Washington State license plate transfers allow you to move your existing plates to a newly acquired vehicle. Washington plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle. Transfers are processed through the Washington DOL at dol.wa.gov or any of approximately 250 vehicle licensing subagent offices statewide. Washington is a two-plate state. Washington eliminated its vehicle inspection program in January 2020. Renewal notices are now sent as postcards (August 2025).
Plate Transfer Eligibility
Washington allows plate transfers between vehicles owned by the same person. This section explains the eligibility rules and any state-specific restrictions.
Does Washington State allow you to transfer plates to a new vehicle through the DOL?
Yes. Washington allows plate transfers between vehicles owned by the same person. When you sell your vehicle, remove plates and transfer them to your new vehicle through the Washington DOL at dol.wa.gov or a vehicle licensing subagent.
Transfer Process
Plate transfers in Washington are processed through the Washington DOL at dol.wa.gov or a vehicle licensing subagent. Follow these steps in order to complete the transfer without errors.
How do you transfer a license plate through the Washington DOL or a subagent office?
Visit the Washington DOL at dol.wa.gov or a vehicle licensing subagent with all required documents. Remove your plates from the sold vehicle first, then complete the transfer for the new vehicle.
- Remove your plates from the vehicle you are selling. Washington plates stay with the owner.
- Obtain the title for your newly acquired vehicle. For private-party purchases, the seller signs the title with all liens released.
- Visit the Washington DOL at dol.wa.gov or a vehicle licensing subagent with all required documents.
- Pay the transfer fee and applicable taxes and registration fees on the new vehicle.
- Receive updated registration for the new vehicle using your transferred plates.
Required Documents
Gather these documents before visiting the Washington DOL at dol.wa.gov or a vehicle licensing subagent to avoid delays and return trips.
What documents does the Washington DOL or subagent require for a plate transfer?
You will need your driver’s license, the new vehicle’s signed title, a bill of sale, your current registration, the physical plates, proof of Washington liability insurance, and payment for fees.
- Valid Washington driver’s license or state ID
- Title for the new vehicle, signed by the seller with all liens released for private purchases
- Bill of sale with purchase price, date, and odometer reading
- Current registration for the plates you are transferring
- The physical license plates (front and rear)
- Proof of current Washington liability insurance for the new vehicle
- Payment for the transfer fee and applicable registration and tax fees
Transfer Fees
The 6.5% state sales tax (no local vehicle taxes) on the new vehicle purchase is typically the largest cost in a plate transfer transaction. The plate transfer fee is separate.
How much does a Washington plate transfer cost, and does the Sound Transit MVET apply to my new vehicle?
Contact the Washington DOL at dol.wa.gov or a vehicle licensing subagent for the current plate transfer fee. The 6.5% state sales tax (no local vehicle taxes) on the new vehicle’s purchase price is typically the dominant cost in the transaction.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Plate transfer fee | Contact the Washington DOL at dol.wa.gov or a vehicle licensing subagent for the current fee |
| Sales or excise tax on new vehicle | 6.5% state sales tax (no local vehicle taxes) |
| Registration fee | Contact the Washington DOL at dol.wa.gov or a vehicle licensing subagent for your specific vehicle’s fee |
Specialty and Personalized Plates
Washington offers specialty and personalized plates that can generally be transferred to a new vehicle, though procedures vary by plate type.
Can I keep my Washington specialty or personalized plate when I buy a new vehicle?
Washington specialty and personalized plates can generally be transferred to a new vehicle. Contact the Washington DOL at dol.wa.gov or a vehicle licensing subagent for the specific procedure and any additional fees applicable to your plate type.
Old Registration
Understanding what happens to the old registration protects you from liability after the sale is complete.
What happens to my Washington registration since inspections were eliminated in 2020?
When you sell your vehicle and remove your plates, the old registration is cancelled. The buyer registers the vehicle through the Washington DOL at dol.wa.gov or a vehicle licensing subagent and obtains a new plates. Remove your plates before the buyer takes possession.
Third-Party Transfers
Washington plate transfers are limited to the same registered owner. This section explains what you can and cannot do when selling to another person.
Can I transfer my Washington plates to a family member who is buying my vehicle?
No. Washington plates are not transferable between different owners. Only the same owner can transfer plates between their own vehicles. When selling, remove your plates and allow the buyer to register with new plates.
Plates and Vehicle Sales
Knowing who keeps the plates when a vehicle changes hands prevents confusion and potential legal liability.
Do Washington plates stay with the owner or the vehicle when a car is sold?
Washington plates stay with the owner. Remove your plates when selling your vehicle. The buyer registers through the Washington DOL at dol.wa.gov or a vehicle licensing subagent and obtains new plates. Transfer your plates to your new vehicle through the Washington DOL at dol.wa.gov or a vehicle licensing subagent.
Transfer Deadline
Washington sets a specific registration deadline after purchasing a new vehicle. Missing this deadline results in late fees.
How long do I have to register my new vehicle in Washington State after purchasing it?
Washington requires new vehicle registration within 30 days of purchase. Complete your plate transfer within this window to avoid late penalties.
Surrendering Plates
If you are not purchasing a replacement vehicle, you have specific options for handling your current plates.
What should I do with my Washington plates if I am not purchasing a replacement vehicle?
If you sell your vehicle and do not purchase a replacement, you may surrender your plates to the Washington DOL at dol.wa.gov or a vehicle licensing subagent or retain them for a future vehicle. Contact the Washington DOL at dol.wa.gov or a vehicle licensing subagent for current guidance on plate surrender procedures.