Purple Heart plates

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.

Overview

Find out if you qualify.
Plate options.
Submit your proof and application.
Update your Good-to-Go! account, if needed.
Renew your plates, if applicable.

1. Find out if you qualify

If you're a WA state vehicle owner and you have proof (DD214):

That you were issued the Purple Heart
or
You're a surviving spouse or domestic partner of a deceased Purple Heart recipient.

Your first set of plates are exempt from licensing fees for 1 vehicle. You can buy Purple Heart plates for additional vehicles. Contact a vehicle licensing office to find out about fees required for additional plates.

These plates are not available for trailers.

2. Plate options

Contact a vehicle licensing office to find out the total cost to get these plates. You have 2 options for your Purple Heart plates:

To get the next available number, continue to step 3. Submit your proof and application
Or get Personalized plates.

3. Submit your proof and application

Mail your proof with the Military License Plate Application:

Provide proof - a copy of your DD214.
If you're a surviving spouse or domestic partner of a deceased Purple Heart recipient, provide a copy of the recipient's death certificate and an affidavit that you haven't remarried.
Payment for any applicable fees.

4. Update your Good To Go! account, if needed

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:

Online: www.wsdot.wa.gov/goodtogo/
By phone: 866.936.8246

5. Renew your plates, if applicable

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.