Coast Guard
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
- Find out if you qualify.
- Plate options.
- Submit your proof and application.
- Update your Good-to-Go! account, if needed.
- Renew your plates.
1. Find out if you qualify
You must be a WA state vehicle owner and one of the following:
- Veteran
- Active duty military employee
- Reservist
- Washington National Guard member
- Spouse of deceased veteran
- Family member of one of the above
2. Plate options
These plates are flat. They don't have raised characters.
Contact a vehicle licensing office to find out the total cost of your plates.
You have 2 options for your Armed Forces plates:
- To get the next available number, continue to step 3. Submit your proof and application
- Or get Personalized plates.
3. Submit your proof and application
Mail your proof along with the Military License Plate Application:
- DD214
- Military ID
- or
- Declaration of Fact (See the signature box on Military License Plate Application)
- and
- Payment for any applicable fees
4. Remember to update your Good To Go! account
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
You must renew your plates every year, even if you're not using the vehicle. If you have personalized plates, see Personalized plates.
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 Veterans Stewardship Account at the Department of Veterans Affairs.