District of Columbia Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator

2026

Registering a car in District of Columbia in 2026 costs about $72.50 a year ($87.50 by the fifth year) for a new $35,000 midsize sedan in District of Columbia (Washington). Estimate yours by state, vehicle age and fuel type.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated October 19, 2026 · Methodology

Vehicle Age
Fuel Type

Yearly Registration Cost

$72.50

One-Time Title Fee

$30.00

Fee Breakdown

Registration fee (under 3,500 lb)$70.00
New-car inspection fee ($10 paid once, covers 4 years; annualized)$2.50
Yearly Total$72.50
Title fee (one-time)$30.00

Estimate for a 2026 gasoline midsize sedan (3,400 lb, $35,000 new) registered in District of Columbia (Washington). Other vehicles cost more or less, especially in states that charge by value or weight.

DC charges a flat fee by the car's shipping weight: $70 a year under 3,500 lb and $175 from 3,500 to 4,999 lb. Inspection fees are collected with registration; there is no annual value tax.

Source: DC DMV Vehicle Registration Fees; DC Code § 50-1501.03

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

District of Columbia Vehicle Registration Costs (2026)

Registering a new car in District of Columbia costs about $72.50 a year ($87.50 by the fifth year) for a new $35,000 midsize sedan in District of Columbia (Washington). DC charges a flat fee by the car's shipping weight: $70 a year under 3,500 lb and $175 from 3,500 to 4,999 lb. Inspection fees are collected with registration; there is no annual value tax.

Rises to $87.50 by the fifth year, when the regular inspection fee ($35 every two years) replaces the new-car one.

A title costs $30.

DC has no extra EV fee. A new battery-electric car under 5,000 lb registers for a reduced $40 a year for its first two years, then pays the weight-based rate with a 1,000-lb weight deduction.

The District charges a titling excise tax instead of sales tax on a car: 6% of fair market value under 3,500 lb, 7% up to 4,999 lb and 8% above, raised or lowered by the car’s fuel economy.

District of Columbia Registration Costs (2026)

Yearly Cost, New Car $72.50
Yearly Cost, 5-Year-Old Car $87.50
How the Fee Is Set By weight
Title Fee (one-time) $30.00
Extra Fee for Electric Cars None
State Tax When You Buy a Car 6% to 8% excise, by weight

Official Sources:

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