Registration Renewal in Washington

The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) requires WA residents to renew their vehicle registration every year. Vehicle registration fees are instrumental for enabling the state of Washington to maintain a strong transportation infrastructure.

UPDATE: Washington Ends Vehicle Inspection Program

On January 2, 2020, the state of Washington ended its requirement for vehicle emissions inspections prior to registration and/or renewal. The clean air program begun in 1982 had a projected end date of 2020—as the state has confirmed a significant improvement in air quality, the program is no longer needed.

For more information, head over to the Washington Department of Ecology's announcement.

New to Washington?

This page discusses the requirements for renewing a WA vehicle's registration. If you just moved to Washington or need to register a vehicle for the first time, please see our first-time registration.

Washington Registration Renewal Notice

Because of the importance of renewing your WA registration, the DOL sends residents a registration (tab) renewal notice by mail or e-mail several weeks before the registration deadline. Renewal notices include:

  • Registration deadline.
  • Renewal fees.

To guarantee that you receive a renewal notice, sign up for e-mail reminders.

Didn't Receive a Renewal Notice?

You are still responsible for renewing your registration on time, whether you receive a renewal notice or not.

Renewing Your Registration

You may renew your Washington registration before it expires. You can renew in person, by mail, or online. When you renew, you may also need to replace your license plates (see below).

DID YOU KNOW?: Proof of car insurance may be REQUIRED when renewing your registration!

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Renew in Person

Visit your local DOL office with:

  • Your DOL renewal notice or current registration certificate.
  • Photo identification.
  • Proof of residence.
  • Payment for renewal fee (cash, check or money order―most, but not all, offices also take credit or debit cards).

You will be given your new Washington registration certificate and plate stickers before you leave.

Renew by Mail

To renew by mail:

  • Make sure your information is correct on the renewal notice.
  • Enclose renewal fee payment (check or money order) with your notice.
  • Mail documents and payment to the address listed on your DOL renewal notice.

Expect to receive your new registration and tabs within 5 business days. If you are having your tabs mailed to you out of state, it may take longer. You can contact the WA DOL to check the status of your registration renewal.

Renew Online

Before renewing your registration online, make sure that:

  • Your registration is current or has been expired for less than 12 months.
  • Your current address is on file with the DOL.

Once you're ready to renew online:

  • Go to the DOL's online renewal page and click on the “Start Renewal" box.
  • Enter your vehicle's license plate number.
  • Enter either your:
    • Last name.
      OR
    • Last four digits of your vehicle's identification number (VIN).
  • Enter the driver's license numbers for all registered owners of the vehicle.
  • Choose how you want to receive your new stickers and registration certificate:
    • By mail (delivered within 5 business days).
    • Pick up in person at your local DOL office.
  • Pay renewal fee with a MasterCard, Visa, or American Express.
  • Print out your renewal receipt.

DOL LicenseExpress

You also have the option of renewing your WA tabs online through the DOL's new LicenseExpress service.

To use LicenseExpress, you must create an account by providing such information as:

  • Your full name as listed on your WA driver's license or state ID card.
  • Your WA driver's license or state ID card number.
  • Your date of birth.
  • Your Social Security number.
  • Your vehicle license plate and VIN number.

Once you create an account, you will be able to renew multiple vehicles and conduct other online business with the DOL without having to enter your information for every transaction.

WA Registration Renewal Fees

While your renewal notice will include the amount you owe, you can also calculate for fees ahead of time using the state's Fee Calculator.

Fees vary depending on such things as:

  • Vehicle make, model, and year.
  • Vehicle weight.
  • County registered (e.g. Regional Transit Authority Tax for residents in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties).
  • Basic vehicle registration fees begin with a $30 license fee.

You may also need to pay a filing fee, a $8 service fee, and a $20 license plate fee if you need to get new plates.

WA License Plates

As of January 1st, 2015 Washington requires new license plates whenever a vehicle changes owners.

New plates are not required if:

  • A title change is due to removing a deceased spouse/domestic partner.
  • The ownership change is due to:
    • Inheritance or gift to a member of your immediate family.
    • A transfer between a spouse/domestic partner.
    • Transfer due to a vehicle into or out of a trust. (This only applies to the owner or their immediate family who are beneficiaries of the trust).

More information about getting new WA license plates, including replacing lost or stolen plates, may be found on our License Plate section.

Late Fees and Penalties

There are no late fees for failing to register by the deadline. However, you risk getting ticketed if you drive or park on city and state roads with expired tags.

WA Registration Renewal for Military Members

You may apply for a1 year extension on your registration if you are a Washington resident serving in the military and stationed outside of the state. To get an extension, you must apply either in person or by mail to your localDOL office with the following documents:
  • Your tab renewal notice.
  • A copy of your orders.
  • A check or money order for your renewal fees.

Need more information? Visit our Military Drivers section.

Renewing a Non-Operational Vehicle Registration

Non-operational vehicles do not require registration during dormancy. When you're ready to return your car to the road (or park on a city street), visit any vehicle licensing office with:

  • The vehicle's old license plates, if available. You will need to get new license plates if you don't have the old ones.
  • The vehicle's old registration certificate, if available.
  • The title. Apply for a duplicate if the original title is lost.
  • Proper ID (e.g. valid driver's license).
  • Payment for all required fees (see above for calculating fees).

Replacement Certificates, Stickers, and License Plates

If your WA plate, sticker, or certificate has been lost or damaged, you must get a replacement from the DOL.

You must also replace your Washington license plates if they are damaged or lost.

Washington Registration Renewal: FAQs

What do I need to renew my tabs in WA?

To renew your Washington tabs, you need your renewal notice or current registration and payment for your renewal fee.

Is there a late fee for expired tabs in Washington?

There are no late fees for expired tabs in Washington, though you risk getting ticketed for driving without valid registration.

How much are tabs in Washington State?

Your Louisiana registration renewal costs at least $30. You can calculate your renewal fee using the DMV's tab fee chart.

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