Amateur Radio Operator (HAM)
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.
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
- What you need to do to qualify.
- Find out the initial cost for plates.
- Submit your proof, payment and application.
- Update your Good-to-Go! account, if needed.
- Renew your tabs and registration yearly.
1. What you need to do to qualify
You must be a WA state vehicle owner and have a current Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license. You're only allowed 1 set of plates for 1 vehicle registered in your name.
2. Find out the initial cost for plates
Note: These plates are not available for trailers.
| Vehicle type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger | $122.25 |
| Truck | $122.25 |
| Motorcycle | $35.25 |
Save money. If your tabs expire in 6 months or less, save money by getting your new plates and tabs at the same time.
You can't renew your tabs on a vehicle with HAM operator plates if the FCC license is due to expire 90 days before or 90 days after the tab renewal date. Bring an updated/current copy of your FCC license to a vehicle licensing office when renewing tabs on your HAM operator plates.
3. Submit your proof and payment with the application
Contact a vehicle licensing office to get the total cost of your plates.
Fill out the Specialty License Plate Application, include your payment, a copy of your FCC license, and a copy of your vehicle registration.
- Mail it to:
Special Plate Unit
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9909
Olympia, WA 98507-8500
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.