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Motor Vehicles



Proof of Vehicle Ownership

To title or register a vehicle, you must provide at least one primary source document, as listed below, to satisfy proof of vehicle ownership. Additional documents may be required based upon the condition under which vehicle ownership was established.

Primary Sources (one required) - must be original:

  • Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (i.e., title for new vehicle), properly reassigned via title signature blocks.
  • Vehicle title in applicant's name, or properly reassigned via title signature blocks or dealer reassignment.
  • Federal Government Auction Form.

Additional Documents, may be a copy unless otherwise indicated:

  • Vehicle Lease Agreement
  • Vehicle Financing Agreement
    • If co-signer exists, notarized letter authorizing the titling and/or registration and copy of co-signer's valid ID.
  • Vehicle Power of Attorney*
  • DC Business License (if vehicle is owned by a business based in the District)
  • Vehicle Acquired Through Death of Owner
  • Vehicle (Originally Titled in DC) Acquired Through Gift From Spouse or Parent
    • Gift between Spouses or Parent and Child Form.


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