Registration FAQs

How long before I have to register my out-of-state vehicle in Washington?

After becoming a Washington resident, you have 30 days to register your vehicle here. Failure to do so could result in a fine of $330 or more. As part of the registration process, you will need to take the vehicle to the Washington State Patrol for a VIN inspection.

Where can I register my vehicle?

Find the Washington Department of Licensing vehicle licensing office nearest you, and make sure it provides the car registration service you need.

Do I need to get a smog check to register my vehicle?

You will need an emissions inspection when you first register your vehicle and every two years when you renew. This applies only in the following Washington counties: Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Spokane. Hybrid vehicles that get 50 mpg or better mileage are exempt, as are vehicles newer than five years old or older than 25 years.

What will I need to register my vehicle?

The following documents are required at the time of vehicle registration in Washington:

• If a new vehicle, the Manufacturer's Statement or Certificate or Origin.

• If a used vehicle, the current registration and title.

• If a truck, a weight slip.

• If the title is with a lienholder, you will need a fax or photocopy of the title being held.

• Smog certification, if required.

• All registered owners of the vehicle must be present with proper identification.

• Odometer reading if the vehicle is less than 10 years old.

• Payment via cash or check. The Washington DOL does not accept credit or debit cards.

How much will it cost to register my vehicle in Washington?

Regular vehicle registration in Washington is $30. Trucks cost between $28 and $77 depending on weight, and a filing fee of $4 will be assessed for the registration. If you're titling the vehicle as well, the filing fee is $7. There are an assortment of other fees that might also apply.

How do I apply for replacement tabs?

Easy. Visit any vehicle licensing office with proof of registration and an $8.25 fee ($4.25 for the tabs plus a $4 subagent fee). You'll be immediately issued new tabs.

Any idea where my registration is?

If you renewed online and after seven days your registration has still not arrived in the mail, call the vehicle licensing office listed on your renewal receipt.

If you don't have the receipt or you instead renewed by snail mail, call your local vehicle licensing office.

How do I apply for a duplicate registration?

Visit your local vehicle licensing office and provide either your license plate number or your car's vehicle identification number. You'll also need to pay a $5 duplication fee, or $9 if you file at a subagent office.

How do I request a duplicate title?

You must complete and notarize an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest form. Mail this and $9 to:

• Department of Licensing

• P.O. Box 9909

• Olympia, WA 98507-8500

If you wish, you can instead drop the affidavit and payment off at any vehicle licensing office.

Once you apply, you'll have to be patient. Your new title will take up to 10 weeks to arrive in the mail.

Does the DOL have a special registration for non-operational vehicles?

No, the agency doesn't have a unique registration for non-operable vehicles.

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.