A Message from DC DMV Director Gabriel Robinson

Greetings, DC! As we enter the season of gratitude this November, I'm reflecting on how thankful I am to work alongside incredible DMV and DC Government colleagues who demonstrate their dedication and commitment to public safety every day.

In this month's newsletter we emphasize safe driving, including tips on how to check your vehicle for applicable recalls as we approach the colder months. We've also included a sobering reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence of substances, brought to you by DC DMV's Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program in partnership with the DC Highway Safety Office.

Marking Veterans Day, on behalf of DC DMV, I extend a sincere thank you to the brave men and women who have fought for our nation's freedom. Keep reading to find out more about obtaining specialty veteran vehicle tags for those who have served.

Also, a reminder that all DC DMV locations will be closed for Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 27, 2025. While enjoying delicious food and time with loved ones this Thanksgiving, you can also utilize DMV's online or mobile services from the convenience of your couch. Keep reading to learn more!

Finally, your feedback is always important to us. Write us a letter or join me for the monthly DC DMV Live Chat, held on the first Thursday of each month. Our next online live chat is scheduled for Thursday, December 4 at 12 p.m. For a full hour, I will respond in real-time to your DMV-related questions.

Thank you for reading the November edition of our newsletter. Drive safe, DC!

Vision Zero Reminder: Safe Driving at Dawn and Dusk

Daylight saving time has ended, and there's a need for drivers to have increased awareness of visibility on the roads and streets when moving around the District.

It's important to think about the shared responsibility between drivers and pedestrians at times of low visibility and more darkness, such as dawn and dusk in the winter months. At these times of low light, pedestrians can blend into the surroundings. Using headlights early, keeping the windshield clean, and watching for pedestrian, vehicle and bicycle movement on all sides of the roads are just a few examples of the ways everyone can prevent road incidents.

Check for Recalls this Fall

As winter approaches and the weather changes, it is important to stay up to date on vehicle maintenance, including checking your tire pressure.

Whether you are looking to embark on holiday travel, or simply moving through the District as usual, checking for possible recalls about your vehicle, car seat or tires to assure your safety before getting on the road.

New safety recalls can be announced at any time and required updates or fixes are free of charge to ensure driver safety. Learn more about vehicle and car seat recalls on our website.

U-Haul Safe Trailering Tips for Travel this November

As you travel with trailers in tow this November and beyond, keep the following safe trailering techniques in mind to avoid dangerous situations like rolling or jackknifing:

If swaying or whipping occurs, take your foot off the gas pedal. Do not brake or speed up.
When passing other vehicles, know that you will require more space than normal to pass.
Use the same gear to go downhill as you would to go uphill (this helps you keep a consistent speed).
Slow down before going downhill.
When turning a corner, turn wider so the trailer won't hop the curb.
Be alert and wear your seatbelt.

Want to learn more? Visit our website for helpful videos and more safe trailering tips.

DC DMV Proudly Offers Veterans Specialty Tags

As we commemorate Veterans Day this month, DC DMV is proud to offer specialty vehicle tags to those who have answered the nation's call of duty.

DC DMV offers several specialty Veteran tags, with separate designs and emblems for each branch of the United States Armed Forces. We have tags available for:

Air Force
Army
Coast Guard
Marines
Navy
Disabled American Veterans
DC Veterans
Woman Veterans

Veterans pay a one-time application fee of $52 for the specialty tag and a yearly display fee of $26. Both the application and yearly display fees are deposited into the Office of Veterans Affairs Fund, with all funds collected supporting resources and opportunities for our veteran community in the District. For more information about specialty vehicle tags, visit our website here.

From DUI to IID: Drugs, Alcohol, Prescription Meds can lead to a conviction

DMV has partnered with the Highway Safety Office to amplify an important message about impaired driving this winter:

Drugs, alcohol or meds, over the counter or by your bed - any substance that impairs driving can lead to a DUI conviction in DC.

Substances that cause impairment can include drugs, alcohol or prescription or over-the-counter medications. Anything that impairs your ability to drive can lead to a DUI conviction, and subsequently, required enrollment in DC DMV's Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program.

Remember, as you celebrate the holiday season this year, make sure you and your loved ones are practicing safe and sober driving throughout the District and beyond.

Holiday Closure Update: Thanksgiving Day

In recognition of the Thanksgiving holiday, all DC DMV locations will be closed on Thursday, November 27. Regular business hours will resume on Friday, November 28.

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

As you travel, don't forget to buckle up! According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury to front seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent.

The benefits of wearing a seat belt are clear:

Buckling up helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle. Not buckling up can result in being totally ejected from the vehicle in a crash, which is almost always deadly.
Air bags are not enough to protect you; in fact, the force of an air bag can seriously injure or even kill you if you’re not buckled up.
Improperly wearing a seat belt, such as putting the strap below your arm, puts you at risk in a crash.

Wearing a seat belt is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones in a crash. Buckle up, and drive safe, DC!