Refunds

How to apply for a refund

Use the Vehicle/Vessel Refund Application to apply for a refund of vehicle or boat (vessel) fees.

1. Complete the form and print it on white paper.
2. Gather your supporting documents, if necessary.
3. Mail the form and any additional documents to:
   Corrections and Refunds
   Department of Licensing
   PO Box 9037
   Olympia, WA 98507-9037

Additional documentation for some situations

We require additional documentation for some refund situations. Before the registration period starts, send us the documents listed under the situation that applies to you.

You renewed early and sold or traded your vehicle or vessel

If you renewed early and then sold or traded your vehicle or vessel, send us the tabs or decals you have not applied to your vehicle and one of the following:

• A bill of sale or invoice from a dealer with the vehicle identification number (VIN) or hull identification number (HIN)
• A Vehicle Report of Sale or a Vessel Report of Sale

Do not peel the backing on the tabs or stick them to the application or anything else. The backing must be on them. Tabs that have been previously or are currently stuck to any documentation will result in an automatic denial.

You renewed your vehicle/vessel registration in error

If you renewed your registration by mistake after you sold or traded your vehicle or vessel, send us one of the following documents:

• A bill of sale or invoice from a dealer with the VIN or HIN
• A Vehicle Report of Sale or a Vessel Report of Sale

Totaled or destroyed vehicles and vessels

If your insurance company totaled the vehicle or vessel, or if it was destroyed before the new registration started, send us proof of one of the following documents that shows the VIN or HIN, and date of loss:

• Insurance report
• Wrecker or scrap yard bill of sale
• Original title with "Destroyed" and the date of destruction written across the page

Vehicles and vessels registered in another state

If you changed your vehicle or vessel registration from Washington to another state, send us a copy of the current out-of-state registration in your name that includes the VIN or HIN and the issue date.

You removed the vehicle from Washington before a new registration period began

If you removed the vehicle from Washington before the new registration period began, send us one of the following documents:

• Copy of registration from another state
• Report of sale
• Bill of sale
• Dealer invoice showing trade-in, including VIN/HIN

You mistakenly registered twice during the same registration period

If you mistakenly registered your vehicle or vessel twice, send us all of the following documents:

• The duplicated registration
• The duplicate tabs or decals
• The second set of plates (if we issued you new plates)

Regional Transit Authority (RTA) exemptions

Verify if your primary address is outside the RTA/Sound Transit boundary on the Sound Transit website or learn more about RTA.

Non-resident military 

If you are a non-resident stationed in Washington, you are exempt from RTA/Sound Transit excise tax. Complete and submit the Non-Resident Military Affidavit for Exemption of Excise Tax form and both of the following:

• A copy of your current military orders showing dates or assignment to Washington
• A copy of your leave and earnings statement (LES)

Enrolled tribal members

Enrolled tribal members are exempt from RTA/Sound Transit excise tax. Complete and submit the Tribal certified Vehicle/Vessel Excise Tax Exemption Affidavit for Enrolled Tribal Member form.

Non-refundable taxes and fees

There are some taxes and fees that we cannot refund, however, you may be able to get a refund from another agency.

Sales or use tax

To apply for a refund of sales or use tax collected by the Department of Licensing, you must complete and submit the Department of Revenue Application for Refund of Use Tax form.

For any other questions or for more information, visit Department of Revenue's website or call them at 360-705-6705.

Filing or subagent fees

Contact the vehicle licensing office where you purchased your registration if you have questions.