1. How To Dispose Of Old License Plates Washington

Replace your license plates Required plate replacement. Find out when you need to replace your license plates. Lost or damaged plates. Find out how to replace your plates if they're lost, stolen, or damaged. Dispose of old plates. Learn how to properly dispose of plates after they've been replaced. Related information. Replace a title; Replace. You can recycle them. The older plates were made of galvanized steel, so they can be recycled as well. Or, you can simply toss them into your trash receptacle and let your trash service dispose of them. Another Option-If you’re going to trade your vehicle into a dealership and not transfer the plates, they may dispose of the old license plates for you. Resources http://dor.mo.gov/faq/motorv/general.php#q33. You may surrender your Washington vehicle license plates in the following manner: (a) Take them to your local vehicle licensing office; (b) Mail them to the department of licensing in Olympia, Washington. (3) What do Washington vehicle licensing offices do with surrendered license plates?

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SUMMARY: Washington License Plates

Most vehicles in Washington must have license plates to be legally driven on public roads. You can apply for a license plate by registering your car. You'll renew your plates by renewing your vehicle registration, which can even be done online. If you already have WA tags, you can transfer your license plates when you buy a new car. You should replace plates and tabs that are lost, stolen, or damaged so that you have valid and legible plates on your vehicle.

Keep reading this page for more information about license plates in Washington.

Do you qualify for disabled parking? Visit our Disability Placards and License Plates page for more information.

Special plates and personalized plates are also available to WA car owners. Learn more about types of specialty plates available or how to apply for special plates.

Types of Washington License Plates

In Washington, most vehicles are required to have 2 license plates, one on the front and one on the rear of the vehicle. Trailers, semi-trailers, campers, mopeds, collector vehicles, horseless carriages, and motorcycles only have 1 license plate.

The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) issues license plates and tabs that go in the upper right hand corner of the rear license plate and show the expiration date of your registration.

Other Types of License Plates

Several special license plates and personalized plates are available from the Washington DOL. See our pages about Types of Special Plates and Special Plate Applications for more details.

The WA DOL also issues disabled parking plates to qualifying individuals. Visit our Disability Plate and Placards page for guidelines.

Temporary Tags

When you buy a vehicle from a dealer, you can ask for a temporary tag that allows you to operate your vehicle on public roads until your registration and license plates are ready.

If you buy from a private seller, you must register your vehicle in order to drive it.

Apply for WA License Plates

To get Washington license plates, you must register your vehicle with the Washington DOL.

You're required to register your vehicle:

• Within 30 days of bringing your car from another state to WA.
• Within 15 days of buying a vehicle from a private party or getting a vehicle as a gift.
  • Dealers will handle the registration process for you.

Visit our Car Registration page for details, including how and where to register your vehicle.

Renew License Plates in Washington

To keep your plates valid, you'll have to renew your vehicle registration. You can renew your plates before they expire.

The DOL will no longer require replacements as long as you own your vehicle.

For more information, please visit our Registration Renewal page.

Replace License Plates & Tabs

If your license plates or tabs have been lost, stolen, or damaged, you will have to replace them:

• Replace platesin person at a WA DOL office.
  • If your tags are stolen, you will NOT be able to get the same plate number.
• Replace tabs in person or by mail.

You are NOT required to report the theft or loss to local law enforcement, but you may choose to do so in case your license plates are used illegally.

Before you apply for replacements, you need to confirm your address. You can:

• Use the online address change service, whether or not your address has changed.
  OR
  
• Confirm your address in person at a Washington DOL office.

To apply for replacements, you will need to submit:

• A signed AND notarizedAffidavit of Loss/Release of Interest/Gross Weight License (Form TD-420-040).
• Your photo ID.
• The appropriate fees are payable by cash or check. License plate fees depend on whether you have 2 license plates or 1 license plate. Fees also vary by several things: the type of vehicle, the vehicles weight, your resident address, and the type of license plate. You can find out what your fees are by using a fee calculator or by signing up with the Department of Licensing's License eXpress.
  • Other fees:
    • $5 service fee.
    • $20 additional fee to keep your current plate number.

Submit your application in person at your local WA DOL office or by mail to the address on the form. Your license plate may be free if they were lost in the mail and reported within 15 to 90 days.

If you request tabs by mail, you should receive them within 90 days.

Transfer or Surrender WA Tags

You can transfer your license plate to another car that has been titled and registered in your name.

Before you apply for a transfer, you MUSTconfirm that your address is correct:

• Online using the DOL address change tool, even if your address is the same.
• In person at a Washington DOL office.

You can then submit your license plate transfer materials:

• By mail.
  OR
  
• In person.

You will need:

• The registration of the vehicle that the plates will be transferred to.
• A check or money order for registration and transfer fees.
  • To determine the fee, contact your local vehicle licensing office.
• The $10 license plate transfer fee.
• If applying by mail, a letter indicating your intention to transfer the plate that includes:
  • Your license plate number.
  • Your current mailing and residence address.

If you are not planning to transfer your plates, you can:

• Bring them to your local vehicle licensing office.
• Mail them to the Department of Licensing at:
  1125 Washington St. SE
  Olympia, WA 98504
• Recycle or keep them.
  • Be sure to invalidate the license plates by removing the month and year tabs and bending the plates.

Registration Refunds

If you transfer or return your license plates, you may be eligible for a refund on the unused portion of your registration fees. The WA DOL has a guide to refunds that explains all eligible situations and the documents you need to send in with the Vehicle/Vessel Refund Request (Form TD-420-454).

Fees for Washington License Plates

ALERT: Fees Changing January 1, 2015

In 2015, the Washington DOL will be collecting standard service fees at all of their offices. For more information, visit the DOL website.

License plate and registration fees vary by vehicle type and the county you reside in. The fees below DO NOT include other registration fees, taxes, or service fees that you must pay annually.

New, renewal, replacement and transfer of standard plateswill vary by vehicle weight, type of vehicle, where you reside and whether you have 2 license plates or 1 license plate. The Department of Licensing makes it easy to estimate the fees for your vehicle by using their fee calculator and the Regional Authority Excise Tax calculator. If you would like to know the exact fees, as well as be able to perform other transactions, you can sign up for a License eXpress account. Additional fees you may pay:

• $20: Fee to keep your plate number.
• $12: Title service fee
• $5: Registration service fee

License Plate Search

You can use the WA DOL personalized license plate lookup to see if the number you want is available to order. The DOL provides specific guidelines for vanity plate letter and number combinations.

As a member of the general public, you are not permitted to run license plate numbers or otherwise search for a registered vehicle owner. You can however, report a concern about a vehicle to the local police.

For information about a vehicle, you can order a vehicle history report based on the vehicle identification number (VIN).

Forms

TD-420-040

TD-420-454

This form is provided by your state's agency/department.

Please select one of the below to continue:

Email the link to this form

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Registration Renewal

Before your car has expired tags, you'll need to complete your license plate sticker renewal.

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Are there times I won’t be allowed to renew registration?

Yes, there are times vehicle owners cannot renew car registration. If a driver has recently lost his or her car registration documents, or they have been stolen or destroyed before you are eligible for renewal, you must replace your documents instead. Another common instance relates to citations. If you have accumulated a number of unpaid fines, then you will not be able to complete Oklahoma car registration renewal with the OTC. Finally, outstanding warrants are another reason it is likely that you will not be able to renew your registration.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Oklahoma

Can somebody else renew my registration for me?

No. The Oklahoma Tax Commission asks that only the owner of a vehicle renew car registration. That is why they offer three different simple options for their residents to use, including applying online, in person and by mail. With these three options, the OTC is very accessible to all drivers within the state. Furthermore, not only is the OTC accessible, but the process by which residents can renew car registration documents is simple and quick.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Oklahoma

Do boats need to be registered?

In the state of Oklahoma, boats used as a mode of transportation on the water need to be registered each year. Canoes and paddle boats are an exception and they do not need to be registered. The boat registration period is from July 1- June 30. The registration fees vary and are dependent on the original retail price of the boat as well as the age of the boat. You can register your boat for a period of one or three years.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Oklahoma

Do I need to file a police report if my registration was lost or stolen?

If you wish to report a lost or stolen car registration, you may do so by contacting local law enforcement in your area. By filing a police report, you may help protect yourself from any fraudulent use of your car registration information. You should also report your stolen or lost car registration to the Oklahoma Tax Commission Motor Vehicle Division at 405-521-3160. They can help guide you on what steps to take to protect yourself if your car registration has been lost or stolen.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Oklahoma

Do I need to return my license plate if I move out of the state?

Your Oklahoma license plates will no longer be valid once you apply for a car registration in another state. Some of the ways in which drivers dispose of their old license plates include the following:

• Relinquish the license plates to a tag agency
• Recycle the tags
• Collect the plates

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Oklahoma

Do I need to turn in my damaged registration?

Yes, you should turn in your damaged or mutilated car registration decal and/or license plates to an Oklahoma Department Tax Commission motor license agent. You must indicate the reason for car registration replacement on your Affidavit for Replacement Tag and/Or Decal application. If the damage to your car registration is due to a discrepancy from the tax commission, then you will be credited for a replacement at no extra cost.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Oklahoma

Does a motorized scooter need to be registered?

Yes, a motorized scooter needs to be registered in the state of Oklahoma. Moped registrations are handled in the same way as a motorcycle registration. You must apply for a title the registration fee for a motorcycle is $94. Fees subject to change.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Oklahoma

Does my vehicle qualify for a smog inspection?

The state of Oklahoma does not currently mandate vehicle emissions testing also known as smog inspection. Some states require vehicles to be tested for vehicle emissions in order to apply for a car registration or to renew car registration. Oklahoma does not employ such requirements on their residents. The only sort of inspection your vehicle may be subject to in order to get car registration is a VIN number report and odometer inspection if the vehicle was purchased out of state.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Oklahoma

How can I renew my vehicle registration?

In Oklahoma, you can go through car registration renewal in three ways:

• Online
• By mail
• In person

Renew Car Registration Online

In order to renew online, you must be renewing a commercial truck not exceeding 15,000 pounds, a farm truck weighing a maximum of 55,000 pounds or a standard, non-commercial vehicle. Car registration renewal can be done up to 10 months in advance if you have the following:

• Your Oklahoma drivers license number or an FEI number
• A printer
• Your car insurance information (unless declaring a non-use car)
• A valid credit/debit card or a checking account

Renew Car Registration by Mail

By-mail renewals can be done by sending your renewal notice, proof of car insurance, payment, and one of the following pieces of information:

• Your VIN
• Your title number
• Your license plate number

Mail the information to:

OK Tax Commission P.O. Box 26940 Oklahoma City, OK 73126

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Oklahoma

How can I transfer my registration to another state?

If you are moving out of state, you will have to apply for a car registration in your new state of residence. To transfer your vehicle to another state, Oklahoma requires that you check with the specific guidelines regarding that states out-of-state car registration process. Requirements to register a car out of state vary from state to state. Usually, you will need to provide information such as the title or lienholder information and pay for license plate, title transfer, and registration fees.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Oklahoma

How do I apply for a disabled person parking placard or plates?

To apply for a handicap placard in the state of Oklahoma, you must complete a Physical Disability Parking Placard Application and mail it to the Department of Public Safety. To qualify for a disability parking placard, you must have an approved diagnosis from a licensed physician. Qualifying medical conditions include but are not limited to:

• Being legally blind.
• Being unable to walk more than 200 feet without rest.
• A severely limited ability to walk due to pregnancy.

Temporary and five-year handicap parking placards are available at no cost for those who qualify.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Oklahoma

How do I file a police report if my car registration was stolen?

If your car registration was stolen, then you can file a police report with the local law enforcement agency. To file a police report, you must visit a local police station and ask to file a report on an Oklahoma stolen vehicle registration. It would be helpful to bring your license plate number or any information you can provide to help the police track down your stolen vehicle registration. Also, have your driver s license with you to show proof of your identity and ownership of the vehicle in question.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Oklahoma

How do I obtain a duplicate car registration?

If your tags and/or decals associated with your car registration have been lost, stolen, or mutilated, then you will need to apply for duplicate car registration. To apply:

• Fill out an Affidavit for Replacement Tag and/Or Decal.
• Enclose proof of liability car insurance.
• Pay the replacement fees.

You may submit your application and payment to a tag agency or you may mail your materials to:

Oklahoma Tax Commission – Motor Vehicle Division

2501 North Lincoln Boulevard

Oklahoma City, OK 73194

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Oklahoma

How do I obtain car registration?

To apply for a car registration for your new vehicle in the state of Oklahoma, you must appear in person at a local tag agency. You need to bring with you the car title in your name or the manufacturer s certificate of origin for a brand new car. Fill out an Application for Oklahoma Certificate of Title for a Vehicle. Bring proof of car insurance in the state of Oklahoma. An odometer disclosure statement must also be provided if the vehicle is nine years old or less. Out-of-state vehicles will be subject to an inspection.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Oklahoma

If I do not renew on time, will there be an additional fee?

Yes, late fees will be added on to registration renewal costs. Drivers who cannot perform car registration renewal before the given due date will incur penalties from the Oklahoma Tax Commission. However, drivers do have a one-month grace period to complete the process. After the first day of the next month passes, a $1 penalty fee will be assessed for a maximum of 100 days.

Commercial vehicle drivers will incur similar penalties. After the grace period, each day that you do not pay will come with a $.25 charge. This goes on for an entire month. After that, a fine of $200 or of 30 percent of the annual fee is assessed (whichever is the larger sum).

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Oklahoma

Is there a different process I must follow if I lost personalized plates?

There is a different application for personalized plate owners who need to apply for car registration replacement. To apply for personalized plate registration, fill out and submit a Personalized License Plate Application. You may take the application along with your replacement fee of $23 to your local tag agency or you may mail in your applicator. Fees are subject to change. Mail your application materials to:

Oklahoma Tax Commission

Motor Vehicle Division

Special Plate Section

2501 North Lincoln Boulevard

Oklahoma City, OK 73194-0201

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Oklahoma

Should I carry the registration on me or in the car?

In the state of Oklahoma, you are not required to carry your car registration in the vehicle. If you are pulled over by a law enforcement official, they will usually ask for the following:

• Driver s license

It is only on boats, that the registration must be kept inside the vessel.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Oklahoma

What are the most common reasons why I would need to replace my registration?

Drivers may need to apply for a car registration replacement in a few different circumstances. The most common reasons for needing to replace car registration decals and/or license plates are for being:

• Lost.
• Stolen.
• Damaged/Mutilated/Destroyed.

If any of these circumstances apply to your car registration, you will need to replace your car registration with the Oklahoma Tax Commission, Motor Vehicle Division.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Oklahoma

What are the required fees for my vehicle registration?

The fees to register vehicle in the state of Oklahoma are as follows:

• Title fee: $11
• Registration fee: $91
• Ownership Transfer fee: $ 17
• VIN number lookup and odometer reading inspection: $4
• Lien processing fee: $10, Out-of-state lien holder- $13

In addition, excise tax fees are due on new and used vehicles in order to register them in the state of Oklahoma. Fees subject to change.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Oklahoma

What are the required fees to get replacement registration?

You will be responsible for fees to apply for car registration replacement in the state of Oklahoma. The required fees to replace car registration include the following:

• Decal replacement fee: $9
• Decal and license plate replacement fee: $9
• Decal mail fee: $1.50
• Decal and license plate mail fee: $3
• Insurance fee: $1.50

You may apply in person at a tag agency or apply by mail. Fees subject to change.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Oklahoma

What are the required fees to renew my registration?

In order to renew car registration successfully in the state of Oklahoma, a driver must pay certain fees. It is important to note that these fees vary based on the age of the vehicle in question. Certain cars will be more expensive to renew registration than others. For a complete breakdown, read the list of fees below:

• From year one to year four: $91
• From year five to year eight: $81
• From year nine to year 12: $61
• From year 13 to year 16: $41
• From year 17 and on: $21

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Oklahoma

What documents do I need to present to get a replacement car registration?

In order to receive a car registration replacement from the Oklahoma Motor Vehicle Division, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Completed, signed, and notarized Affidavit for Replacement Tag and/Or Decal
• Proof of liability car insurance

On the application you must certify why you are requesting a replacement car registration, whether due to it having been lost, stolen or mutilated.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Oklahoma

What documents do I need to present to get new registration?

To get a new car registration for your vehicle in the state of Oklahoma, present the following documentation:

• Car title or manufacturers certificate of origin
• Application for Oklahoma Certificate of Title for a Vehicle, completed and signed
• Proof of car insurance
• Lien document, if applicable
• Odometer disclosure statement if vehicle is nine years old or less

Out-of-state vehicles are subject to a VIN number report or odometer inspection to qualify for a Certificate of title.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Oklahoma

What documents do I need to present to renew my car registration?

When renewing car registration in Oklahoma, a driver must provide certain documents or information. The only exception is if you are renewing online. In this case, you must simply provide the information on certain documents, such as your car insurance policy document and OK drivers license. When renewing by mail or in person, a resident must provide a car registration renewal notice or proof of insurance and VIN number, title number and license plate number.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Oklahoma

What should I do if I have not received my registration tags or stickers?

The state of Oklahoma provides drivers with three separate ways to renew car registration. Residents can renew their documents online, in person or by mail with the Oklahoma Tax Commission. As for the processing time for these applications, the amount of days you must wait to receive your documents vary. In any case, if several weeks pass and you still have not received your renewed car registration; it is recommended that you contact the OTC directly. They will be able to help you find out if something occurred and when you can expect to receive your documentation.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Oklahoma

How To Dispose Of Old License Plates Washington

When does my car registration expire?

Every driver in Oklahoma should know exactly when their car registration expires. This document is important because driving around with an expired registration can result in tickets and fines. The good news is that there are a few easy ways to check the expiration date. First of all, you can simply look at the tab on your license plate, which will show you the month and year that your vehicle registration becomes invalid. Additionally, the Oklahoma Tax Commission mails out car registration renewal notices, which include the specific expiration date, to all those whose due dates are approaching.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Oklahoma

Where can I find a local tax county collector office?

In the state of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Tax Commission is the agency responsible for carrying out services having to do with motor vehicle registration, including how to replace car registration. You can handle some services on their website, such as renewing car registration. They also make application forms available online. Oklahoma Tax Commission offices are located in both the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metropolitan areas:

Oklahoma City Metro Area (Mail Office)

405- 521-3160

2501 North Lincoln Boulevard

Oklahoma City, OK 73194

Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Or

Tulsa Metro Area

918-581-2399

440 South Houston, 5th Floor

Tulsa, OK 74127

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Oklahoma

Will I need to fill out an application to replace my car registration?

Yes, you must fill out an application to replace car registration in the state of Oklahoma. To apply for a replacement car registration complete and sign an Affidavit for Replacement Tag and/Or Decal. On the application you must indicate the reason why you are requesting a car registration replacement and you must provide proof of liability car insurance. Also, the application has to be notarized.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Oklahoma

Will I receive a renewal registration notice in the mail?

Yes, you will. If your vehicle registration is set to expire, you will receive a car registration renewal notice in the mail on the first day of the month your credentials expire. Additionally, the Oklahoma Tax Commission gives drivers the option to receive these notices electronically. If you would prefer to get your notice this way, log on to the Convenient Auto Renewal System (CARS) website and sign up for the paperless option. This way, you will receive your notification via email.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Oklahoma

Will my registration expire on my birthday or birth month?

One of the most important things you must keep in mind is the importance of car registration validity in Oklahoma. Drivers who operate a motor vehicle with an expired registration tab will be pulled over and ticketed for the offense. So before you head out on the road again, be sure to take some time to find out the exact expiration date of your registration documents. You can do so by looking at the month and year on your tab. The most popular way is to wait for your OK car registration renewal notice to come in. This notice will feature the exact date you need to renew by, including the fees you must pay.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Oklahoma