Personalized plates with a special background design

You may purchase personalized plates with a special background design for use on most vehicle types currently licensed in Washington State. These plates allow you to put your personalized message on a special background design.

Acceptable messages

The rules for what you can put on your personalized plates with a special background design are the same as the rules for standard personalized plates.

Background designs

You can request a personalized plate with most available special design plate backgrounds, EXCEPT the following:

• Medal of Honor
• Former prisoner of war
• Pearl Harbor survivor
• Disabled American veteran
• Collector vehicle
• Restored
• Horseless carriage
• Amateur radio operator (HAM)
• Military Affiliate Radio Service (MARS)

How to apply

If you don’t have personalized plates, or already have standard special design plates:

1. Check to make sure the personalized plate you want is available and that your choice meets personalized plate requirements.
2. Complete a Personalized License Plate Application.
3. Submit your application and all licensing fees:
   • By mail to:
     Vehicle Licensing
     Department of Licensing
     PO Box 9043
     Olympia, WA 98507-9043
   • In person at:
     King County Licensing Section
     500 4th Ave, #401
     Seattle, WA 98104

If you already have standard personalized plates:

Visit your local vehicle licensing office to add a special background design.

Fees

First-time fees

The total cost of your personalized plates with a special background design will depend on the type of vehicle you are licensing and the type of license plates you already have. Please contact your local vehicle licensing office to determine the exact cost for new plates.

Renewal fees

When you renew the tabs for your personalized plates with a special background design, you must pay the following fees:

• Standard licensing fees.
• Personalized plate fee.
• The fee for the special design background you select.

If your tabs are due to expire within 6 months, you can use the Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator to find out how much it will cost to renew.

How to renew

You can renew:

• Online.
• In person at a vehicle licensing office.
• By mail by following the instructions on your vehicle renewal notice.