Moving to WA? Get plates

Overview

1. Get a WA driver license
2. Find out what you need depending on your situation
3. Submit your forms and payment
4. Get your plates
5. Set up a License eXpress account
6. Open a Good-to-Go! account, if needed

1. Get a WA driver license

First get your WA driver license then register your vehicle(s). You have 30 days once you establish residency here to get your driver license, register your vehicle(s) and get new plates.

2. Find out what you need depending on your situation

Call a vehicle licensing office to find out what your fees will be and what you need to do next. You may also need to meet one or more of these requirements:

What to do to if you're registering an out of state vehicle

If you're registering an out of state vehicle	Then you must
That's model year 2010 or older:	You don't have to report the Odometer miles
That's model year 2011 or newer:	Fill out the Odometer Disclosure Statement on the Title. Most titles have an Odometer Disclosure Statement section. If you don't have the Title, you can get an Odometer Disclosure form at your local vehicle licensing office. To get one: Visit a vehicle licensing office. Call us: 360.902.3770. We'll mail it to you within 2 business days.
That's 2009 or newer: Car Light-duty truck SUV Passenger van	It must meet California emission standards to be registered, leased, rented, licensed, or sold for use in WA. See Clean Car emission requirements.
That's been registered in another state and owned for less than 90 days.	Include: Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale (English, Español, Русский, and more) or Dealership purchase agreement showing proof of any taxes paid.
Where the vehicle weight doesn't show on the title.	You may be required to show the vehicle weight slip. You could get the weight from a vehicle licensing office or weigh your vehicle at a scale house in WA.
Where any owners listed on the title are deceased or need to be removed.	Contact a vehicle licensing office for instructions.
That's an RV, motor home, or trailer.	You may be required to present proof of sales tax. If you don't have proof you'll be required to pay use tax.

You may also want to find out about:

• Personalized and special design plates
• Off-road vehicles
• Boats

3. Submit your forms and payment

Mail or bring the following to a vehicle licensing office:

• Vehicle Title Application (English, Español, Русский, and more).
  • In an office: Sign the form in front of the agent.
  • If you're mailing: Sign the form in front of a notary.
• The current Certificate of Title of your vehicle.
  • Still making payments on your vehicle? Have your lending institution fax a copy of your title to a vehicle licensing office. Once it's paid off, you can apply for a WA title.
  • If you don't have the title, contact an office.
• Payment for the fees — call a vehicle licensing office to find out what your fees will be.

4. Get your plates

If you go to an office, you'll get them right away. If you mail in, it may take up to 3 weeks from the date we get your application.

5. Set up a License eXpress account

Once you've registered your vehicle(s), you can add them to your License eXpress account. With License eXpress, you can manage all your vehicles:

• See when your vehicle's tabs are due.
• Make sure your address is up-to-date.
• Sign up or update email renewal notices and more.

Learn more about License eXpress

6. Open a Good To Go! account

If you travel these routes and need to pay tolls you may also want to register for a Department of Transportation Good to Go! account:

• SR 520 Bridge
• Tacoma Narrows Bridge
• SR 167 HOT Lanes
• I-405 Express Toll Lanes

Related information

• Moving? Get WA driver license
• For military personnel

Questions? Need help?

Call us: 360.902.3900 (TTY: Call 711)