License plate shortage update
To address an ongoing shortage of standard vehicle Washington license plates, we are temporarily authorizing the printing and use of non-embossed plates.
The transition to non-embossed plates will begin the week of September 23.
Visit our Licensing Express page to learn more.
Rideshare
Special plates production delay warning
We're experiencing significant delays in our ability to issue personalized and specialty plates. Due to this delay, you may want to consider waiting to apply for a personalized or specialty plate. We don't have a timeline for when production delays will return to normal.
If you applied and your temporary license plate is expiring soon, visit a vehicle licensing office to get a new one.
We apologize for any inconvenience this causes.
Overview
- Decide what you'd like to have on your plate.
- Find out the initial cost for plates.
- Submit your application and payment.
- Update your Good-to-Go! account, if needed.
- Renew your tabs and registration yearly.
1. Decide what you'd like to have on your plate
You must be a WA state vehicle owner, to get these plates.
If you own the rideshare van, you may be exempt from sales and use tax. To receive the tax exemption, vans must:
- Have a seating capacity of 15 or less.
- or
- Be used regularly as a ride-sharing vehicle to transport 3 or more people. This includes the driver.
- or
- Be used for ridesharing for persons with special transportation needs. A public social service agency or private non-profit provider must provide this transportation.
2. Find out the initial cost for plates
| Vehicle type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger/truck | $62.25 |
Save money. If your tabs expire in 6 months or less, save money by getting your new plates and tabs at the same time.
Contact a vehicle licensing office to find out the total cost of your plates.
3. Submit your applications and payment
- Rideshare Plate Application:
Special Plate Unit
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9043
Olympia, WA 98507-8500 - Rider List.
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 tabs and registration yearly
You'll need to pay the renewal fees to renew your tabs and registration every year, even if you're not using the vehicle.