Purple Heart
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, if applicable.
1. Find out if you qualify
If you're a WA state vehicle owner and you have proof (DD214):
- That you were issued the Purple Heart
- or
- You're a surviving spouse or domestic partner of a deceased Purple Heart recipient.
Your first set of plates are exempt from licensing fees for 1 vehicle. You can buy Purple Heart plates for additional vehicles. Contact a vehicle licensing office to find out about fees required for additional plates.
These plates are not available for trailers.
2. Plate options
Contact a vehicle licensing office to find out the total cost to get these plates. You have 2 options for your Purple Heart 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 with the Military License Plate Application:
- Provide proof - a copy of your DD214.
- If you're a surviving spouse or domestic partner of a deceased Purple Heart recipient, provide a copy of the recipient's death certificate and an affidavit that you haven't remarried.
- Payment for any applicable fees.
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, if applicable
Your first set of plates are exempt from licensing fees for 1 vehicle. You must renew your plates every year if you chose to personalize your plates. This rule applies even if you're not using the vehicle (see Personalized plates). You must also renew any additional plates every year.