-year driver's license. You pay the license fee at your first DMV visit when you submit your documents and take the written test. This fee is separate from the road test fee.
The road test fee is $10 and is paid when you schedule your driving test appointment. Some DMV locations accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards; others accept only cash or card. Call ahead or check dmv.dc.gov to confirm payment methods at your location.
If you fail the driving test, you must pay the $10 road test fee again to retake it. There is no fee to retake the written test.
How to Schedule Your DMV Appointment
You can schedule your appointment online at dmv.dc.gov using the appointment scheduler. You will select your service center, the type of transaction (new driver's license), and your preferred date and time. Appointments typically fill up two to four weeks in advance.
You can also schedule by phone by calling 311 from within DC or 202-737-4404 from outside DC. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Wait times can be long during peak hours (mid-morning and early afternoon).
Walk-ins are accepted at some DMV service centers during designated hours, but wait times are often two to four hours. Check dmv.dc.gov for walk-in hours at each location. If you walk in, arrive early; some locations stop accepting walk-ins by mid-afternoon.
What Happens After You Pass Your Driving Test
After you pass the driving test, the DMV will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process within two to three weeks. Do not throw away the temporary license; you must carry it with you until the permanent license arrives.
If you do not receive your license within four weeks, contact the DMV at 311 or dmv.dc.gov to check the status. Licenses are occasionally delayed in the mail; the DMV can reissue one if yours is lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The DMV offers the written test in Spanish, Amharic, Vietnamese, and several other languages. Call 311 or check dmv.dc.gov to see which languages are available at your service center. You may need to request a translator when you schedule your appointment.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test after paying the $10 road test fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts. You do not need to retake the written test or vision screening unless your vision has changed.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring something else?
You can bring your Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2, or a 1099 form. You do not need to bring the original Social Security card; a copy is acceptable. If you do not have any of these documents, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.
Can I use a vehicle that is not registered in my name for the driving test?
Yes. You can use a friend's or family member's vehicle as long as it is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle does not need to be registered in your name. Bring proof of insurance and registration with you to the test.
How long is my DC driver's license valid?
A DC driver's license is valid for five years or ten years, depending on which one you chose when you applied. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew by mail or online if your license has not been suspended or revoked.