LOST OR STOLEN LICENSE PLATES

As soon as license plates are lost, stolen or illegible they must be replaced.

In order to replace your plates you must:

• Fill in Affidavit of Loss and have it notarized.
• Visit your local Vehicle Licensing Office.
• Complete the replacement application.
• Present proper photo identification.
• Pay the license plate replacement fees.
• Surrender the remaining plate if you have one (you may also shred it or render it in such a way as to be unusable).

CUSTOM AND PERSONALIZED PLATES

Regular Series

These are the different types of plates in the regular series: Auto, Commercial, Trailer, and Motorcycle. Please see the proper application forms for regular series license plates. When you have completed the forms, take them to your local Vehicle Licensing Office and submit them with the appropriate fees (see below).

Special Interest Plates

The following is a list of some examples of special interest plates: Collegiate, Military, Organizations, Parks and environment, Service organizations and associations, Sports and hobbies and Miscellaneous. When you have completed the forms, take them to your local Vehicle Licensing Office and submit them with the appropriate fees (see below).

FEES

The fees for replacing a license plate or getting new plates vary depending on the type of plate you need. For more information on these fees please follow the link for Special Interest Plate Fees, Personalized Plate Fees and Regular Series Fees.

WHAT TO DO WITH PLATES WHEN BUYING/SELLING A VEHICLE

Under Washington Law it is NOT mandatory to retain standard license plates from a vehicle when selling. The plates will remain with the buyer once the ownership of the vehicle has been transferred.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• See DOL hours and locations.
• See link for disabled drivers.
• Please visit DMV.com's Washington home page for other topics on driving in this state.