D.C. drivers will face different fees and span between renewals starting today, The Washington Post reported in Dr. Gridlock’s Get There column. October 1 marks the beginning of DC’s Department of Motor Vehicle’s fiscal year.
The DMV said it hasn’t changed its fees in seven years.
Inspection fees, previously $25, are now $35 and driver’s license fee are $44 from $39. Licenses are now valid for eight years instead of five, and inspection stickers for new vehicles are valid for four years instead of two. Old vehicles are still restricted to inspection every two years.
Fuel efficient vehicle owners also face an incentive: vehicles that get 40 miles to the gallon, or better, will see a one-time reduced registration fee of $36; motorcycles and motorbikes are not included. (You can see other fees here.)
Though the fees are a rise in price drivers will actually pay less per year. Drivers in the district will pay $5.50 a year compared to $7.80.
Also, vehicles that get better than 40 miles per gallon (so basically, hybrid vehicles) will only have to pay a reduced registration fee of $36.