What to Bring to the District of Columbia DMV for Your Permit Test
Don't get sent home. Here's the complete checklist — documents, fees, forms, and what to leave at home.
Before You Go
- →Make an appointment online at dmv.dc.gov to skip the massive lines
- →Check the DC DMV website for any last-minute holiday closures
- →Have your parent/guardian review the DC Driver's Manual with you
- →Arrive 15 minutes early; if you are late, your appointment might be cancelled
- →Practice the written test on free online practice sites before going
- →Double-check that all your documents have your current DC address
- →Ensure your parent/guardian knows they must be there in person
Required Documents
Proof of Identity (Primary Document)
- ✓Valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- ✓Certified U.S. Birth Certificate
- ✓Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- ✓Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
- ✓Valid Foreign Passport with valid U.S. Visa and I-94
- ✓Trusted Traveler Card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
Bring the original document only; photocopies or laminated copies are not accepted. If you want a REAL ID, you must bring your primary identity document plus two proofs of residency.
Proof of Social Security Number
- ✓Social Security Card (original)
- ✓W-2 Form with full SSN
- ✓SSA-1099 Form
- ✓Pay stub with full SSN
- ✓Military ID with SSN
If you don't have a Social Security Number, you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are ineligible for one. The name on this document must match your identity document exactly.
Proof of District of Columbia Residency
Bring 2 of these:
- ✓Utility bill (electric, gas, water, sewer) issued within the last 60 days
- ✓Bank or credit card statement issued within the last 60 days
- ✓School report card or transcript with current address
- ✓Parent's lease or mortgage statement (if living with parents)
- ✓Official government mail (federal, state, or local) issued within the last 60 days
- ✓Insurance policy document
For a standard permit, one proof of residency is usually sufficient, but for a REAL ID, you strictly need two different documents showing your DC address. The name on these must match your application.
Parental / Guardian Consent (applicants under 18)
- ✓Parent or legal guardian must appear in person with you at the DMV
- ✓Parent/guardian must sign the application form in front of the examiner
- ✓Parent/guardian must provide their own proof of identity and residency
- ✓If parents are divorced, the custodial parent must sign unless a court order states otherwise
- ✓Legal guardians must bring court documentation proving guardianship
If you are in foster care, the caseworker or designated guardian must sign. A parent cannot sign a form for you beforehand; they must be there with you.
Fees & Payment
$47
This $47 fee covers the learner's permit application and the written knowledge test. If you fail the test, there is a re-testing fee. The permit is valid for 2 years.
Accepted payment:
Forms
DL-180 (Application for Driver's License or Identification Card)
Available at: Available at the DMV office or downloadable from dmv.dc.gov
Do not sign the form until you are in front of the DMV examiner. Fill out the rest at home or on the waiting room computer to save time.
What NOT to Bring
- ✗Your cell phone (turn it off or leave it in the car; no texting allowed in the waiting area)
- ✗Large backpacks or bags (storage is limited and security checks are strict)
- ✗Friends or siblings who aren't applying (they can't come inside with you)
- ✗Food or drinks (no eating or drinking in the office)
- ✗Your own pen (the DMV provides pens, and you shouldn't use your own for legal forms)
- ✗Pets (service animals only)
- ✗Copies of documents (bring originals only)
At the Office
- →The knowledge test is computer-based; bring your own glasses if you need them
- →You must pass the vision screening before taking the written test
- →If you fail the written test, you can usually retake it the same day for a small fee
- →Once you pass, you will get an interim paper permit immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail in 2-3 weeks
- →Listen carefully to the examiner's instructions on how to log your supervised driving hours
Official DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) info: dmv.dc.gov
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