Thinking about crossing the border from Maryland or Virginia into the District? A move of only a few miles can change the rules for your license, taxes, parking, schools and even how you set up utilities. You want a smooth handoff so you can focus on your new neighborhood, not red tape. This guide breaks down what actually changes, the deadlines to watch, and how to plan your first 60 days with confidence. Let’s dive in.
What changes when you move to DC
You are moving into a unique jurisdiction. The District of Columbia is not a state, so it runs its own taxes, public services and regulatory systems. Residency affects your driver’s license and vehicle, voter registration, school enrollment and many professional licenses. Each system has its own proof of residency rules and timelines.
Expect a mix of paperwork, different tax rules at closing and during filing season, and distinct neighborhood services like parking, trash collection and school enrollment processes.
DC paperwork and timing
Driver’s license and car registration
If you will live in DC for 60 days or more, you must convert your out-of-state license to a DC license. Review what to bring and how to schedule by visiting the DC DMV guidance to convert an out-of-state license.
Vehicles housed and operated in DC must be registered in the District within 60 days of establishing residency. Start with the DMV page on how to register your vehicle in DC. If you will park on an RPP zoned block, you will also need a Residential Parking Permit tied to your registration. Fees are tiered per household.
Voter registration
You can register online or by mail ahead of time, and DC also offers same-day registration during early voting and on Election Day. Check deadlines and proof of residency requirements with the DC Board of Elections and register to vote.
Utilities, trash and pets
Electricity is typically Pepco, gas is Washington Gas and water is DC Water. Give each provider a few business days to start service. DC collects curbside trash and recycling for most single-family homes and small buildings; larger apartment buildings use private haulers. Bulk pickups are by 311 appointment.
Dogs over four months must be licensed in DC. See fees, timing and required vaccinations in DC Health’s dog licensing requirements.
Money and taxes to expect
Income, sales and use tax
DC uses a progressive income tax with its own credits. If you move midyear, you will typically file as a part-year resident and may need to update payroll withholding. Review current DC income tax rates and credits before filing. Some taxable services have scheduled sales and use tax changes, so confirm current rates during tax planning.
Property taxes and the Homestead Deduction
DC’s Class 1 residential properties have a published rate per $100 of assessed value. Eligible owner-occupants can apply the Homestead Deduction, which reduces taxable assessed value. For current figures and filing windows, see DC’s page on real property tax rates and the Homestead Deduction.
Transfer and recordation at closing
DC collects deed transfer and recordation taxes at settlement. Rates and thresholds differ by price point and property type, which can materially impact buyer cash to close and seller net. Review current deed transfer and recordation taxes early so you can structure timelines and proceeds with clarity.
Car insurance and payroll
DC sets minimum auto liability and uninsured motorist coverage levels. Expect premiums to change when you move your policy to a DC address. If you live in DC but work in Maryland or Virginia, update payroll state withholding and confirm part-year filing rules for the year you move.
Housing, schools and tenant rules
Public school enrollment
DC uses a citywide system for public and public charter schools. Many enrollments run through the My School DC portal with lottery deadlines and midyear options for movers. In-boundary DCPS schools have direct enrollment. Review steps and timing at My School DC enrollment and lottery. You will need proof of DC residency to enroll.
Rent control and tenant protections
DC has rent stabilization rules that apply to many older multiunit buildings, with annual caps set by the Rental Housing Commission and recent transparency requirements through a new Rent Registry. For current caps and updates, see the Office of the Tenant Advocate’s overview of rent increase limits. Notice periods, fee limits and other tenant protections are stronger than in many nearby jurisdictions.
Landlord duties and TOPA
DC’s Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) and related notice rules shape timelines and obligations for sales of occupied properties. The Council has approved changes in recent sessions, so sellers and landlords should confirm applicable procedures before listing or transferring.
Daily life differences
Transit and parking
If you are used to a car-first commute, your habits may change. Many DC residents rely on Metrorail, Metrobus, walking, biking and scooters. WMATA offers daily, weekly and monthly unlimited pass options on SmarTrip, and tap-to-pay with credit cards and mobile wallets is rolling out. Residential parking is regulated by zone, so read block signs and maintain an active RPP if you park on the street.
Professional licensing
Many professions allow licensure by endorsement for out-of-state licensees, but you still need to apply to the relevant DC board and provide documentation. Plan for processing time and submit early if a DC license is required for your work.
Your first 60 days in DC: quick checklist
- Before moving: set USPS forwarding, notify Pepco, Washington Gas and DC Water to start service, and schedule movers and elevator reservations if needed.
- Within 30 to 60 days: convert your driver’s license, register your vehicle and apply for RPP if you need on-street parking.
- Within the first month: register or update your voter registration and review school enrollment steps if you have children.
- Early after closing: apply for the Homestead Deduction if the home is your principal residence.
- Within 10 days of bringing a dog: complete DC dog licensing.
- Payroll and taxes: update employer withholding to DC and note part-year filing rules for the year you move.
Plan your DC move with confidence
A move from Maryland or Virginia into DC is manageable when you know the deadlines and cost differences ahead of time. If you are buying or selling at the upper end, aligning your closing date, transfer taxes, school timing and vehicle registration in one plan helps you avoid delays and surprises. When you want experienced, discreet guidance in Northwest DC, Bethesda or McLean, reach out to Natalie Hasny for principal-led advisory and a smooth transition.
FAQs
How fast do I need a DC driver’s license after moving?
- If you live in DC for 60 days or more, you must convert your out-of-state license and register your vehicle within 60 days of establishing residence.
What closing costs are unique when buying a home in DC?
- DC charges deed transfer and recordation taxes at settlement, with rates that vary by price tier and property type, which can change buyer cash to close and seller net proceeds.
How do public school enrollments work for new DC residents?
- Most public and public charter seats are managed through the My School DC portal with lottery and post-lottery periods; in-boundary DCPS schools enroll directly and all require DC residency proof.
Will my taxes change if I live in DC but work in Maryland or Virginia?
- Possibly, since DC has its own progressive income tax and part-year rules; update payroll withholding and compare your marginal rates and credits before filing.
Do I need a permit to park on my street in DC?
- Many blocks are in Residential Parking Permit zones; you typically need an active RPP tied to a DC-registered vehicle to park for longer than the posted visitor time limits.
