We Ship Personal Cars from Washington to Chicago starting from $492

We pickup cars from counties around Washington

Manassas, Stafford, Talbot, Prince William, Prince George's, Washington, Howard, Fredericksburg, St. Mary's, Alexandria, King George, Fauquier, Arlington, Clarke, District of Columbia, Charles, Frederick, Kent, Montgomery, Falls Church, Jefferson, Fairfax, Calvert, Queen Anne's, Anne Arundel, Carroll, Baltimore, Loudoun.

Car Registration and Driver's License When Moving Out of Washington, D.C.

If you're moving out of Washington, D.C., it's essential to properly manage your car registration and driver's license to comply with both D.C. and your new state's requirements. This guide will walk you through the key steps.

1. Car Registration

A. Registering Your Vehicle in Your New State

• Timeframe: Most states require vehicle registration within 30 to 90 days of establishing residency.
• Requirements: To register your vehicle in your new state, you will generally need:
  • Your current D.C. vehicle registration or title.
  • Proof of ownership (e.g., title or lease agreement).
  • Proof of auto insurance valid in your new state.
  • Payment for applicable registration fees and taxes.

B. Washington, D.C. License Plates

• Plate Surrender: Washington, D.C. requires you to return your license plates when you move out of the district. Failure to do so could result in fees or penalties.
• Plates can be returned in person at a D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location or by mail.

C. Canceling Vehicle Registration

After surrendering your plates, cancel your D.C. vehicle registration through the DMV to avoid future charges or liabilities.

2. Driver's License

A. Surrendering Your Washington, D.C. Driver's License

• When applying for a new driver's license in your new state, you will need to surrender your D.C. driver's license.
• Your D.C. license will be invalidated once your new license is issued.

B. Timeframe to Apply for a New License

Most states require you to obtain a driver's license within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency.

C. Documents Required for a New License

• Proof of identity (e.g., passport, birth certificate).
• Social Security number or Social Security card.
• Proof of residency in your new state (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement).
• Your current D.C. driver's license.

3. Additional Considerations

A. Auto Insurance Updates

Switch your auto insurance to comply with your new state's requirements. Once your new policy is active, cancel your D.C. insurance policy.

B. Refund for Unused Registration

If you have time left on your D.C. registration, you may be eligible for a partial refund. Contact the D.C. DMV for details on how to apply.

C. Taxes and Fees

Research your new state's vehicle property taxes and registration fees, as these may differ from D.C.'s rates.

D. Emissions and Safety Inspections

Some states may have specific emissions testing or safety inspection requirements. Check these standards before registering your vehicle in your new state.

Summary

When moving out of Washington, D.C., ensure you register your vehicle and obtain a new driver's license in your new state. Don't forget to surrender your D.C. license plates, cancel your registration, and update your auto insurance. Taking these steps will help you comply with the law and avoid unnecessary penalties.

Scientific Facts About Washington, D.C.

• Horse Statue Law: If a statue of a horse has both front legs in the air - the rider died in battle. If one leg is raised - the rider was wounded. If all four legs are on the ground, the person survived... or the horse just felt like standing normally.
• Traffic Circles of Doom: Washington, D.C. has so many traffic circles that even GPS gets confused. If you make it out of Dupont Circle in one try, you deserve a medal.
• The Snow Day Paradox: D.C. shuts down over an inch of snow, but government workers will still be required to send emails from home.
• No One is Actually From Here: Ask someone in D.C. where they're from, and you'll probably get an answer like, "Originally? Ohio."
• Metro Escalators = The Gym: Some of D.C.'s Metro stations have escalators so long, they feel like an extreme sport. Good luck if they're out of service!
• Tourists vs. Locals: You can always spot a tourist-they're the ones standing on the left side of the Metro escalator (a serious D.C. crime) or wearing an FBI t-shirt from a gift shop.
• It's Not a State (Yet?): D.C. residents love reminding you that they pay taxes but have no voting representation in Congress. They even put it on their license plates.
• Cherry Blossom Madness: Every spring, D.C. becomes a pink paradise-but also a traffic nightmare, as everyone flocks to the Tidal Basin for the perfect Instagram photo.
• Political Overload: In most cities, small talk is about the weather. In D.C., it's about congressional hearings, policy debates, and which politician was spotted at Whole Foods.

Washington, D.C. is a city full of history, quirks, and enough political drama to last a lifetime. Whether you're dodging tourists, braving the Metro, or just trying to find a decent parking spot - life is awesome in the nation's capital!

Cars delivered to counties around Chicago

DuPage, Kankakee, Cook, Lake, Kane, Newton, LaPorte, McHenry, Kendall, Porter, Will, Grundy, Kenosha, Berrien.

Car Registration and Driver's License When Moving to Illinois

For more detailed information and specific requirements, visit the official Illinois Secretary of State website.

1. Car Registration

When you move to Illinois, you must register your vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency.

• Required Documents:
  • Proof of Illinois residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement).
  • Your vehicle title or proof of ownership.
  • Proof of insurance in Illinois.
  • Identification (e.g., Illinois driver's license).
• Where to Register:

  You can register your vehicle at any Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) facility or online if you are eligible.

• Registration Fees:
  • Passenger vehicles: $151 for a standard registration (as of 2025).
  • Additional fees may apply based on vehicle type, weight, and other factors.

Fun Facts About Chicago

• Birthplace of the Skyscraper: Chicago is home to the world’s first skyscraper, built in 1885. Today, the city boasts some of the tallest buildings in the U.S., including Willis Tower.
• The Windy City Myth: Chicago’s nickname, “The Windy City,” isn’t just about the weather - it originally referred to the city’s boastful politicians in the 19th century.
• Deep-Dish Pizza Origin: Chicago is famous for inventing deep-dish pizza, a deliciously thick and cheesy pie first created in 1943.
• The River That Runs Backward: In a remarkable engineering feat, the Chicago River’s flow was reversed in 1900 to improve sanitation and prevent pollution from entering Lake Michigan.
• World’s Only Free Zoo: The Lincoln Park Zoo, founded in 1868, is one of the oldest zoos in the U.S. and is completely free to visit.
• Route 66 Begins Here: The historic U.S. Route 66, also known as the “Mother Road,” starts in downtown Chicago and stretches all the way to California.
• Home of the First Ferris Wheel: The world’s first Ferris wheel was built for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. It was designed to rival the Eiffel Tower.
• Chicago River Dyed Green: Every year on St. Patrick’s Day, the Chicago River is dyed bright green, a tradition dating back to 1962.
• More Bridges Than Any City: Chicago has over 200 bridges, more than any other city in the world, allowing boats to pass beneath the busy streets.
• First Televised U.S. Presidential Debate: The first-ever televised presidential debate took place in Chicago in 1960 between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon.

From towering skyscrapers to deep-dish pizza, Chicago is a city full of history, innovation, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re exploring Millennium Park or cruising down Route 66, there’s always something fascinating about the Windy City!