Washington Vehicle Registration -- Moved to Seattle

Moving to Seattle? Get Washington License Plates

When to register your vehicle

When you move to Washington State, you have 30 days to title and register your vehicle. Once you do so, you will be issued Washington State license plates.

How to register your vehicle

You may title and register your vehicle in Washington State by mail or in person at a local vehicle licensing office.

By mail

1. Meet all of the special requirements that apply to your vehicle.
2. Submit the out-of-state title, or if there is a lien holder, a photocopy of the out-of-state title. If you do not have your out-of-state title, contact a local vehicle licensing office for instructions on how to apply.
3. Submit a notarized Vehicle Certificate of Ownership Application signed by all registered owners.
4. Pay all applicable fees. Your title and registration fees depend on several factors, including the weight of your vehicle, where you live, and the types of license plates you want. To find out exactly how much the fees will be for your vehicle, please contact a local vehicle licensing office or call us at (360) 902-3770, option 5.
5. Mail your application documents and appropriate fees to any vehicle licensing office.

In person

1. Meet all of the special requirements that apply to your vehicle.
2. Present the out-of-state title, or if there is a lien holder, a photocopy of the out-of-state title. If you do not have your out-of-state title, contact a local vehicle licensing office for instructions on how to apply.
3. Submit a Vehicle Certificate of Ownership Application. You may fill out the form ahead of time or at the vehicle licensing office, but ALL registered owners must sign the form at the licensing office so the agent can certify the signatures.
4. Pay all applicable fees. Your title and registration fees depend on several factors, including the weight of your vehicle, where you live, and the types of license plates you want. To find out exactly how much the fees will be for your vehicle, please contact a local vehicle licensing office or call us at (360) 902-3770, option 5. The licensing agent may charge an additional fee when you visit the office.

Special requirements

• If the vehicle is 10 years old or newer, you must submit an Odometer Disclosure Statement with your application. You can get this form at any vehicle licensing office.
• If you live in certain counties in Washington, you MAY need to have an emissions test on your vehicle. See Emissions testing for more information.
• If your vehicle is a motor home, RV, or trailer, you MAY be required to present proof of sales tax. If you do not have proof you paid sale tax when you purchased your vehicle, you will be required to pay use tax.
• If the weight of your vehicle is not on the title, you MAY be required to present a vehicle weight slip. Your local vehicle licensing office may be able to get the vehicle weight information for you. If necessary, you may weigh your vehicle at any scale house in Washington.
• If any owners listed on the out-of-state title are deceased or need to be removed due to divorce or other reasons, contact a local vehicle licensing office for further instructions.

Clean Car Law

Starting with 2009 models, new vehicles must meet strict clean air standards to be registered, leased, rented, licensed, or sold for use in Washington. This includes cars, light duty trucks, and passenger vehicles (SUVs and passenger vans).

New vehicles that do not meet clean car standards cannot be registered, licensed, rented, or sold for use in Washington.

To learn more, visit the Department of Ecology website for Washington Clean Car Information.

Find information about specific to Seattle vehicle-related matters such as renewing your tags, transferring or replacing a title, ordering specialized or vanity plates or obtaining a bill of sale. If you’ve misplaced your Seattle, WA registration card, need to submit a change of address, or have questions on vehicle inspection and smog, you’ll find what you need here.

We also cover special vehicles such as motorcycles, boats, RVs and custom-built cars. Need information on registering a salvaged vehicle in Washington? No problem.

Because not all Seattle DOL-related business can be conducted online, we offer Seattle locations and hours info for the branch office nearest to your Seattle neighborhood. Just be sure you schedule an appointment in advance.