What Is a Temporary License Plate in Washington, D.C.?
DC DMV issues several classes of temporary vehicle permits that allow driving on the district’s roads until permanent registration is completed. The district uses official terms “temporary registration,” “temporary license plate,” and “temporary registration certificate” depending on the class.
A temporary permit fills the gap between the purchase of a vehicle (or arrival from another jurisdiction) and the completion of inspection in DC and full registration. Most temporary license plates are issued directly at DC DMV service centers. Licensed dealerships issue their own temporary registration certificates at the point of sale for free. Commercial carriers operating in the district without apportioned registration use a separate trip permit available online through DC DMV.
What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Washington, D.C.?
| Class | Official Name | Trigger | Issuing Authority |
| 45-day Temporary | 45-day Temporary Registration and Hard License Plate | New DC resident awaiting inspection or title from another state | DC DMV Service Center |
| 5-day Temporary | 5-day Temporary Registration | Expired inspection and registration stickers | DC DMV Service Center |
| 5-day Paper License Plate | 5-day Temporary Paper License Plate | Out-of-state buyer purchasing a used vehicle from a private DC seller | DC DMV Service Center |
| Temporary Dealer | Temporary Registration Certificate | New vehicle purchased at a DC dealership | Licensed Dealership |
| Trip Permit | Trip Permit | Commercial carrier without apportioned registration entering DC | DC DMV (online) |
No class can be extended or reissued. DC DMV clearly states that a second 45-day plate or 5-day registration will not be issued for one vehicle.
When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Washington, D.C.?
- Purchase of a new vehicle: DC dealerships issue a temporary registration certificate at the point of sale, covering the buyer until permanent plates arrive.
- A private sale buyer who does not receive plates from a dealer must visit a DC DMV service center to obtain temporary registration before operating the vehicle.
- New residents with expired out-of-state plates awaiting DC inspection or a title from another state’s lienholder are eligible for a 45-day temporary registration under D.C. Code § 50-1501.02.
- Vehicles with expired inspection and registration stickers may receive a one-time 5-day temporary registration to allow time for inspection.
- Commercial carriers without apportioned registration must have apportioned plates or obtain a trip permit before entering DC. Failure to comply results in a $500 fine.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Washington, D.C.?
- Gather documents: Application for Certificate of Title/Temporary Tag, properly assigned title, proof of valid DC insurance, and valid DC DMV credential.
- Visit a DC DMV service center. Temporary tags are issued only in person (except for trip permits issued online and dealer certificates issued at the point of sale).
- Submit the application and documents at the counter. DC DMV verifies ownership, insurance, and identity.
- Pay all applicable fees, including the temporary registration fee, excise tax, title fee, and lien registration fee if the vehicle is financed.
- Receive the temporary tag and registration at the counter. Law enforcement recognizes the temporary tag as valid even without an inspection sticker.
- Complete DC inspection before the temporary registration expires, then transition to permanent registration online.
The relevant form is the Application for Certificate of Title/Temporary Tag.
How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Washington, D.C.?
| Class | Fee | Additional | Who Pays |
| 45-day Temporary Tag | $13 | Title ($30), excise tax, lien ($20) if applicable | Vehicle Owner |
| 5-day Temporary Registration | Included in registration transaction | Nothing separately specified | Vehicle Owner |
| Temporary Registration Certificate | No fee | None | Dealership |
| Trip Permit | $50 | None | Carrier/Operator |
A 2.5% service fee applies to all credit and debit card payments at DC DMV, both in person and online.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Washington, D.C.?
No, for most classes. Temporary registration tags (45-day and 5-day) must be obtained in person at a DC DMV service center. The online channel does not issue physical temporary tags.
The only exception is the trip permit portal, which allows commercial carriers without apportioned registration to purchase and print a trip permit online. The portal accepts credit cards and is available from 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. The permit is printed immediately after payment.
Temporary registration certificates issued by dealerships are processed at the point of sale, not through the DMV portal. For all other temporary tags, visit any DC DMV service center.
The dealer line is the easiest path for new vehicle buyers; the service center handles all other cases.
How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Washington, D.C.?
| Class | Validity | Geographic Restriction | Extension |
| 45-day Temporary Registration | 45 calendar days | None | Not available |
| 5-day Temporary Registration | 5 calendar days | None | Not available |
| Temporary Registration Certificate | Set by dealership per DC DMV rules | None | Not available |
| Trip Permit | 6 travel days | District of Columbia only | New permit required |
Operating a vehicle after the expiration of any temporary registration equates to a standard offense for lack of registration under D.C. Code § 50-1501.04, carrying a fine up to $1,000 or up to 30 days imprisonment.