Washington License Plates

There are dozens of license plate options available in Washington State—whether you’re passionate about the environment or football there’s a plate for you.
Written by Matt Nightingale
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Whether you like the traditional look of Mount Rainier or you prefer something a little more personal, the
Washington
DMV offers tons of license plate options for you to choose from.
The Mount Rainier design has been around since the late 1980s and captures the state’s natural beauty. Even if it doesn’t capture you, not to worry! You can choose from dozens of designs that bring attention to some worthy causes, local charities and organizations, and pay homage to our veterans.
Want to know which specialty license plate is right for you? You’re in luck: car insurance comparison
super app
and specialty license plate expert
Jerry
has created this handy guide to getting specialty license plates in Washington State.
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What are Washington license plates and why do I need them?

License plates—or tags—are the identification tags for your vehicle. They serve as proof that your vehicle has been properly registered and can be legally driven in Washington State.
The Washington Department of Motor Vehicles requires all passenger vehicles to clearly display license plates on the front and rear of the vehicle. Motorcycles, trailers, and horseless carriages are a few of the vehicles that are only required to display a single rear license plate.

What license plates does Washington have?

Washington license plates fall into three main categories: 
  • Standard plates: These are the mountain background license plates that most people in Washington have.
  • Special interest plates
    : These plates serve to raise awareness of organizations and charitable causes, with a percentage of fees often being set aside for an associated charity.
  • Special plates
    : These include plates for disabled drivers, car collectors, and foreign dignitaries.

Standard license plates

  • Mountain background: The standard license plates in Washington State are the ones with Mount Rainier in the background. This style has been used since 1987 with a few tweaks over the years. 

Special interest license plates

  • College and universities: Show your school spirit with specialty plates for one of eight Washington higher education institutions, including Gonzaga University, Washington State University, and The Evergreen State College. Proceeds from every sale go to support the associated school.
  • Military and veterans: The WDMV has 13 military and veterans license plates to choose from including the Purple Heart, the Former Prisoner of War, and the Disabled American Veteran plates. Other plates raise funds for the Veterans Stewardship Account. 
  • Organizations: You can show your support for local organizations from Professional Firefighters to the Washington State 4-H Foundation. $28 from annual fees goes to the organization associated with your plates.
  • Parks and Environment: What would the Evergreen State be without its robust wildlife and majestic natural beauty? You can show your appreciation for the planet and its creatures with specialty plates. Benefits from annual fees go to organizations such as the Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington’s National Park Fund. 
  • Special interest: If you’re a sports fan, you can get yourself a team emblazoned license plate, or you can also support causes like breast cancer screening and music education. $28 of fees go toward their respective causes.

Special license plates

  • Disabled
    : If you need to obtain a disabled license plate, you'll need to meet one of the criteria listed
    here
    . If you qualify, you’ll need to fill out a
    Disabled Parking Application for Individuals form
    and include an original prescription from a qualified health professional. You can bring the above to a vehicle licensing office or send it by mail to the Department of Licensing.
  • Rideshare
    : This license plate is similar in design to the standard mountain background tags. Under certain circumstances, you may be exempt from sales and use tax. Check with the Washington DMV for details to see if you qualify.  
  • Collector
    : To qualify for collector plates, your vehicle must be more than 30 years old and must be capable of operating on the highway. A collector vehicle may not be used for regular transportation or any commercial purposes.
  • Horseless Carriage: Your vehicle must be more than 40 years old to qualify for a horseless carriage license plate. With this type of tag, you’ll only be able to drive to and from auto shows, circuses, parades, and other similar events.
  • Restored
    : Restored plates are old license plates, not a reproduction. They must be restored to their original design and must be used on a vehicle of the same year—for example, a 1966 Dodge Charger must have a 1966 restored Washington license plate. The license plates must be inspected at a vehicle licensing office before they can be used.
  • Honorary Consular
    : These tags can be issued to honorary consular officials and representatives of foreign governments who are authorized by the US Department of State. A
    Specialty License Plate Application
    must be submitted with a copy of an honorary consul ID card or written authorization issued by the US State Department.
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How do I get a Washington license plate?

To get a license plate in Washington, you have to
register your vehicle
with your
local WDMV
.
To register your car in Washington State you’ll need to provide the following:
  • A Washington State driver's license
  • A Completed Vehicle Title Application
  • A Certificate of title
  • Payment of registration fees
If you complete this process at a DMV office, you’ll receive your license plates then and there. If you complete this process by mail, you’ll receive your new license plates within three weeks.
If your vehicle is already registered with the DMV, and you’re just looking to switch to custom plates, you can make the switch when you renew your registration. Just fill out a
Specialty License Plate Application
and pay the required fees. Fees vary, so you’ll need to contact a vehicle licensing office for exact amounts.

How to customize your car insurance for savings in Washington

It may come as a surprise but you have just as many options with your car insurance as you do custom license plates in Washington State. A lot of drivers don’t know their options and end up paying more than they have to for car insurance. That’s where
Jerry
comes in.
Just download the Jerry app and enter your information. Jerry does all the leg work to find you the best rates for the insurance coverage you need by comparing quotes from over 50 top insurance providers. And to make things easier, you can switch to a new policy right in the app—you never have to talk to anybody.
 “
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is the future of car insurance! I downloaded the app, entered the information, picked my insurance rate, and paid my fee. I even switched insurance providers easily! Jerry saved me $182/month so quickly!” —Paulina F.
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FAQs

Personalized plates with the standard Mount Rainier background cost $89.25 and $88.50 for a truck. Personalized plates on a specialized plate background cost $129.25 for a car and $128.50 for a truck.
Yes, the State of Washington requires motorists to clearly display license plates on the front and back of their vehicles.
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