Moving to District of Columbia, REAL ID and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state the deadline for converting an out-of-state license.
• You can list the documents and checks needed to convert.
• You can explain what holders of foreign licenses must do.
• You can describe REAL ID and Limited Purpose licenses.
• You can plan a renewal, including after a long expiry.

What you need to know and understand

• New residents who live in DC more than 60 days must convert to a DC REAL ID license or REAL ID provisional license.
• You must pass a vision screening. Knowledge and road tests are needed only if your out-of-state license expired more than 90 days ago.
• You surrender your old license, and the other state's license is cancelled once DC issues yours.
• DC DMV does not accept international driver licenses. A non-citizen with a foreign license must pass the DC knowledge test before getting a REAL ID license.
• A DC driver license costs $47 and lasts up to 8 years. A REAL ID license for a US citizen is valid for up to 8 years.
• If your license has been expired more than 365 days, you need the knowledge test or DC DMV's online traffic school course. After 545 days, you need both the knowledge and road tests.
• Drivers 70 and older who renew online need a Mature Driver Fitness to Drive certification completed by a licensed medical practitioner and approved by DC DMV.

Converting an out-of-state license

You cannot convert while you owe DC debts or have unpaid out-of-state moving violation fines. Students, active military, diplomats and some others can keep a home license through a reciprocity permit.

1. Gather proof of identity and age, Social Security number and lawful presence.
2. Gather two documents proving you live in DC.
3. If you are 16 or 17, bring proof of parental approval. Drivers under 21 convert into the GRAD program, receiving a REAL ID provisional license where that stage applies.
4. Bring your current license, or a certified driving record from your old state issued within the last 30 days.
5. Visit a service center, pass the vision screening, have your photo taken and pay the fee.
6. Use the 45-day temporary paper license until your card arrives by mail, usually within 10 business days.

REAL ID or Limited Purpose?

A DC REAL ID license meets federal standards, so it can be used as identification at airports and federal buildings. If you cannot meet REAL ID requirements, such as having a valid Social Security number, you may qualify for a DC Limited Purpose license instead, which lets you drive but cannot be used for federal purposes. For non-citizens, the license expires at the end of the authorized stay.

Renewing on time

• DC DMV mails a renewal notice about 60 days before expiry. You may not drive on an expired license.
• Online renewal is open to REAL ID, Limited Purpose and REAL ID provisional license holders who meet all of DC DMV's online requirements; otherwise you renew in person.
• You cannot change your address during online renewal; use the separate change of address service first.
• If you have a medical condition that may affect driving, submit DC DMV's Medical and Vision Report Form.

Common mistakes

• Waiting past 60 days to convert because your old license has not expired yet.
• Applying for a DC ID card instead of a license. That cancels your out-of-state license and means retaking the tests.
• Bringing only one proof of DC residency.
• Letting a license expire for more than a year and then expecting a simple renewal.

Test yourself: Moving to District of Columbia, REAL ID and renewals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

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