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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

Filing or subagent fees

Contact the vehicle licensing office where you purchased your registration if you have questions.

Instructions

  1. Complete the form and print it on white paper.
  2. 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

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