Replacing a Lost Registration in Washington

Driving without a car registration or sticker on your license plate can cost you a hefty citation, so you’ll want to replace any lost or damaged items as soon as possible.

Luckily, the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) has made the process to get a duplicate registration or plate sticker cheap and painless.

Keep reading for an overview of the steps to take if you need to replace your vehicle registration and tabs.

Lost Your License Plate?

Lost your plate? We’ve got the answers you need in our guide for replacing lost or damaged WA license plates.

Duplicate WA Registration Card or Tabs

If you need to replace a lost, damaged, or stolen registration receipt OR license plate tab/decal, you can request your item:

  • In person.
    OR
  • By mail.

Whether you’re submitting your request by mail or in person, you’ll need to:

  • Complete and sign the Affidavit of Loss section of an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest (Form TD-420-040).
    • All owners listed on the registration must sign the form.
    • Have your signature(s) notarized, OR wait to sign the form in front of a DOL agent.
  • Pay the applicable replacement fee with cash or check.
    • Fees differ based on what you are replacing—see our Fees section below for a breakdown.

Submit your form and payment EITHER in person or by mail to your local DOL office.

HELPFUL HINT: Find Your VIN

The form will ask you for your vehicle identification number (VIN). You can find your VIN:

  • On your vehicle title.
  • On the dashboard near your driver’s side windshield.
  • In the door jamb on the driver’s side.

Duplicate WA Registration Fees

The fees for replacing your Washington registration or plate decals are:

  • Stickers/tabs*:
    • Passenger cars and trailers: $13.75.
    • Trucks: $13.
  • Registration card: Fees vary—contact your local DOL office for specific fees for your vehicle. 

Payment must be in the form of a check or money order made out to “Department of Licensing”.

* If you never received your renewal tabs in the mail, the DOL may waive your fee if:

  • The mailing address they have for you is current.
  • The DOL can verify they sent the tabs, but you didn’t receive them within 15 to 90 days.

For details, get in touch with your local DOL office.

Forms

TD-420-040
Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest
Notify the WA Department of Licensing that title, registration, tabs, decals, OR license plates have been lost, stolen, OR destroyed. Releases you from that vehicle's interest.
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