Whether you recently moved to Washington or are moving soon, you'll need to register your out-of-state vehicle and get new plates.
Before you get started
- You must get your Washington driver license before you can register your vehicle(s).
- Note: Driver licensing and vehicle licensing are done in separate locations. View our office locations here.
- You have 30 days after moving to Washington to get your license and register your vehicle.
- If you aren't sure what steps to take to register a vehicle, contact a vehicle licensing office. They'll be happy to give you information on steps, documentation, and fees.
1. Gather the information you need
Vehicle Title Application form
If you're coming into an office, we will complete the form for you in person. If you're mailing the form, you'll need to complete the form and sign it in front of a notary public.
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Certificate of Title of your vehicle
- If you are currently making payments on your vehicle, have your lending institution fax a copy of your title to a vehicle licensing office Once it's paid off, you can apply for a WA title.
- If you don't have the title, contact our office
- Payment for the fees — call a vehicle licensing office to find out what your fees will be
Report odometer miles
Depending on the type of vehicle, the model, and the year it was made, you may need to fill out an Odometer Disclosure Statement on your title. You need to fill out this section on your title if your vehicle's model year is 2011 or newer. If you do not have the vehicle's title, you can get an odometer disclosure form at your local vehicle licensing office.
2. Get your license plates
If you go to an office, you'll get them right away. If you mail it in, it may take up to three weeks from the date we get your application.
You may also want to find out about:
3. Set up a License eXpress account
Once you've registered your vehicle(s), you can add them to your License eXpress account. With License eXpress, you can manage all your vehicles:
- See when your vehicle's tabs are due
- Make sure your address is up-to-date
- Sign up or update email renewal notices and more
Learn more about License eXpress
4. Open a Good To Go! account
If you travel these routes and need to pay tolls you may also want to register for a Department of Transportation Good to Go! account: