Registration and Titling
To fulfill the requirements of the Congressional mandates of the Foreign Missions Act of 1982, as amended in 1983, and to ensure that adequate liability insurance coverage is maintained, the U.S. Department of State requires that all vehicles owned, leased, or otherwise operated by a mission, its members, and dependents of such members must be registered with the Diplomatic Motor Vehicle Office (DMV), Office of Foreign Missions, U.S. Department of State, and must bear distinctive red, white and blue federal license plates.
In order to properly register a vehicle, all original ownership documents (and a copy of the leasing agreement, if applicable) must be submitted at the time of registration to this office. All vehicles must be properly insured at or above the minimum liability limits listed below. (see Financial Responsibility for limits). • $300,000 combined single limit.
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Once the proper documentation for registration is received, the Department issues an appropriate registration card, license plates and decals valid for one year. The vehicle title is retained by the DMV until the owner applies for a title to sell, title to export, or terminates employment with the mission. If a lien exists on the vehicle, it is recorded and a lien title is sent to the lien holder to protect the interest of the financial institution. When the vehicle is leased, a U.S. Department of State lien title will be sent to the lessor showing the leasing company as owner of the vehicle and the lessee as registered owner.
When the diplomat decides to dispose of the vehicle, the diplomat applies for a title to sell or title to export the vehicle. When the vehicle is leased, a U.S. Department of State lease title will be issued for disposition only by the owner (lessor) at the termination of the leasing contract.
Additionally, any time if payments are not made according to the loan or leasing agreement, the creditor has the right to repossess the vehicle. The Diplomatic Motor Vehicle Office, however, asks that we be contacted for information, instructions or assistance prior to repossessing any vehicle. We will be happy to help you in this situation in order to avoid any of violation of international law.
Registration and Titling
Diplomatic Motor Vehicle Office
3507 International Place, NW
Washington, DC 20008522-3303TELEPHONE: (202) 895-3532TELEFAX: (202) 895-3646
