How to Get Your Washington License Plate: A Complete Guide
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Every vehicle owner in the Evergreen State must have a registered Washington license plate. This guide covers everything you need to know to register your vehicle, including eligibility requirements, fees, and essential insurance information.
Introduction to Washington License Plates
Washington requires the registration of all vehicles driven on public roads. This process ensures cars meet safety standards, are properly identified, and contribute to funding state transportation infrastructure. When you register your vehicle with the vehicle licensing office, you'll receive a Washington State license plate. The Washington car registration and plate prove that your car can legally operate on public roads.
To register your vehicle with the Department of Licensing (DOL), you must provide proof of ownership, vehicle identification, and proof of Washington car insurance. You'll also need to pay any applicable fees.
You can choose from several plate styles, including standard-issue plates, personalized plates with custom messages, and specialty plates that allow you to support your favorite sports team, showcase your alma mater, or contribute to environmental causes.
Whatever design you choose, remember that your Washington license plate must be renewed every 12 months. You can typically renew in person, by mail, or online. The registration process can vary slightly depending on the method, but the required registration details will likely be the same.
Now that you understand the state's license plate and registration process, it's time to learn more specific details.
How To Obtain a Washington License Plate
Vehicle owners can follow a three-step process to prove ownership and verify vehicle details to receive Washington license plates.
1. Gather Necessary Documents
Start by gathering all the essential paperwork:
- Proof of residency: Only Washington State residents can purchase state license plates. Usually, a driver's license is sufficient, but you can use another form of government-issued identification.
- Proof of ownership: Appropriate documents include the title or bill of sale. If you bought your car from a dealership, it might handle the paperwork, so ask.
- Proof of insurance: You must provide proof of Washington car insurance before registering your car in the state. The state requires all vehicle owners to carry minimum liability coverage.
- Inspection reports (in some cases): Depending on the vehicle type and age, you might need to submit inspection reports for emissions, safety, or odometer readings. Most state inspection requirements expired in 2020, but some, like physical inspections, still exist for certain types of vehicles — homemade, rebuilt, and those without a proper VIN.
2. Visit a Licensing Office
You'll need to visit a physical licensing location for the initial vehicle registration. Subsequent renewals can often be completed online or by mail. However, to make initial registrations more convenient, Washington has licensing subagents (private businesses) that can process vehicle registrations and issue plates.
You'll need to fill out an application for a Washington license plate. The application covers front and rear plates, which are required for most classes of vehicles, including passenger vehicles.
Once the application is complete, you can pay any required fees. Fees vary based on several factors, such as vehicle age, type, and county of residence. Licensing offices typically accept cash, checks, and credit cards.
3. Get Your Tags
When you finish applying and paying for your tags, the licensing office will issue temporary paper tags valid for 60 days. You'll then receive your permanent plate in the mail.
The timeline for receiving your permanent plates depends on their availability and whether you requested custom license plates. Custom Washington license plate options might take longer to arrive than standard tags.
Renewing Your License Plate
Residents must renew Washington State license plates annually. Drivers who don't renew face fines for license plate expiration and other penalties for driving with expired tags. To avoid fines and penalties, sign up for email reminders with the Department of Insurance.
The state makes it easy to renew all license plate types. You can do it online, by mail, or in person, whichever you prefer. You'll need a copy of your current registration, proof of insurance and residency, and payment.
Replacing a Lost or Damaged License Plate
Life happens, and Washington license plates can get lost, stolen, or damaged. For replacement plates, do the following:
- For thefts, report the stolen plates.
- Gather necessary documents (driver's license, vehicle information, and the Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest form).
- Visit a licensing office with a completed License Plate Replacement Application.
- Pay applicable fees (fees vary based on license plate type).
A quick note: Replacements for stolen plates won't have the same number as the original.
Transferring Plates From Another State to Washington
When you move to Washington, you have 30 days to register your vehicle. The 30-day countdown begins after establishing residency and getting a state driver's license. Once you have a license, visit a local licensing office with the following:
- Out-of-state title
- Proof of ownership
- Proof of Washington insurance
- Completed registration application
It's best to apply for a Washington license plate early to avoid any issues with your 30-day deadline.
Customizing Your Washington License Plate
If you want your license plates to stand out, do a quick license plate search to see which customization options are available. Choose from personalized plates for a custom combination of letters and numbers or special designs to show your support for different causes, organizations, or groups. Use the online search tool to check availability and pricing.
Common Issues and How To Avoid Them
The most common issues when applying for or renewing license tags are missing or incorrect documents and information. To avoid these problems, double-check all requirements and information before visiting the licensing office.
Get Your Washington License Plate and Save on Car Insurance
Before getting a Washington license plate, you must buy insurance. There is no need to overspend on coverage. Use EverQuote to compare multiple insurance quotes simultaneously — and for free — to find the best policy for you.