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District of Columbia Auto Registration & Title Fees Calculator

Updated

Estimate District of Columbia vehicle registration, title, and plate fees. The calculator above is pre-filled with typical amounts for a ~$30,000 midsize sedan, 3 years old, registered annually — adjust any row for your specific vehicle.

District of Columbia vehicle registration is computed as a weight-tiered component plus a flat base, with named fees including Biennial registration fee (weight-tiered) and Excise tax at titling (percent of fair market value — one-time). The calculator above is pre-filled with typical amounts for a $30,000 midsize vehicle; adjust each row for your specific vehicle and county, or verify exact amounts from the DC DMV.

Estimate only. Estimate only. Not a loan offer, lender quote, dealer quote, lease agreement, retail installment sales contract, DMV estimate, or financial advice. Actual rates, payments, taxes, fees, incentives, residual values, insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs may vary.

Registration & title fees

Pre-filled with typical amounts for a roughly $30,000 midsize vehicle, three years old, registered annually. Override any field to match your specific vehicle and county.

Fee names come from each state's official agency. Verify current amounts on your state's motor vehicle website before signing.

Total fees

$206.00

Components entered

3

Breakdown

Biennial registration fee (weight-tiered)
$145.00
Title fee
$26.00
Inspection fee
$35.00
Total
$206.00
Assumptions usedv2026-05-04
  • Source of fee amountsUser-entered from each state DMV's published rates

How this is calculated

The calculator above is pre-labeled with the 4 named fees District of Columbia typically charges: Biennial registration fee (weight-tiered); Excise tax at titling (percent of fair market value — one-time); Title fee; Inspection fee. Washington, DC charges a biennial registration tiered by weight and powertrain. At titling, DC also levies an excise tax — a percentage of fair market value that varies by weight and fuel type (one-time at purchase, set to $0 by default).

Default assumption: the pre-filled amounts represent a typical ~$30,000 midsize sedan, three years old, registered annually. Heavier vehicles, newer vehicles, higher-value vehicles, and electric / plug-in hybrids will see different amounts in most categories — override the rows for your specific case.

Source for current amounts: DC DMV. Verify on the official agency page before paying — dollar amounts vary by county, weight class, vehicle age, and powertrain.

For sales tax in District of Columbia (separate from registration), use the District of Columbia auto sales tax calculator. For an overview of how every state computes registration, see the auto registration & title fees calculator hub.

Frequently asked questions

What fees does District of Columbia charge to register a vehicle?
District of Columbia typically charges 4 categories of fees: Biennial registration fee (weight-tiered); Excise tax at titling (percent of fair market value — one-time); Title fee; Inspection fee. Washington, DC charges a biennial registration tiered by weight and powertrain. At titling, DC also levies an excise tax — a percentage of fair market value that varies by weight and fuel type (one-time at purchase, set to $0 by default).
How is District of Columbia registration cost computed?
District of Columbia uses a weight-tiered component plus a flat base. Washington, DC charges a biennial registration tiered by weight and powertrain. At titling, DC also levies an excise tax — a percentage of fair market value that varies by weight and fuel type (one-time at purchase, set to $0 by default).
What assumption does the pre-filled total use?
The defaults assume a typical $30,000 midsize sedan weighing about 3,500 lbs, three years old, registered annually. Heavier vehicles, newer vehicles, higher-value vehicles, and electric / plug-in hybrids will see different fees in most states. Override each row for your specific vehicle.
Where do I find exact District of Columbia registration fee amounts?
The DC DMV publishes current registration, title, and plate fees at https://dmv.dc.gov/node/155452. Verify amounts there before paying.
Is this an official District of Columbia DMV fee estimate?
No. This calculator sums whatever you enter. Actual District of Columbia fees can include weight-class adjustments, county surcharges, fuel-type adjustments, and other factors that vary case-by-case. Verify with the DC DMV before paying.

Registration fees in other states

Compare District of Columbia's fee structure (a weight-tiered component plus a flat base) with the rest of the country, or see the full state index.

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