Whether you recently moved to Washington or are moving soon, you'll need to register your out-of-state vehicle and get new plates.
Before you get started
- You must get your Washington driver license before you can register your vehicle(s).
- Note: Driver licensing and vehicle licensing are done in separate locations. View our driver licensing office locations.
- You have 30 days after moving to Washington to get your driver license and register your vehicle.
- If you aren't sure what steps to take to register a vehicle, contact a vehicle licensing office. They'll be happy to give you information on steps, documentation, and fees.
Vehicle Safety Notifications
You may see a change on your vehicle renewal notice or when registering a vehicle for the first time. We'll give you any open safety recalls for your vehicle on your renewal notice or at time of registration. You can still renew your registration. We get recall information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Visit www.nhtsa.gov/recalls for more information on recalls.
1. Gather the information you need
Bring your current title to any vehicle licensing office for assistance. Remember to write down the mileage from your odometer before you go into the office.
- To complete the transaction by mail, call a vehicle licensing office. They'll help you get the necessary forms and inform you of any fees.
- If the bank currently holds your title, call a vehicle licensing office to get their fax number. Your bank will need it to fax them a copy of the title.
- Not all offices accept debit or credit. Contact a vehicle licensing office to check what types of payment they accept.
2. Get your license plates
If you go to an office, you'll get them right away. If you submit your application by mail, it may take up to 3 weeks from the date we get your application.
You may also want to find out about:
3. Set up a License eXpress account
Once you've registered your vehicle(s), you can add them to your License eXpress account. With License eXpress, you can manage all your vehicles:
- See when your vehicle's tabs are due.
- Make sure your address is up-to-date.
- Sign up or update email renewal notices and more.
Login or create a License eXpress account
4. Open a Good To Go! account
If you travel the routes listed below and need to pay tolls, you may also want to register for a Good to Go! account:
