If you buy a car from an out-of-state dealer in Washington, you may be eligible to receive a temporary license plate. Unfortunately, many people take advantage of this system by creating fraudulent license plates.
- Washington state issues temporary permits and cardboard license plates valid for up to 60 days.
- Fraudulent use of temporary license plates is a concern in Washington, leading the state to impose fines of $1,500 for failing to properly register a vehicle.
- Legitimate temporary license plates can only be obtained by applying at a Washington vehicle licensing office.
What to know about temporary license plates in Washington
The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) issues a temporary permit along with temporary cardboard plates to drivers in certain situations. These cardboard plates are generally valid for up to 60 days, although Washington may be willing to extend that period depending on the case.
Like most states, Washington has to be very cautious about providing temporary tags. Some people create false temporary plates to avoid paying traffic violation fees or use them to commit more serious crimes.
Some people living in Washington also utilize fraudulent plates to avoid paying state taxes. To dissuade people from doing this, Washington has implemented a $1,500 fine for failing to properly register a vehicle.
Learn more: How to check available custom license plates
How to get a temporary license plate in Washington
The only way to obtain a legitimate temporary license plate in Washington is to apply for one at a Washington vehicle licensing office. Assuming your application is approved, they will generate a permit and provide you with the cardboard plates.
You’ll be able to apply for temporary plates if you buy a motor vehicle from an out-of-state dealership that is not yet registered in Washington. The state expects the documents needed to properly register the vehicle to be available within 60 days.
If you need to replace your cardboard license plates at any point, you can do so at a Washington vehicle licensing office.
Registration fees in Washington
Tax, title, and license fees are due once the state of Washington grants your temporary registration. However, the fee for the license plate itself won’t be due until you clear the temporary designation and receive your permanent plates.
The base license plate fee is $43.50, although you’re likely to pay more than that. Residents of Seattle must pay an additional $80 to register their vehicle, while those living in either Spokane or Wenatchee must pay $20 more.
The size of your car will also determine how much you pay to register, with heavier vehicles costing more.
Note: If your vehicle is eligible for a gross weight license, you’re required to purchase a minimum of two months’ gross weight license to correspond with the duration of your temporary plates.
Driving a car without plates in Washington
You should never drive a car without plates in Washington, and most in-state dealers should be able to register your new vehicle or used car at the dealership. If you only need to get a new car home, you can consider applying through the Department of Licensing (DOL) for a three-day trip permit.
Learn more: Do I need a front license plate?
Sean Boehme is an insurance writer with over three years of writing and editing experience. A specialist in car insurance and state laws surrounding car ownership and registration, Sean’s mission is to create content that educates car owners about how to make all aspects of car ownership more affordable. To that end, Sean has authored over 300 articles for Jerry on topics including vehicle maintenance basics and car registration requirements. Prior to joining Jerry, Sean worked as a games writer for Screen Rant.
Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit. Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.
