Motor Vehicles



Trip Permit

Motor carriers, chartered buses (including chartered shuttle Buses), Trucks and other vehicles which fall under the definition of apportioned vehicles (see IRP section) but are not apportioned or fully registered in the District of Columbia, may obtain a trip permit for a $50 fee. The Trip Permit* is valid for six (6) days of travel within the District of Columbia. It must be maintained on the vehicle throughout the duration of travel in the District of Columbia. The trip permit is only to be used for the vehicle listed on the front of the permit.

School Buses Transporting Students

A school bus that is owned by a governmental entity or registered as a government vehicle is exempt from IRP regulations. It is not required to obtain a trip permit. The school bus must display a government license plate; either a state or a federal tag. Private school bus owners are not exempt from the charter and/or tour bus law.

Enforcement

  • Any vehicle owner that uses a trip permit for a vehicle other than the one listed on the front of the trip permit, is subject to a fine of not more than $500 or 180 days imprisonment or both
  • Any applicant that misuses, transfers or sells a trip permit is subject to a fine of not more than $1000 or 180 days imprisonment or both
  • Any vehicle that does not have a trip permit or is not apportioned to operate in the District will be assessed a $500 fine

Exceptions will be considered in the event of mechanical malfunction or other unforeseen situations necessitating vehicle replacement. Please do the following:

  • Notify DMV of the need for a replacement via email at dcirpdmv@dc.gov
  • Please include in the email, if there is an alternate address for the replacement Permit to be forwarded (i.e. Hotel, work-location, etc.)
  • Original Trip Permit will be cancelled from DMV records in case of issuance of replacement Permit
  • Visit DMV – Information Desk located at 95 M street, Washington DC. Monday – Saturday 8:15 AM – 4:00 PM excluding Holidays
  • Surrender the existing Trip Permit issued to the original vehicle
  • Provide registration details for the new vehicle
  • New Trip permit will be issued at no extra cost
Accepted Forms of Payments
  • Credit Card (Visa, Master Card, Discover)
  • Money Order/Check (Made Payable to “DC Treasurer")
Dishonored Check(s)
  • A $65 penalty will be imposed per dishonored check.

Note: Additional Permits will not be authorized pending clearance of such occurrences. In the event of identifiable trends, future privileges may be subject to denial.

Ordering a Trip Permit

A trip permit may be obtained from any of the three sources below

Processing Time: All requests will be processed within 24 to 48 hours upon the receipt of payment and application.

Expedited Processing: Please provide an Express Courier Account No. to be billed or valid credit card details (please refer Trip Permit application for more requirements) to be charged and specify delivery time on the application.

Bulk Transactions: Customers, who would like to purchase more than one Trip Permit in advance, may do so. One application must be completed per transaction. Upon purchase, the Customer Owner information will be pre- printed, prior to mailing. The permit numbers will be kept on file, identifying the designated owner.

The customer will fill in vehicle information for each Trip Permit used and email it to dcirpdmv@dc.gov prior to the Trip.. The dates and times must be completed not to exceed the authorized six day period.

Pick up on Arrival: Customers may come to the DMV - Information Desk located at 95 M street SW, Washington DC. Monday – Saturday 8:15 AM – 4:00 PM (Sunday Closed) to apply, pay and receive the Trip Permit.

Refund: No refunds will be authorised


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