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Renew your tabs

I-976 ($30 car tab) information

Voters approved Initiative 976 in the election on November 5, 2019. A King County Superior Court judge has since issued an injunction. This means we will continue to collect all current vehicle fees and taxes unless the court directs otherwise. Learn more from our I-976 Fact Sheet.

To find out what your specific fees will be, visit a vehicle licensing office location.

Your tab renewal options:

How can I estimate my fees?

When do I need to renew my tabs?

Tabs expire every year.

To see when they're due, look at your license plate for the expiration month and year. You can also check your License eXpress account – it'll show you the month, day, and year they expire. It will show the address and email addresses we have for your vehicles.

Do you want to get renewal reminders?

What might I need to do before or when I renew?

Donations and other options when you renew:

How long does it take to get my tabs?

  • By mail, within 5 business days. If you don't get them within:
  • If you're picking them up, they should be ready when you get to the office. You'll need to show photo ID.
  • If someone else is picking them up, see the Authorized representative section below. They'll need to show photo ID.

If you don't get the tabs you purchased, contact a vehicle licensing location. We may be able to send a replacement, at no cost, if you meet these requirements:

  • We verify that we issued the tabs, but you haven't received them within 15-90 days.
  • We have your current mailing address.
  • Return the original tabs to any vehicle licensing office, if they're ever found.

Authorized representative

Registered owners may authorize a representative to purchase and pick up a vehicle or vessel registration and plates. The authorized representative must present a valid photo ID and:

  • A Power of Attorney
  • A written permission, such as a note or check containing the following information:
    • Name and signature of the registered owners, and
    • Plate number, VIN, registration number, or HIN

If the person purchasing/picking up has the same last name or address as your customer on their photo ID, written authorization is not necessary.

Public disclosure laws require proof of identity whenever personally identifiable information is provided.

Business authorization

A business owner or representative picking up registration documents for an internet or mail in renewal must provide the office with a reasonable connection to that business. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Business card with photo ID
  • Signed letter on business letterhead
  • Attire with business logo
  • Phone call from business

Are you part of the military or uniformed services?

If you're stationed outside of Washington when your tabs expire, you may be able to get a new expiration date.

If your current tabs expired less than 12 months ago, we'll give you a new full year registration period. Apply for a new registration period through a vehicle licensing location:

  • By mail - Send all items below to an office of your choice:
    • Your tab renewal notice
    • Copy of your military orders
    • Check/money order payable to DOL
  • or
  • In person - Bring a copy of your military orders, so we can verify your deployment dates, with a check or money order for fees.

Can I deduct any of my fees from my federal taxes?

Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Motor Vehicle Excise Tax and Watercraft Excise Tax may be deductible. Check with your tax advisor.

Related information

Questions? Need help?

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