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 will 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 do not 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 exactly how much the fees will be for your vehicle, please contact a local vehicle licensing office or call us at (360) 902-3770, option 5.
5. Mail your application documents with the fee to:
   
   Vehicle Licensing
   Department of Licensing
   Box 9909
   Olympia, WA 98507-9909

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 do not 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. To find out exactly how much the fees will be for your vehicle, please contact a local vehicle licensing office or call us at (360) 902-3770, option 5. The licensing agent may charge an additional fee when you visit the office.

Special requirements

• 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 do not have proof you paid sale tax when you purchased your vehicle, you will be required to pay use tax.
• If the weight of your vehicle is not 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.