What?!? I need to buy a new license plate? But why?

If you have owned cars for less than 7 years in Washington State, chances are, you don't know about this fee.  And you're not alone.  Often when drivers come into our office to renew their registration, the news of the replacement license plate requirement can be quite a point of contention during the transaction.  

In 2000, the Washington State Department of Licensing started requiring license plate replacements every seven (7) years.  This new rule was requested by the Washington State Patrol and  presented to the state legislature.

As it seems, the plate replacements resolve a safety issue.  The state says that the reflective coating on the plates wears over time, which is why drivers need new ones.

The cost of replacing your license plate is $24.00, plus filing fees which ends up being around $32.75.  This fee includes the cost to make a set of new plates, about $5.00, and the rest helps pay for state transportation projects.  If you have an attachment to your current license plate number, keeping it is easy, but will cost you an additional $20.00 at renewal time.


For more about licensing in Washington State, follow our blog, visit us at www.fastcartabs.com or call at (206) 781-0399.

Washington State Emissions Testing: What you need to know

Vehicles Requiring Emissions Tests in 2012:

• 1988 - 1994 (Even model years only)
• 1997
• 1999
• 2001
• 2003
• 2005
• 2007

     DIESEL OWNERS: The following diesel vehicles do not require emission tests:

• All diesel vehicles with a Scale Weight of 6,000 pounds or less.
  (Check under “Sclwt” (Scale Weight) on your vehicle’s registration certificate.)


• All diesel vehicles model year 2007 and newer, regardless of weight.

If you live in the following counties, you may need to get an emissions test for your vehicle every 2 years:

• Clark County
• King County
• Pierce County
• Snohomish County
• Spokane County

How to tell if your vehicle needs an emissions test

To see if your vehicle needs an emissions test, check your tab renewal notice or email reminder. If it says “This vehicle must pass a Washington emission inspection,” the vehicle must be tested before you can renew your tabs.

Requirements for military personnel

If you drive on a military base within an emission inspection area for more than 60 days a year, federal law requires your vehicle to be emission tested regardless of where they’re registered. Any questions about these requirements should be referred to your military base.

Exempt vehicles

The following types of vehicles are exempt from emission testing requirements:

• Certain hybrid vehicles that have an efficiency rating of at least 50 miles per gallon for city driving.
• 2009 and newer passenger cars, SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks that are certified to California emission standards.

How to renew your tabs after the test

When your emissions test is complete, the testing station will send us your results electronically. In most cases, our records should show your vehicle passed the emissions test within 2 hours of its completion.

• If you renew your tabs online, you should be able to renew your tabs as soon as the emission results are updated in our records. Please allow a few hours after your vehicle passes the emissions test before renewing your tabs online.
• If you renew at an office, our records should show your vehicle passed the emission test by the time you arrive. However, we recommend bringing along a copy of your test results just in case you arrive at the office before this automated update is complete.

Data courtesy of WSDOL and WA Dept. of Ecology