A Message from DC DMV Director Gabriel Robinson

Greetings DC! As September ushers in the fall season, beautiful autumn foliage, and cooler temperatures, I want to remind all drivers in the District to follow posted speed limits and always use caution around pedestrians and cyclists. Whether going to school or work, riding in your neighborhood or driving home, we want everyone to arrive safely at their destinations, and we all have a responsibility to ensure that happens.

In this month's newsletter, we highlight Child Passenger Safety Week, which focuses on the importance of protecting children in vehicles during every stage of development – from car seats to booster seats and seat belt use.

We are also gearing up for another Car Seat Safety Check Up Event, taking place at our Inspection Station on Saturday September 27 from 10am to 2pm. We look forward to seeing everyone there! Speaking of the Inspection Station, keep reading to learn more about the fall/winter operating schedule.

And finally, as a reminder, your feedback is always important to us. Please write us a letter or join me for the monthly DC DMV Live Chat, held the first Thursday of each month. Our next online live chat is scheduled for Thursday, October 2 at 12 p.m. For a full hour, I will respond in real-time to any of your DMV related questions.

Thank you for reading this edition of our newsletter. Stay cool, DC!

DMV Inspection Station is Now Operating on Fall/Winter Hours

The Inspection Station has transitioned to operating on "fall/winter" opening and closing hours. The Inspection Station is closed Sunday and Monday but remains open from 7am to 3pm on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday with special hours from 8am to 3pm on Wednesdays.

The best times to visit the Inspection Station are Thursdays or Fridays from 8:30am to 10am and 1:30pm to 3pm. Volume is particularly heavy on Tuesdays as well as days preceding and following a holiday. The Inspection Station is also busy the first hour of opening and between the hours of 10am and 1pm.

Hispanic Heritage Month is Here!

Hispanic Heritage Month has arrived! Celebrated every September 15 to October 15, we also acknowledge the remarkable contributions of the Latino community to the District and beyond.

This month we will highlight common DMV need to knows in Spanish in partnership with the Mayor's Office for Latino Affairs (MOLA).

Subscribe or view last month's DMV's News You Can Use in Spanish here. Juntos, estamos salvando vidas cada dia - together, we're saving lives every day!

National Seat Check Saturday is September 27

On Saturday, September 27, the DMV will host a car seat installation and checkup event at our Inspection Station in partnership with DC's Highway Safety Office (HSO), Safe Kids Worldwide and State Farm for National Seat Check Saturday.

Join us from 10am to 2pm at the DMV Inspection Station on 1001 Half Street SW. Please note, a child must be present in a vehicle to receive a free replacement car seat.

Not able to join us that Saturday? DC residents can visit the Inspection Station year-round during operating hours for a free car seat safety check. For more information about the DMV Car Seat Safety Program, visit the DMV website here.

Child Passenger Safety Week is September 21-27

Each year, September's Child Passenger Safety Week educates parents and caregivers about the importance of protecting children during every stage of development – from car seats to booster seats and seat belt use. Data from the National Digital Car Seat Check Form shows 93.6% of children transitioned to a seat belt before they fit correctly.

Tips and tricks for ensuring your child's car seat is the best possible fit:

Find the right car seat. There are four different types, each with specific uses! NHTSA has different recommendations based on child size and age.
Install your car seat correctly, and ensure you're registered for recall notices.
Get your car seat inspected! Visit DC DMV's Inspection Station for assistance installing and inspecting your car seat. Our safety technicians are more than happy to help you ensure your child's seat is as safe as possible.

Want to learn more about child passenger safety? Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website for helpful tips about keeping your child safe throughout the year.

Holiday Closure Update: Indigenous Peoples' Day

In recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day, all DC DMV locations will be closed on Saturday, October 11 and Monday, October 13. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, October 14.

Many of DC DMV's services will remain available online or via the agency's free mobile app.