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.
Western Washington University
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 payment and application.
- Update your Good-to-Go! account, if needed.
- Renew your plates 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 want your special design plates:
- To get the next available number, continue to step 3. Submit your payment and application.
- To have it personalized, see Get personalized plates.
Note: These plates are flat — they don't have raised characters.
Note: These plates are not available for trailers.
2. Find out the initial cost for plates
Initial cost for plates with the next available number
| Vehicle type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger | $157.25 |
| Truck | $157.25 |
| Motorcycle | $75.25 |
Initial cost for personalized plates
| Vehicle type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger | $209.25 |
| Truck | $209.25 |
| Motorcycle | $127.25 |
Save money when renewing your tabs early and getting new personalized or specialty plates
If your tabs expire in 6 months or less, you can save money by getting your new plates and tabs at the same time. By renewing early, you won't have to pay the following plate renewal fees the first year:
- $30 for specialty plates
- $42 for personalized plates
Note: $28 of fees go to support Western Washington University.
3. Submit your payment and application
To find out the total cost of your plates, contact a vehicle licensing office.
Mail your payment and Specialty License Plate Application to the address on the form.
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 plates yearly
You must renew your plates every year.