Moving? Get WA plates

When to register your vehicle

When you move to Washington State, you have 30 days to title and register your vehicle. Once you do so, you’ll be issued Washington State license plates.

How to register your vehicle

You may title and register your vehicle in Washington State by mail or in person at a local vehicle licensing office.

By mail

1. Meet all of the special requirements that apply to your vehicle.
2. Submit the out-of-state title or, if there is a lien holder, a photocopy of the out-of-state title. If you don’t have your out-of-state title, contact a local vehicle licensing office for instructions on how to apply.
3. Submit a notarized Vehicle Certificate of Ownership Application signed by all registered owners.
4. Pay all applicable fees. Your title and registration fees depend on several factors, including the weight of your vehicle, where you live, and the types of license plates you want. To find out the fees for your vehicle, please contact a local vehicle licensing office or call us at 360-902-3770.
5. Mail your application documents and appropriate fees to any vehicle licensing office.

In person

1. Meet all of the special requirements that apply to your vehicle.
2. Present the out-of-state title or, if there is a lien holder, a photocopy of the out-of-state title. If you don’t have your out-of-state title, contact a local vehicle licensing office for instructions on how to apply.
3. Submit a Vehicle Certificate of Ownership Application. You may fill out the form ahead of time or at the vehicle licensing office, but all registered owners must sign the form at the licensing office so the agent can certify the signatures.
4. Pay all applicable fees. Your title and registration fees depend on several factors, including the weight of your vehicle, where you live, and the types of license plates you want. Some offices may charge an additional service fee. To find out the fees for your vehicle, please contact a local vehicle licensing office or call us at 360-902-3770.

Special requirements

• If the vehicle is a 2009 or newer car, light-duty truck, SUV, or passenger van, it must meet California emission standards to be registered, leased, rented, licensed, or sold for use in Washington. For more information, see Clean Car emission requirements.
• If the vehicle is 10 years old or newer, you must submit an Odometer Disclosure Statement with your application. You can get this form at any vehicle licensing office.
• If you live in certain counties in Washington, you may need to have an emissions test on your vehicle. See Emissions testing for more information.
• If your vehicle is a motor home, RV, or trailer, you may be required to present proof of sales tax. If you don’t have proof you paid sales tax when you purchased your vehicle, you will be required to pay use tax.
• If the weight of your vehicle isn’t on the title, you may be required to present a vehicle weight slip. Your local vehicle licensing office may be able to get the vehicle weight information for you. If necessary, you may weigh your vehicle at any scale house in Washington.
• If any owners listed on the out-of-state title are deceased or need to be removed due to divorce or other reasons, contact a local vehicle licensing office for further instructions.