Applying for Special Plates in Washington

The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) offers several types of special plates. Multiple methods of applying for special plates are available, depending on your desired plate.

• Check out all the various plates you can order on our WA Types of Special Plates page.
• If you need a disability license plate, visit our guide to Disability Plates and Placards in Washington.

Applying for Special Plates in Washington

You can apply for Washington special plates:

• In person.
• By mail.

To apply:

• Download and complete a Special License Plate Application (Form AI-420-499).
• Provide payment for any applicable fees.
• Submit the above in person or by mail to any vehicle licensing office.

Personalized Plates

To apply for a WA personalized plate:

• Complete a Specialty License Plate Application (Form AI-420-499).
  • Make sure to provide alternate choices for your message.
• Provide payment for the plate fee.
• Submit the above:
  • In person to a vehicle licensing office.
    OR
  • By mail to the address on the form.

Before submitting your application, you can use the DOL website to check the availability of your desired plate message/combination.

Once ordered, your personalized plates should arrive within 8 weeks.

Military Plates

To apply for military plates in Washington, you must mail in the following:

• A completed Military License Plate Application (Form TD-420-500).
• Any supporting documents. These may include:
  • Proof of service.
  • Proof of award.
• Payment for fees.

Visit the DOL website to learn more about application requirements for military plates.

Send all of the above to the address listed on the application.

Veteran/Military Service Award Emblems

Veterans and military service award recipients can apply for a corresponding license plate emblem by taking the following steps.

• Complete a Veteran/Military Service Award Emblem Application (Form TD-420-075).
  • Sign the form in the presence of a licensing representative.
• Provide appropriate supporting documents*.
  • Documents are listed on the application.
• Provide cash or a check or money order for $18 payable to Department of Licensing.
• Take all of the above in person to your local vehicle licensing office.

* If you are unable to provide a copy of your DD 214 or awarding orders, you must get your form notarized/certified.

NOTE: You may be able to apply by mail. Call your local licensing office to confirm methods of application.

Renewing WA Specialty License Plates

Your special license plates are renewed as part of your registration renewal.

Specialty license plate renewal fees may apply and are separate from standard registration fees.

For more detailed information about renewing your vehicle registration, visit our Registration Renewal in Washington page.

Replacing & Transferring Special Plates

Replace a Specialty WA License Plate

Should you lose or damage your specialty plates, you may request replacements. Before replacing your plates, however, you must verify your address with the DOL. You can do this:

• Online at the DOL Change Your Vehicle Address page.
  • You can use this method even if your address has not changed.
• At any licensing office.

To replace your lost, stolen, or damaged special license plate, bring a photo ID and payment for the plate fee to any vehicle licensing office with:

• A notarized Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest/Gross Weight License (Form TD-420-040).
  OR
• A notarized letter addressed to the Department of Licensing stating that your plates have been lost, stolen, destroyed, or mutilated.
• A completed License Plate Replacement Application (Form TD-420-504).

Transfer a WA Special Plate

If you sell your car, you may be able to transfer your plates to another of your vehicles. BEFORE transferring your special plates, you must verify your address with the WA Department of Licensing.

To transfer your special plates from one vehicle to another, you can do one of the following:

• Visit any vehicle license office.
  OR
• Mail the following to any vehicle license office:
  • A copy of the registration to which you want your plates to be transferred.
  • A letter stating that you want your plates to be transferred. Include:
    • Your license plate number.
    • Your current address.
  • Check or money order for the transfer fee.
    • Contact your local vehicle licensing office to get your exact fee.

Fees for Special Plates in Washington

Special plate fees vary depending on the plate.

For information on initial plate fees, visit the DOL Special Design Plates page and click on your desired plate.

For questions on specific fees, contact a vehicle licensing office.