BySet DC DMV Appointment Fast
We all have to visit the DMV, and none of us want to. Whether you are renewing your license or registering a vehicle, the DMV is notorious for difficulty getting an appointment, long wait times (longer at times you can actually get there). It's not uncommon to have to wait hours on hold just to get your appointment. If there's an online alternative, it's seldom well-designed or easy to use. To avoid this, many people take advantage of DC's walk-in hours for everything except road trips and limited purpose licenses. However, lines remain long and it is not uncommon for them to stretch outside the building, a real problem in DC's hot summers.
DoNotPay helps by , so you don't have to call anyone and can even avoid those dreaded long lines. Best of all, you can use it directly from your .
How to Book an Appointment at DC DMV
First of all, DC allows a lot of routine matters, such as license renewals and changes of address, to be done online. It's smart to make sure, before booking an appointment, that you don’t have to do the task in person. Some tasks can also be done by mail or even over the phone.
So, if you do need to make an appointment, here's how to go about it:
- Online. A search of DC's website will give you no link to an online appointment form or, indeed, any indication that you can make an appointment, despite them being required for some services. However, there is an online appointment form you can find here. It recommends Firefox or Google Chrome.
- By phone. You should call 202-737-4404 to make an appointment at your service center of choice. This is the only phone number listed for the DC DMV.
How to Book a DC DMV Appointment with DoNotPay
As you can see, DC does not make it easy to book your DMV appointment. Part of this is to encourage people who can use online services. If you need an appointment, though, DoNotPay can make it much easier. We can with your service center of choice, in minutes, without you having to sit on hold until somebody picks up the phone.
All you have to do is:
- Search DoNotPay for DC DMV.
- Choose "Office visit appointment."
- Tell DoNotPay what kind of appointment you need, such as getting your license, setting up a road test, or registering a new business.
- Tell DoNotPay what appointment time range works.
- Find the paperwork you need. DoNotPay will help you establish the paperwork you need and make sure you know where to get it.
DoNotPay will contact the DMV for you and schedule your appointment, as well as helping make sure that you have all the paperwork.
What Kind of Appointment Can You Book at DC DMV?
First of all, DC particularly encourages handling many things online. For example, it is no longer possible to renew vehicle registration in person; you can only do it online. DC also handles most license renewals, address changes, and replacement stickers online.
The kind of things DC still does in person include:
- Getting a Real ID.
- Registering a new vehicle or one you have just moved into the District.
- Taking your driver's knowledge and road tests.
- Applying for a disability parking placard or tags (this can be done online, over the phone, or in person, but you can self-certify specific disabilities if you show up in person).
- Paying parking tickets and boot or tow fees.
- Converting an out-of-state driver's license.
- Paying minor traffic tickets.
What Documents Should You Prepare Before Your Appointment?
The documents you need vary by the type of appointment you make. Here are some typical appointments and what you should bring.
| Renewing Your License | Most people in DC can renew online. If you don't meet the qualifications, you need to bring proof of identity, two proof of DC residency, and proof of your social security number as well as your existing license. |
| Requesting Your Driver Records | You will need to bring documentation that shows your full name, date of birth, social security number, and driver's license number, as well as a photocopy of proof of identification. Proof of identity includes such things as a REAL ID Driver License, passport, or birth certificate. Providing proof of your identity may be easier to do online. |
| Getting a Replacement Sticker or Registration Card | You will need your tag number, the last four digits of the VIN, and any documents being used to support a name change or similar. Note that you can do this online, but only once a year. |
| Paying Fees | The DMV accepts cash, check, money orders, or credit cards. |
| Applying For a Driver's License | DC now follows REAL ID requirements. This means that to apply for your license you will need proof of identity, proof of lawful residence (a passport will fulfill both), proof of your social security number, and two proofs of DC residency. You will also need proof of your age, a parental consent form if you are 16 or 17, and a full-frontal digital photo. Finally, you will need proof of your ability to drive, which can take the form of a US driver's license within 90 days of expiration, an out-of-state certified driving record, an unexpired out-of-country driver's license or a DC learner permit, and completion of the road skills test. (If you have an out-of-country license you will need to take the knowledge test). |
| Paying Traffic Tickets | You must bring your driver's license, DMV-issued ID, passport, or military ID if paying for a ticket with anything other than cash. |
What Is the Best Time to Visit DC DMV Offices?
As with most DMVs, the best time to visit is early morning in the middle of the week. Each service center has its own busy time. Avoid Tuesday (DC service centers are closed on Monday), the days before and after a holiday, Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The end of the month can also be a tough time.
What Are Typical Wait Times at DC DMV Service Centers?
DMV lobby wait times can range from about 30 minutes at a quiet time to over an hour when the service centers are busy, although some people have reported wait times of only five minutes.
How Can You Avoid Long Lines at the DC DMV?
The very best way to avoid lines is to do your transaction online if possible. DC actively encourages online transactions when possible. You can also avoid lines by:
- Going at a quiet time.
- Checking the DC DMV Twitter, which will tell you which service center has the shortest lines.
- Making an appointment via DoNotPay.
DC Service Centers and Locations
DC has four full-service service centers, although not all provide all services. They are:
- Benning Ridge Service Center, 4525 Benning Road, SE, Washington, DC 20019.
- Georgetown Service Center, 3270 M Street, NW, Canal Level - Suite C200, Washington, DC 20007.
- Rhode Island Service Center, Rhode Island Row/2350 Washington Place, NE, Suite 112N, Washington, DC, 20018.
- Southwest Service Center, 95 M Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024.
You can make your appointment at the one most convenient to you that offers the service you need. All DC service centers are open 9:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday otherwise, and closed on Sunday and Monday. DoNotPay can help take the hassle out of making an appointment and making sure you go to the right service center for your issue.
What Else Can DoNotPay Help With?
DoNotPay is the world's first AI Consumer Champion. It can help with a variety of issues, including:
- Suing anyone in small claims court
- Skipping the phone queue at any company
- Disputing parking tickets
- Getting virtual credit cards to stop free trials from charging you
- Appealing speeding tickets
- Contesting traffic tickets
Check out DoNotPay for easy ways to handle everything, from getting an appointment at the DMV to handling small claims court without a lawyer.