A Message from DC DMV Director Gabriel Robinson

Greetings, DC! September brings with it beautiful autumn foliage, cooler temperatures, and the return of Commanders football to the District. It also means busier schedules which can make it challenging for you to find time to visit a DC DMV service center. Fortunately, we have you covered.

The DC DMV Mobile App can help you skip the trip to the DMV by accessing the services you need online. From renewing your driver license, updating your address, paying a ticket and so much more, our app lets you access the DMV from the palm of your hand and on your own schedule.

This month, we are gearing up for another Seat Check Saturday on Saturday, September 26 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Half Street Inspection Station as part of Child Passenger Safety Week. At this event, you can have your child car seat inspected and safely installed for free by one of our Certified Passenger Child Safety Technicians. We hope to see you there!

As always, your feedback is important to us. Please write us a letter or join me for the DC DMV Live Chat, held the first Thursday of each month. Our next online live chat is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, at 12 p.m. For a full hour, I will respond in real-time to any of your DMV-related questions.

To stay up to date on all things DC DMV year-round, follow us across our social media accounts on Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Thank you for reading the September 2026 edition of our newsletter. Stay cool, DC!

The outside of the DC DMV Inspection Station

DMV Inspection Station Now Operating on Fall/Winter Hours

On Tuesday, September 1, the DC DMV Inspection Station transitioned back to its fall/winter operating hours. The Inspection Station operates on an earlier schedule from June through August to protect inspectors from working in extreme heat conditions during DC summer afternoons.

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.

Check out the DC DMV website to learn more about inspection services and find the best time to plan your visit.

DMV Holiday Closure: Indigenous Peoples’ Day

On Saturday, October 10 and Monday, October 12, all DC DMV locations will be closed in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, October 13.

The Self-Service Vehicle Emissions Inspection Kiosks will remain open and many of DC DMV’s services will still be accessible online or via the DC DMV Mobile App.

A table with people at the Car Seat Saturday event

Join DC DMV for Seat Check Saturday on September 26

On Saturday, September 26 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., join DC DMV at the DMV Inspection Station for Seat Check Saturday where you can have your child car seat inspected and installed for free by one of DC DMV’s Certified Passenger Child Safety Technicians. Please note, a child must be present in the vehicle for proper safety checks to be completed.

Unable to join us on September 26? 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.

A DC DMV employee installs a child car seat

Child Passenger Safety Week is September 20-26

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.

September is National Preparedness Month - Is Your Emergency Kit Ready?

September is National Preparedness Month, an opportunity for families and communities to plan and prepare for emergency situations throughout the year. This month, take steps to review and update your emergency plan, build or restock your emergency supply kit, and talk to your household and/or friends about what to do in the event of an emergency. Make your safety a priority!