Restored license plates

Restored plates

A restored license plate is a Washington-issued license plate that was designed for use in the year of the vehicle’s manufacture. The restored license plate may be used on an antique or collector vehicle instead of a standard license plate or horseless carriage license plate.

The license plate must be restored to a condition that allows it to be identified with its year of issue. A reproduction of the original cannot be used as a restored license plate.

Vehicle requirements

To use restored plates, a vehicle must be:

  • a collector vehicle over 30 years old, or an antique vehicle (horseless carriage) over 40 years old.
  • owned and operated as collector vehicles.
  • capable of operating on the highway.

Vehicles with restored 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 restored 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, and restored license plates:

  • may be assigned to currently registered passenger vehicles, motorcycles, or trucks.
  • are good for the life of vehicle.
  • are not required to display month/year tab.
  • are not 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 the restored plates.

How to apply

  1. Provide your restored license plates and the title for the vehicle.
  2. Complete a Adobe PDF iconSpecial License Plate Application.
  3. Contact your local vehicle licensing office to determine the exact cost of your license plates, including all licensing fees.
  4. Take the completed application, restored license plates, title, and all appropriate fees to a vehicle licensing office.
  5. OR
  6. Mail them to:
    Vehicle Licensing
    Department of Licensing
    PO Box 9909
    Olympia, WA 98507-8500

How to renew

You are not required to renew your restored license plates.