Fee refunds: Vehicles and boats
Use the Vehicle/Vessel Refund Application to apply for a refund of vehicle or boat (vessel) fees.
Additional documentation is required in the following situations:
If you renewed your vehicle/vessel registration early and you sold or traded it before the next registration started, bring or send us the following before the registration starts:
- Tabs were not placed on the license plate or
- Decals were not placed on the vessel,
- and
- Proof of sale documentation showing the VIN/HIN, such as:
- Vehicle/vessel Report of Sale
- and
- Bill of sale or Invoice showing trade-in to dealer.
If you renewed your vehicle/vessel registration in error after you sold or traded it, bring or send us the following:
- Proof of sale documentation showing the VIN/HIN, such as:
- Vehicle/vessel Report of Sale
- and
- Bill of sale or invoice showing trade-in to dealer.
If the vehicle/vessel was destroyed or totaled before the new registration started, bring us proof that shows the VIN/HIN, and date of loss. Such as:
- Insurance report,
- Wrecker bill of sale,
- "Current original" Certificate of Ownership (title) — write "destroyed" across the page and include the date of destruction.
If the vehicle/vessel was registered in WA and is now registered in another state by you, bring us a copy of the current out-of-state registration in your name.
If the vehicle/vessel was removed from WA before the start of the new registration, bring us documentation proving it was permanently removed from Washington. Proof can be any of the following items:
- Copy of registration from another state,
- Report of sale,
- Bill of sale,
- or
- Dealer invoice showing trade-in, including VIN/HIN.
If the vehicle/vessel was registered in WA twice by the same owner for the same registration period, bring us:
- The duplicated registration and tabs/decal
- If new plates were issued, return the plates
If you're 100% Disabled American Veterans, Former Prisoners of War and Gold Star Widow/Widowers are exempt from licensing fees.
After you've been approved by our Special Plates Unit, you can request a refund for your vehicle registration fees. Call us for instructions: 360.902.3780.
Non-resident military are exempt from RTA/Sound Transit excise tax
Complete the Non-Resident Military Affidavit for Exemption of Excise Tax form.
Enrolled tribal members are exempt from RTA/Sound Transit excise tax
Complete and Tribal certified Vehicle/Vessel Excise Tax Exemption Affidavit for Enrolled Tribal Member
To verify if your primary address is outside the RTA/Sound Transit boundary visit the Sound Transit website.
Taxes and fees we can't refund
Sales or use tax
- To apply for a refund of sales or use tax collected by the Department of Licensing, you must complete and submit the Department of Revenue Application for Refund of Use Tax form.
- For any other questions or for more information contact the Department of Revenue at 360.705.6705 or visit their website: http://dor.wa.gov/.
Filing or subagent fees
Contact the vehicle licensing office where you purchased your registration if you have questions.
Instructions
- Complete the form and print it on white paper.
- Mail the completed form with any required supporting documents to:
Refunds and Title Services
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9037
Olympia, WA 98507-9037
Questions? Need help?
Call us: 360.902.3770 option 5