District of Columbia driver's license
Get your first license in District of Columbia after moving to the US.
How it goes
- 1You arriveYou have moved to District of Columbia and you want to drive here.
- 2Your permitYou practice on the road with a learner permit.
- 3The written testYou take the written test.
- 4Behind the wheelYou take the drive test behind the wheel.
- Your licenseYou pass the tests, and the license is yours.
What it costs
A first license
The law sets the application fee at $47 (effective October 1, 2015, up from $30), and the Mayor can change it.
$47 to apply for an operator's permit; the Mayor can raise or lower that fee.
$47
$10 for the road test and $47 for the driver license.
$47 for a first-time license, issued for eight years; renewal is the same $47.
You pay this when you apply.
If you just arrived in the US
Your immigration status
One route to this license requires that you have never been issued a Social Security number.
DC DMV keeps a separate service page for the Limited Purpose driver license.
Foreign documents with no expiry date
If your lawful status is temporary and your document shows no expiration date, the District issues the license for no longer than one year — never for less than six months, and never beyond the District's maximum license term.
If your license from another state has expired
Expired 90 days or less, your license converts directly and you surrender it; expired more than 90 days, you take the DC DMV knowledge and road skills tests. If you do not have the license itself, DC DMV accepts a certified driving record from your old state, issued within the last 30 days, showing the license is in good standing and not expired more than 90 days.
If you do not have the license itself, DC DMV accepts a certified driving record issued by your old state within the last 30 days showing it has not been expired for more than 90 days. Expired more than 90 days, you must take the DC DMV knowledge and road skills tests.
Your Social Security Number
Giving your number, and who may see it
Your Social Security number is not a matter of public record; the issuing agency keeps it on file and must tell you it does so.
If a Social Security number was ever issued to you, you provide it; Limited Purpose applicants are the exception.
You must put your Social Security number on the DC DMV application; DC DMV verifies it electronically with the Social Security Administration.
Scheduling asks for your first and last name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
The identification number on a new or renewed license is a randomly generated number, not your Social Security number.
Tests you take
Eye test
The screening is done at the DC DMV service center, and passing it is required for a license to be issued.
You put your eyes to a machine and read lines of letters or numbers to the DC DMV representative.
You need 20/40 or better in your best eye, or 20/70 or better with at least a 140-degree field of vision; glasses or contacts used to pass become a restriction on your license. If you fail, you must submit an Eye Report from your eye care professional.
Tries you get on the written test
After six failing scores within a 12-month period, you cannot take a seventh test until 12 months after you failed the first one.
Using a phone or smart watch, study materials, or talking during the test counts as cheating — the test is failed and you cannot retest for 60 days.
Six failing scores within 12 months bar a seventh attempt until 12 months after the first failure.
A failed test means waiting three full calendar days to retest, and six failures within 12 months bar the seventh try until 12 months after the first failure. Cheating fails the test and bars you from retesting for 60 days.
Fail on a Tuesday and you are not eligible to retest until Saturday.
After a failing score you wait three full calendar days before taking the test again.
You wait three full calendar days after a failed test — fail on Tuesday, and Saturday is the first day you can retest.
Practice questions for the written test
DC DMV publishes an online practice knowledge test; it is informational only and contains none of the actual questions on the real test.
Using an interpreter
DC DMV has a "DC DMV in Your Language" page and a separate Interpreter and Translation Services page on its website.
DC DMV asks what language it should use to communicate with you.
The DC DMV website can be shown in Amharic, Simplified Chinese, French, Korean, Spanish, or Vietnamese through its built-in Google Translate — that covers the website, not in-person interpretation.
DC DMV keeps a dedicated Interpreter and Translation Services page.
Practising with your permit
Who can sit with you while you practise
You must be under the instruction of a driver age 21 or older who holds a valid operator's permit — riding in the seat beside you, wearing a seat belt.
A driver age 21 or older who holds a valid operator's permit, sitting in the seat beside you with their seat belt on.
A validly licensed driver age 21 or older must instruct and accompany you, seated beside you and wearing a seat belt.
What to bring to the drive test
Who comes with you
A licensed driver age 21 or older must come with you to your road test. If you hold a learner permit and drive yourself there without one, you are not allowed to take the test for six months.
A licensed driver who is at least 21 must come with you to the road test.
The car and its insurance
A rental car is allowed only if you are listed on the rental contract as an approved driver.
The car must display front and rear license plates (if it needs both), properly attached to the bumper.
The car must display a valid inspection sticker if one applies to it; a failed inspection sticker makes the car unacceptable for the road test.
DC DMV can cancel the road test if you or your vehicle have not met all of the road-test requirements.
Testing directly with DC DMV, you can use your own car or a DMV road-test vehicle at no extra fee after completing the waiver; a third-party test is not eligible for the DMV vehicle. Your own car needs current registration, an insurance card or policy naming the vehicle and its expiration date, front and rear plates and a valid inspection sticker where they apply, and working brake and turn-signal lights, horn, windows, doors with handles, mirrors, and a hand or push-button emergency brake between the front seats.
Driving yourself to the test on a learner permit, without a licensed driver age 21 or older with you, bars you from taking the test for six months.
Testing directly with DC DMV, you choose on arrival between your own car and a DMV road-test vehicle.
You must arrive in a vehicle that meets the requirements listed here.
You must wear your seat belt during the road test.
The car needs working brake lights, turn signals, horn, windows that roll up and down, doors with inside and outside handles, an inside rearview mirror, outside side mirrors, and a hand or push-button emergency brake between the front seats. Tires must be properly inflated and in good condition (no spare or donut tires), the windshield free of cracks with an unobstructed view and nothing hanging from the rearview mirror, and no dashboard service or warning lights lit — including the low-gas warning.
The car you bring must have valid registration and proof of insurance.
DC DMV can cancel the test if the examiner believes they could not stop the car in an emergency — for example, when the emergency hand brake is hard to reach.
The car must be validly registered and insured.
Where to go
Who gives the tests
The regular (non-commercial) driver license road test can be given by a third party through DC DMV's testing program.
DC DMV personnel give road tests at the Deanwood Road Test Office.
You report to the Deanwood Road Test Center on your road test appointment date and time.
Road tests are given by DC DMV personnel at the Deanwood Road Test Office, or by a third party — an appointment is required either way, and walk-ins are not accepted. Appointments are booked online or through the citywide call center at 311 or (202) 737-4404.
Booking an appointment
DC DMV road tests are booked through its Online Road Test Appointment Scheduler.
An appointment is required for a knowledge test taken virtually or at the Test Proctoring Center; you book it at dc.takemydrivingtest.com.
The Test Proctoring Center's scheduling site is takemydrivingtest.com/dc.
A test taken virtually or at the third-party test location needs a new appointment, booked at takemydrivingtest.com/dc.
You can book a road test at artsprod1.mvis.dmv.washingtondc.gov/scheduler/customer/web.
Office locations
You can find every DC DMV location at dmv.dc.gov/page/all-dc-dmv-locations.
Other states
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Every source, quoted58 sources
Every fact on this page is quoted from the page that publishes it, in the words it uses.
“The applicant shall pay an application fee of $30, which may be increased by the Mayor to compensate the District for processing and evaluating the application and issuing the permit.”
code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/50-1401.01Checked August 4, 2026
“Effective October 1, 2015, an applicant for an operator’s permit shall pay an application fee of $47, which the Mayor may increase or decrease to compensate the District for processing and evaluating the application and issuing the permit.”
code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/50-1401.01Checked August 4, 2026
“$47/8 years”
dmv.dc.gov/node/185742Checked August 3, 2026
“There is a $10 road test fee and a $47 fee for the driver license”
“Driver License (First-Time and Renewal) $47/8 years”
dmv.dc.gov/node/185742Checked August 4, 2026
“Must never have been issued a Social Security number,”
dmv.dc.gov/service/limited-purpose-driver-licenseChecked August 4, 2026
“DC DMV Limited Purpose Driver License”
dmv.dc.gov/service/dc-dmv-real-id-driver-licenseChecked August 4, 2026
“If the applicant has temporary lawful status in the United States (1) for a period no shorter than six months; (2) for a period no longer than the expiration of the applicant's authorized stay in the United States, or, if there is no expiration date, for a period no longer than one year; and (3) no longer than the District's maximum driver license term”
dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCMR/RuleList.aspxChecked August 14, 2026
“if you do not have it, DC DMV will accept a certified driving record (issued by the state your license is from within the last 30 days) that reflects that your license is in good standing and has not been expired for more than 90 days. If your out-of-state driver license has been expired for more than 90 days, you must take the DC DMV knowledge and road skills tests.”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1119111Checked August 14, 2026
“If your out-of-state driver license has been expired for more than 90 days, you must take the DC DMV knowledge and road skills tests.”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1119111Checked August 19, 2026
“Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the social security number or other tax identification number shall not be a matter of public record. The social security number shall be kept on file with the issuing agency and the applicant shall be so advised.”
code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/50-1401.01Checked August 4, 2026
“The Mayor shall require an applicant for an operator’s permit to provide a social security number, if such a number was issued to the applicant, or, if required by the Mayor, proof that the applicant is not eligible for a social security number, for the purposes of administering and enforcing the laws of the District of Columbia.”
code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/50-1401.01Checked August 3, 2026
“You must provide your Social Security Number on the DC DMV DL/ID Card application. DC DMV will electronically verify the Social Security Number with the Social Security Administration.”
dmv.dc.gov/proofofssnChecked August 4, 2026
“Your first name, last name, date of birth, and social security number”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1114977Checked August 4, 2026
“Pursuant to section 205(c)(2)(vi) of the Social Security Act, approved August 14, 1935 (49 Stat. 624, 42 U.S.C. 405(c)(2)(C)(vi)), the Mayor shall use a randomly generated number as the identification number on any new or renewed license”
code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/50-1401.01Checked August 4, 2026
“At the DC DMV service center, when you have provided your application form and other documents, you must take and pass a vision screening test to be issued a driver license.”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1119111Checked August 4, 2026
“To screen your vision, you will be asked to look into a machine and read lines of letters or numbers to the DC DMV representative.”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1119377Checked August 4, 2026
“If you fail the vision screening, you are required to submit an Eye Report from your eye care professional.”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1119377Checked August 1, 2026
“If you do not receive a passing score six times within a 12-month period, you will not be allowed to take the seventh test until 12 months after you failed the first test.”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1119296Checked July 26, 2026
“Using smart devices (i.e. cellphone or watch), study materials, talking, etc. during the test is considered cheating and will result in a failed test. Additionally, you will not be allowed to retest for 60 days.”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1119296Checked August 4, 2026
“If you receive a passing score, you must visit a DC DMV Service Center within 14 business days of passing the test and present all required eligibility documents”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1119296Checked July 31, 2026
“If you do not receive a passing score on the driver knowledge test, you may take the test again after waiting three full calendar days. For example, if you fail the test on Tuesday, you are not eligible to retest until Saturday. If you do not receive a passing score six times within a 12-month period, you will not be allowed to take the seventh test until 12 months after you failed the first test.”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1119296Checked July 31, 2026
“For example, if you fail the test on Tuesday, you are not eligible to retest until Saturday.”
dmv.dc.gov/service/knowledge-testChecked August 4, 2026
“If you do not receive a passing score on the driver knowledge test, you may take the test again after waiting three full calendar days.”
dmv.dc.gov/service/knowledge-testChecked August 4, 2026
“If you do not receive a passing score on the driver knowledge test, you may take the test again after waiting three full calendar days. For example, if you fail the test on Tuesday, you are not eligible to retest until Saturday.”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1119296Checked August 4, 2026
“An online practice knowledge test is also available. The practice knowledge test is for informational purposes only and does not contain actual questions from the DC DMV knowledge test.”
dmv.dc.gov/service/knowledge-testChecked July 26, 2026
“DC DMV in Your Language”
dmv.dc.gov/service/limited-purpose-driver-licenseChecked July 26, 2026
“What language should we use to communicate with you?”
“new google.translate.TranslateElement({pageLanguage: 'en', includedLanguages: 'am,zh-CN,fr,ko,es,vi,en'}, 'google_translate_element');”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1120167Checked August 4, 2026
“Interpreter and Translation Services”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1120571Checked July 26, 2026
“Operate a motor vehicle unless while under the instruction of and accompanied by the holder of a valid motor vehicle operator’s permit who is 21 years of age or older, occupying a seat beside the permittee, and wearing a seat belt”
code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/50-1401.01Checked August 11, 2026
“No holder of a learner’s permit shall:”
code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/50-1401.01Checked August 3, 2026
“Operate a motor vehicle unless while under the instruction of and accompanied by the holder of a valid motor vehicle operator’s permit who is 21 years of age or older, occupying a seat beside the permittee, and wearing a seat belt; and”
code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/50-1401.01Checked August 4, 2026
“Be accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years or older”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1114977Checked July 31, 2026
“a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age.”
“Rental vehicles are allowed for road tests only if the person taking the test is listed on the rental contract as an approved driver of the rental vehicle.”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1114977Checked August 4, 2026
“Display front and rear license plates (if applicable), properly affixed to the bumper.”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1114977Checked August 4, 2026
“Display a valid inspection sticker, if applicable. Vehicles displaying failed inspection stickers are not acceptable for the road test.”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1114977Checked August 4, 2026
“You, or your vehicle, have not met all of the road test requirements.”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1114977Checked August 4, 2026
“Have a current registration card with a valid window registration sticker (if applicable) or current sticker displaying a valid expiration date affixed to the plates (if applicable).”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1114977Checked July 31, 2026
“Note: If you have a learner permit and drive yourself to your road skills test appointment without being accompanied by a licensed driver, you will not be allowed to take your test for 6 months.”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1114977Checked July 26, 2026
“If you are taking your road test directly with the DC DMV, once you arrive for your road test, you will have the option to use your own vehicle or utilize a DMV road test vehicle.”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1114977Checked August 4, 2026
“Arrive in a vehicle that fulfills the vehicle requirements below”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1114977Checked July 26, 2026
“Wear your seat belt”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1114977Checked August 4, 2026
“Have properly functioning brake lights, turn signal lights, horn, windows that roll up and down, operable doors with inside and outside door handles, inside rearview mirror, and outside side (left/right) view mirrors properly placed, and a”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1114977Checked August 4, 2026
“Bring a car that has valid registration and proof of insurance”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1114977Checked July 26, 2026
“The examiner believes he or she would have trouble reaching the emergency hand brake or otherwise stopping the test vehicle in an emergency.”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1114977Checked July 26, 2026
“a validly registered and insured vehicle”
“DC DMV offers third party testing for the non-commercial driver license (NCDL) road test.”
dmv.dc.gov/node/601302Checked August 4, 2026
“You can test with DC DMV personnel at the Deanwood Road Test Office”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1114977Checked August 4, 2026
“Report to our Deanwood Road Test Center on your road test appointment date and time”
“You can test with DC DMV personnel at the Deanwood Road Test Office or with a third party . An appointment is required to take the road skills test with DC DMV, and walk-ins are not accepted.”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1114977Checked July 26, 2026
“Online Road Test Appointment Scheduler”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1114977Checked August 4, 2026
“An appointment is required to take the test virtually and at the Test Proctoring Center.”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1119296Checked August 4, 2026
“Test Proctoring Center website”
dmv.dc.gov/node/1119296Checked August 4, 2026
“If taking the test virtual or at the third-party test location, a new appointment must scheduled on the Test Proctoring Center website .”
dmv.dc.gov/service/knowledge-testChecked August 4, 2026
“Road Test Appointment Scheduler”
dmv.dc.gov/service/dmv-online-servicesChecked July 26, 2026
“href="https://dmv.dc.gov/page/all-dc-dmv-locations"”
dmv.dc.gov/service/full-license-conditionsChecked July 26, 2026
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