New law raises plate fees starting July 1, 2022
COVID-19 closures are affecting the production of our license plates, tabs, and decals. This is causing significant delays in our ability to issue them to you.
You may want to consider waiting to apply for a personalized or specialty plate.
If you have a temporary permit expiring soon, you can visit a vehicle licensing office to get a new one.
We don't have a timeline for when production delays will return to normal. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this causes.
The Gold Star plate is available for family members of a US armed forces member who died while in service to his or her country, or as a result of his or her service.
You must be a WA vehicle owner and request a certified letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs as proof that you are a:
*If you're a widow, widower, biological parent, adoptive parent, stepparent, or adult who fulfilled the parental role, such as foster parent, kinship provider or caretaker relative, your first set of plates are exempt from licensing fee for 1 vehicle.
If you're a widow or widower, you may also elect to use this exemption of licensing fees on another special plate background.
Additional plates are available, but they aren't exempt from licensing fees.
Contact a vehicle licensing office to find out the total cost to get these plates.
You have 2 options. If you want your Gold Star plates:
Mail your proof with the Military License Plate Application:
If you have a Good To Go! electronic tolling pass, be sure to update the contact information on your account with the Department of Transportation:
If you're a widow, widower, biological parent, adoptive parent, stepparent, or adult who fulfilled the parental role, such as foster parent, kinship provider or caretaker relative, your first set of plates are exempt from licensing fees for 1 vehicle.
You must renew your plates every year if you chose to personalize your plates. This rule applies even if you're not using the vehicle (see Personalized plates). You must also renew any additional plates every year.