Horseless carriage license plates

Horseless Carriage plates

Vehicle requirements

To use Horseless Carriage plates, vehicles must be:

  • More than 40 years old.
  • Owned and operated as collector vehicles.
  • Capable of operating on the highway.

Vehicles with Horseless Carriage plates may be driven:

  • To and from auto shows, circuses, parades, displays, special excursions, and antique car club meetings.
  • For testing purposes.
  • For the pleasure of others without compensation.

Vehicles with Horseless Carriage plates may not be used for:

  • Commercial purposes or to carry a load.
  • Regular transportation in the manner of a fully licensed vehicle.

License plate requirements

Antique or collector license plates, which include Horseless Carriage, Collector Vehicle, or restored license plates:

  • May be assigned to currently registered passenger vehicle, motorcycles, or trucks.
  • Are good for the life of vehicle.
  • Aren’t required to display month/year tab.
  • Aren’t renewed annually.
  • Must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle. If you provide a set of plates, you may display one on the front and the other on the back of the vehicle.
  • May be applied for through any licensing office. You must provide restored plates.

Option to use restored license plates

You may use a restored license plate on your antique vehicle instead of a Horseless Carriage license plate. Restored license plates are Washington-issued license plates that were designed for use in the year of the vehicle’s manufacture. The license plates must be restored so they can be identified with their year of issue. A reproduction of the original can’t be used as a restored license plate.

How to apply for horseless carriage plates

  1. Complete a Special License Plate Application.
  2. Contact your local licensing office to determine the exact cost of your plates, including all licensing and service fees
  3. If you want to use restored license plates, provide your restored license plate (or plates) for the vehicle.
  4. Submit your completed application, plates, and fees:
    • In person at a vehicle licensing office.
    • or
    • By mail to:
      Vehicle Licensing
      Department of Licensing
      PO Box 9909
      Olympia, WA 98507-8500

How to renew

You aren’t required to renew your Horseless Carriage license plates.

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