Reason-specific repair path
Failed vehicle inspection in District of Columbia
Use the report's exact failure code before choosing a repair or waiver path.
- 01
Read the failed items
Separate safety, emissions, VIN, document, and readiness failures. They do not share one remedy.
- 02
Check repair and waiver rules
The vehicle must pass DC inspection before full registration. Brand-new passenger vehicles are exempt, and a 45-day temporary tag may be available when an expired out-of-state tag or lender-held title blocks inspection.
DC DMV: Register a new or used vehicleDC DMV: Temporary registration and tags - 03
Choose an eligible repair
No repair partner is active. Use the official station or a repairer qualified for the exact failed item.