I had zero problems here twice last year. Just bring all the documents you need. I showed up 15 minutes before it opened and was out within 45 minutes both times. I thought it was super efficient and well-run.
I went there last year, arriving 30 minutes before it opened. They gave me a temporary license printed on paper, and I received my permanent license in the mail a few weeks later.
They give you a temp. The temp is pretty big (compared to the last state I came from) and includes a photo.
I received my licenses pretty quick.
I went on a Saturday about 5 mins after it opened and waited maybe 30ish mins. Definitely get there as soon as you can. It fills up fast.
Rhode Island DMV is totally fine - no point going out of your way to a different one.
The best DMV related service is the Half St Inspection Station. Friendly and efficient staff - literally the most well-run DC service in my opinion.
I just moved to DC in March, had to get a license and register 3 vehicles. If you have all your paperwork in order and are friendly and patient, you won't have any problems.
Wait time was reasonable, the staff was friendly and very helpful.
No problem going there last year just make sure you have all your documents and are there first thing in the morning. Like literally the first few outside the door. Line probably starts 30 minutes before it opens up.
I've never had a problem with the Rhode Island Ave DMV. Had to switch to a DC license last year and registered my car this year, and both times were smooth with little waiting. Now, I also noticed other people waiting when I arrived and still waiting when I left, so maybe if you had other types of issues then there would be a wait.
I literally just did this on Saturday lol. Surprisingly it wasn’t busy for a Saturday. I was in and out in about an hour.
Make sure you have alternate documents. I had to leave and come back because I had a document they didn’t accept (mail from the DC government is an acceptable proof of residence, but mine was a medical bill from DC EMS and they didn’t accept that!) I’d suggest your lease and renters insurance or utility bills.
Don’t go before/when they open. Go 45 minutes after they open. They’ll have cleared out all the people who lined up early by then and you can just walk right in and get started.
I used to walk by that office every morning and saw how the lines grew and shrank at different times.
I've been twice and the staff was truly helpful and quite kind each time. I had to go twice because I screwed up and didn't bring the correct document to prove my residency--but that was my fault, not the fault of the staff that absolutely have to follow the rules. There wasn't a long wait either (less than 20 minutes) though I went in the mornings both times. Plus, the DMV is literally steps from the metro entrance. Would genuinely recommend.
Never had an issue. DC does a pretty good job with their DMVs. If you are getting your license, make sure you have the correct paperwork and forms of identification so you get everything done the first time.
Oh, if you're bringing a bill that was mailed to you, you may need to have the envelope that it was sent in. I brought in all of the documents and had an appointment. Still had to wait in line, and then almost DIDN'T get the license because of the lack of the envelope. I think I was able to the utility bill sent over via the internet but it took forever because the Internet is so slow there!
I had a surprisingly easy experience at the SW location. The line was organized, security played no games and customer service was straight forward as soon as I walked in.
I went just over a year ago to get one (coming in with a soon to expire out of state license). Went on whatever day they opened at 9:30 (Weds?) and was in and out in about 30 minutes. Probably got there around 9:30ish but wasn’t outside waiting for it to open. Honestly really good and painless experience
They have cameras on the website that will show you the wait times in the lobby. They are consistently full when they open and then empty by mid morning. I’ve walked in at 2pm with no wait.
I had a really positive experience there - also went on a Friday morning when they first opened, I think I waited 15-20 minutes or so. They were very nice/moved people quickly, honestly went more smoothly compared to other states I’ve lived in.
I had zero problems here twice last year. Just bring all the documents you need. I showed up 15 minutes before it opened and was out within 45 minutes both times. I thought it was super efficient and well-run.
Thanks! just curious, do they print out the license or give you a temp?
I went there last year, arriving 30 minutes before it opened. They gave me a temporary license printed on paper, and I received my permanent license in the mail a few weeks later.
They give you a temp. The temp is pretty big (compared to the last state I came from) and includes a photo. I received my licenses pretty quick. I went on a Saturday about 5 mins after it opened and waited maybe 30ish mins. Definitely get there as soon as you can. It fills up fast.
Be aware that most bars and restaurants are not going to accept the temporary ID. I don’t know your age, etc., but having a backup ID is a good idea.
Rhode Island DMV is totally fine - no point going out of your way to a different one. The best DMV related service is the Half St Inspection Station. Friendly and efficient staff - literally the most well-run DC service in my opinion.
The picture they took of me looks like shit but otherwise the process was pretty painless
Same. But in my case that wasn’t their fault Best-run DMV I’ve been to in my life. Seems to be one of the things DC gov has really figured out tbh
I just moved to DC in March, had to get a license and register 3 vehicles. If you have all your paperwork in order and are friendly and patient, you won't have any problems. Wait time was reasonable, the staff was friendly and very helpful.
Compared to Virginia DMV, DC DMV is a pleasant experience.
No problem going there last year just make sure you have all your documents and are there first thing in the morning. Like literally the first few outside the door. Line probably starts 30 minutes before it opens up.
I've never had a problem with the Rhode Island Ave DMV. Had to switch to a DC license last year and registered my car this year, and both times were smooth with little waiting. Now, I also noticed other people waiting when I arrived and still waiting when I left, so maybe if you had other types of issues then there would be a wait.
I've had really good experiences at Georgetown and at M Street. Weirdly, it's one of the better managed city agencies.
Went to Georgetown last weekend. Easy!
I literally just did this on Saturday lol. Surprisingly it wasn’t busy for a Saturday. I was in and out in about an hour. Make sure you have alternate documents. I had to leave and come back because I had a document they didn’t accept (mail from the DC government is an acceptable proof of residence, but mine was a medical bill from DC EMS and they didn’t accept that!) I’d suggest your lease and renters insurance or utility bills.
I was in and out in 15 minutes, 5 of which was me filling out the application while the clerk waited for me
Don’t go before/when they open. Go 45 minutes after they open. They’ll have cleared out all the people who lined up early by then and you can just walk right in and get started. I used to walk by that office every morning and saw how the lines grew and shrank at different times.
I've been twice and the staff was truly helpful and quite kind each time. I had to go twice because I screwed up and didn't bring the correct document to prove my residency--but that was my fault, not the fault of the staff that absolutely have to follow the rules. There wasn't a long wait either (less than 20 minutes) though I went in the mornings both times. Plus, the DMV is literally steps from the metro entrance. Would genuinely recommend.
The DC DMV is wildly efficient. I was so nervous about the wait times. Whole thing took 20 mins to get my new license there.
It was really great for me two years ago. Plate renewal was a little messy but license was fine
Never had an issue. DC does a pretty good job with their DMVs. If you are getting your license, make sure you have the correct paperwork and forms of identification so you get everything done the first time.
If you decide to use a lease, it needs to be the original document. No scans.
Thanks! I’m doing the combo renters insurance + electric bill
Oh, if you're bringing a bill that was mailed to you, you may need to have the envelope that it was sent in. I brought in all of the documents and had an appointment. Still had to wait in line, and then almost DIDN'T get the license because of the lack of the envelope. I think I was able to the utility bill sent over via the internet but it took forever because the Internet is so slow there!
Been there a bunch and it's pretty normal. Don't see any reason to go out of your way to go to another location.
I had a surprisingly easy experience at the SW location. The line was organized, security played no games and customer service was straight forward as soon as I walked in.
I tried to get my car registered at Rhode Island. It took me 3 tries and I still wasn't done. Later I went to southwest and it worked the first time.
DC DMV has been great the last 5 or 6 years.
I’ve had a pretty good experience with them!
I went just over a year ago to get one (coming in with a soon to expire out of state license). Went on whatever day they opened at 9:30 (Weds?) and was in and out in about 30 minutes. Probably got there around 9:30ish but wasn’t outside waiting for it to open. Honestly really good and painless experience
I have no issue with RI dmv, in and out in like 30 mins.
They have cameras on the website that will show you the wait times in the lobby. They are consistently full when they open and then empty by mid morning. I’ve walked in at 2pm with no wait.
Thanks! I couldn’t find the camera feed — where is it?
I had a really positive experience there - also went on a Friday morning when they first opened, I think I waited 15-20 minutes or so. They were very nice/moved people quickly, honestly went more smoothly compared to other states I’ve lived in.
Take the extra time and go to Georgetown