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Moving? Get WA plates

When to register your vehicle

When you move to Washington, you have 30 days to title and register your vehicle after it arrives in the state. 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 by mail or at a local vehicle licensing office.

By mail

  1. Meet all of the special requirements that apply to your vehicle.
  2. Submit all of the following:
    • A completed Vehicle Certificate of Ownership Application. The applications must be:
      • Notarized
        and
      • Signed by all registered owners
    • The out-of-state title.
      • If you’re making payments on the vehicle, submit a copy of the front and back of the out-of-state title.
      • If you don’t have an out-of-state title, contact a vehicle licensing office for instructions.
    • A check or money order for all applicable fees (payable to the Department of Licensing).
      • To find out the fees for your vehicle, please contact a vehicle licensing office or call us at 360-902-3770. 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.
  3. Mail your application documents and fees to any vehicle licensing office.

At an office

  1. Meet all of the special requirements that apply to your vehicle.
  2. Visit a vehicle licensing office and submit all of the following:
    • A Vehicle Certificate of Ownership Application.
      • You may fill out the form ahead of time or at the office, but all registered owners must sign the form at the licensing office so the agent can certify the signatures.
    • The out-of-state title.
      • If you’re making payments on the vehicle, submit a copy of the front and back of the out-of-state title.
      • If you don’t have the out-of-state title, contact a vehicle licensing office for instructions.
    • All applicable fees.
      • To find out the fees for your vehicle, please contact a vehicle licensing office or call us at 360-902-3770. 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.

Special requirements

If you’re registering a… Meet this requirement…
Vehicle that 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.
2009 or newer:
  • Car
  • Light-duty truck
  • SUV
  • Passenger van
 The vehicle 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.
Vehicle in any of the following counties:
  • Clark County
  • King County
  • Pierce County
  • Snohomish County
  • Spokane County
 You may need to pass an emissions test before you can register your vehicle. See Emissions testing for more information.
  • Motor home
  • RV
  • Trailer
 You may be required to present proof of sales tax. If you don’t have proof that you paid sales tax when you purchased your vehicle, you’ll be required to pay use tax.
Vehicle where the vehicle weight isn’t on the out-of-state 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.
Vehicle where 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.

See also:

Access Washington