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Special Vehicles in Washington
Does My Recreational Vehicle Need to Be Registered?
Washington's Department of Licensing (DOL) requires just about every wheeled-vehicle, including snowmobiles and trailers, operating on public roads and property, to be registered.
Fortunately, for simplicity's sake, the process is similar to registering a vehicle. Only the fees are different.
All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Registration
If you intend to only operate your ATV on private property, you do not have to notify the DOL. Otherwise you must register it.
Visit any vehicle licensing office, making sure to bring the signed-over title, photo identification and the ability to pay all applicable fees, which includes a sales tax. There are no downloadable application forms. All of the paperwork will be issued by a vehicle licensing agent.
Snowmobile Registration
All snowmobiles, regardless if only restricted to private property, must register with the DOL. It's an easy process that requires visiting a vehicle licensing office. Bring proof of ownership, such as the signed-over title, the bill of sale, or the manufacturer's certificate of origin, as well as the ability to pay all applicable fees. There are no downloadable application forms. All of the paperwork will be issued by a vehicle licensing agent.
Registration fees are determined by the age of your snowmobile. If your machine is less than 30 years old, you'll be charged $33.75. If it's 30 years or older, you'll pay $15.75.
A snowmobile's registration period spans from October 1 to September 30.
Trailer Registration
Registering a trailer is similar to registering any other vehicle. Visit any vehicle licensing office with bring proof of ownership and the ability to pay the fees. There are no downloadable application forms. All of the paperwork will be issued by a vehicle licensing agent.
Registration fees vary by weight and are as follows:
- Single axle boat trailer weighing 2,000 pounds or less: $21.75
- Single axle boat trailer weiging over 2,000 pounds: $36.75
- Single axle horse or utility trailer weighing 2,000 pounds or less: $18.75
- Single axle horse or utility trailer weighing over 2,000 pounds: $33.75
Other Registration Links
Other Topics in This Section
- Register Car
- Registration Renewal
- Registration & Insurance
- Replacing a Lost Registration
- RV & Motorhome Registration
- Custom Built Car Registration
- Boat Registration and Licenses
- Title Transfers
- Replacing a Lost Title
- Salvaged Vehicles
- Drivers with Disabilities
- License Plates & Placards
- Smog & Emission Checks
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- Learn Your State’s Requirements for Snowmobile Titles and Registration
- You Built It, You Register It: Titling and Registering Custom-Built Vehicles
- Find Out How to Title and Register Your RV or Motorhome
- When Do You Need to Title and Register Your Trailer?
- ATV Title and Registration Requirements
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