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Chapter 308-96A WAC

Last Update: 10/20/23

VEHICLE LICENSES

WAC Sections

HTMLPDF308-96A-005Terminology—Definitions.
HTMLPDF308-96A-015Replacement certificate of registration—Documents required.
HTMLPDF308-96A-021Replacement plates—Requirements.
HTMLPDF308-96A-026Vehicle transit permit.
HTMLPDF308-96A-046Qualified veteran's free license.
HTMLPDF308-96A-047Cooper Jones/Share the Road license plate emblems affixed to license plates.
HTMLPDF308-96A-048Distribution of the first twenty-five sequential special license plates.
HTMLPDF308-96A-050Nonresident members of the armed forces—Plates displayed.
HTMLPDF308-96A-056Pearl Harbor survivor license plates.
HTMLPDF308-96A-057Purple Heart license plates.
HTMLPDF308-96A-062Transfer or destruction of honorary consul special license plates.
HTMLPDF308-96A-064Transfer or loss/destruction of foreign organization special license plates.
HTMLPDF308-96A-065Personalized license plates.
HTMLPDF308-96A-070Amateur radio operator special license plates.
HTMLPDF308-96A-071Military affiliate radio system special license plates.
HTMLPDF308-96A-072Square dancer license plates.
HTMLPDF308-96A-073Antique vehicle—Horseless carriage license plate.
HTMLPDF308-96A-074Collector vehicle and restored license plates.
HTMLPDF308-96A-076Law enforcement memorial special vehicle license plate series.
HTMLPDF308-96A-077Volunteer firefighter special vehicle license plate series.
HTMLPDF308-96A-078Professional firefighters and paramedics special vehicle license plate series.
HTMLPDF308-96A-079Helping Kids Speak special vehicle license plate series.
HTMLPDF308-96A-080Undercover and confidential license plates—Application procedures.
HTMLPDF308-96A-085Undercover and confidential license plates—Agency contact.
HTMLPDF308-96A-090Undercover or confidential license plates—Vehicle inventory.
HTMLPDF308-96A-095Undercover or confidential license plates—Cancellation.
HTMLPDF308-96A-096Registration requirements.
HTMLPDF308-96A-098Surrender and disposition of license plates.
HTMLPDF308-96A-099Use class descriptions.
HTMLPDF308-96A-101Scale weight required for licensing.
HTMLPDF308-96A-110Private carrier bus.
HTMLPDF308-96A-135Fixed load vehicles.
HTMLPDF308-96A-136Mopeds—License plates.
HTMLPDF308-96A-138Electric, hybrid and clean alternative fuel vehicles—Definitions and fees.
HTMLPDF308-96A-139Neighborhood and medium speed electric vehicles—Requirements.
HTMLPDF308-96A-145Cab and chassis.
HTMLPDF308-96A-161Fleet registration.
HTMLPDF308-96A-175Ride-sharing vehicles.
HTMLPDF308-96A-176Special transportation needs for ride-share vehicles.
HTMLPDF308-96A-180Registration of rental vehicles.
HTMLPDF308-96A-201Purchasing gross weight—Expiration dates.
HTMLPDF308-96A-202Power units towing trailers with permanent registrations.
HTMLPDF308-96A-203Permanent trailer registrations.
HTMLPDF308-96A-205Gross weight—Increasing declared gross weight.
HTMLPDF308-96A-206Gross weight—Decreasing declared gross weight.
HTMLPDF308-96A-207Gross weight—Changing from a farm use class to a nonfarm use class.
HTMLPDF308-96A-208Gross weight—Changing from a nonfarm use class to a farm use class.
HTMLPDF308-96A-210Gross weight—Transfer of gross weight license to new owner.
HTMLPDF308-96A-220Gross weight—Transfer of gross weight license to a replacement vehicle.
HTMLPDF308-96A-260Assignment of original registration year.
HTMLPDF308-96A-275Assignment of fleet registration expiration.
HTMLPDF308-96A-295Display of tabs.
HTMLPDF308-96A-300Changing assigned registration year.
HTMLPDF308-96A-350Outstanding vehicle violations—Information to be supplied to the department by issuing jurisdictions.
HTMLPDF308-96A-355Satisfaction of vehicle violations—Information to be supplied by issuing jurisdiction.
HTMLPDF308-96A-365Reinstatement of parking violation.
HTMLPDF308-96A-400Excise tax exemption—Indians.
HTMLPDF308-96A-530Veterans remembrance and military service award license plate emblems.
HTMLPDF308-96A-545Gold Star license plate.
HTMLPDF308-96A-550Vehicle special collegiate license plates.
HTMLPDF308-96A-560Special license plates—Criteria for creation or continued issuance.
HTMLPDF308-96A-570Invalid or fraudulent DOT numbers—Cancellation of registrations.
DISPOSITION OF SECTIONS FORMERLY CODIFIED IN THIS TITLE
308-96A-010Certificate of registration required. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-010, filed 5/5/86; Order MV-355, § 308-96A-010, filed 5/10/76; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-010, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 98-19-075, filed 9/21/98, effective 10/22/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.46.16.225 [ 46.16.225], 46.16.490 and 46.16.276.
308-96A-020Replacement plates and validation tabs. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-020, filed 5/5/86; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-020, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 87-01-030 (Order TL/RG 31), filed 12/11/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 88.02.100.
308-96A-025No fee where incorrect plates issued. [Order MV-328, § 308-96A-025, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 98-19-075, filed 9/21/98, effective 10/22/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.46.16.225 [ 46.16.225], 46.16.490 and 46.16.276.
308-96A-030Annual license renewal—Renewal by mail. [Order MV-355, § 308-96A-030, filed 5/10/76; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-030, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-035Annual license renewal. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 88.02.100, 46.10.040, 46.12.030, 46.16.040, 88.02.050 and 88.02.070. WSR 96-04-004, § 308-96A-035, filed 1/25/96, effective 2/25/96; WSR 95-13-058, § 308-96A-035, filed 6/19/95, effective 7/20/95. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 92-15-025, § 308-96A-035, filed 7/6/92, effective 8/6/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-035, filed 5/5/86; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-035, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 98-19-075, filed 9/21/98, effective 10/22/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.46.16.225 [ 46.16.225], 46.16.490 and 46.16.276.
308-96A-040Monthly abatement of license fees. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.17.060, 46.01.060, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135. WSR 92-02-100, § 308-96A-040, filed 1/2/92, effective 2/2/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-040, filed 5/5/86; Order MV-355, § 308-96A-040, filed 5/10/76; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-040, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 98-19-075, filed 9/21/98, effective 10/22/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.46.16.225 [ 46.16.225], 46.16.490 and 46.16.276.
308-96A-045Veteran's free license. [Order MV-355, § 308-96A-045, filed 5/10/76; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-045, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 84-21-130 (Order TL/RG-9), filed 10/24/84. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.600. Later promulgation, see WAC 308-96A-046.
308-96A-055Nonresident military temporary license. [Order MV-328, § 308-96A-055, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-060License plates not transferrable—Exceptions. [Order MV-328, § 308-96A-060, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-061Honorary consul special license plates. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.301 and [46.16].371. WSR 95-17-127, § 308-96A-061, filed 8/23/95, effective 9/23/95. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.276 and 1987 c 237. WSR 88-01-010 (Order TL/RG 39), § 308-96A-061, filed 12/7/87.] Repealed by WSR 99-22-058, filed 11/1/99, effective 12/2/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.276.
308-96A-063Foreign organization special license plate. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 1996 c 139. WSR 96-21-044, § 308-96A-063, filed 10/11/96, effective 11/11/96.] Repealed by WSR 99-22-058, filed 11/1/99, effective 12/2/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.276.
308-96A-066Denial or cancellation of personalized license plates. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.335. WSR 98-09-024, § 308-96A-066, filed 4/8/98, effective 5/9/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 93-14-083, § 308-96A-066, filed 6/30/93, effective 7/31/93.] Repealed by WSR 01-10-069, filed 4/30/01, effective 5/31/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.16.276.
308-96A-067Reissuance or reinstatement of personalized license plates. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.335. WSR 98-09-024, § 308-96A-067, filed 4/8/98, effective 5/9/98.] Repealed by WSR 01-10-069, filed 4/30/01, effective 5/31/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.16.276.
308-96A-068Issuance of personalized license plates. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.335. WSR 98-09-024, § 308-96A-068, filed 4/8/98, effective 5/9/98.] Repealed by WSR 01-10-069, filed 4/30/01, effective 5/31/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.16.276.
308-96A-075Collector cars—Use limitations. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.070 [ 46.16.335]. WSR 91-04-025, § 308-96A-075, filed 1/29/91, effective 3/1/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-075, filed 5/5/86; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-075, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 97-07-014, filed 3/11/97, effective 4/11/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110.
308-96A-097Confidential license plates—Records disclosure. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.08.066. WSR 98-16-002, § 308-96A-097, filed 7/22/98, effective 8/22/98; WSR 85-11-014 (Order TL/RG-12), § 308-96A-097, filed 5/8/85.] Repealed by WSR 99-16-020, filed 7/26/99, effective 8/26/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.08.066.
308-96A-100Licensing according to use instead of vehicle type. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.276. WSR 92-03-076, § 308-96A-100, filed 1/14/92, effective 2/14/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.600, 46.16.276 and 46.01.110. WSR 87-12-023 (Order TL/RG-34), § 308-96A-100, filed 5/28/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-100, filed 5/5/86; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-100, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 99-06-029, filed 2/24/99, effective 3/27/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.276, 43.17.060, 46.16.600 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-105Motor homes. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 90-20-140, § 308-96A-105, filed 10/3/90, effective 10/3/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-105, filed 5/5/86; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-105, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 99-06-029, filed 2/24/99, effective 3/27/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.276, 43.17.060, 46.16.600 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-106Campers titled as motor homes. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 90-20-140, § 308-96A-106, filed 10/3/90, effective 10/3/90.] Repealed by WSR 99-06-029, filed 2/24/99, effective 3/27/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.276, 43.17.060, 46.16.600 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-115Personal use trailers. [Order MV-328, § 308-96A-115, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-120Campers. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 90-20-140, § 308-96A-120, filed 10/3/90, effective 10/3/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-120, filed 5/5/86; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-120, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 99-06-029, filed 2/24/99, effective 3/27/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.276, 43.17.060, 46.16.600 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-125"Drive yourself" or "U-drive" vehicles. [Order MV-328, § 308-96A-125, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-130Hearses and ambulances. [Order MV-328, § 308-96A-130, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-140Special construction equipment. [Order MV-328, § 308-96A-140, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-150Farm vehicles. [Order MV-328, § 308-96A-150, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 99-01-133, filed 12/21/98, effective 1/21/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135.
308-96A-155Change of class. [Order MV-355, § 308-96A-155, filed 5/10/76; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-155, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-160Change of class—Sale of exempt vehicle. [Order MV-328, § 308-96A-160, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-162Permanent fleet registration. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 97-10-003, § 308-96A-162, filed 4/24/97, effective 5/25/97; WSR 92-15-025, § 308-96A-162, filed 7/6/92, effective 8/6/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.335. WSR 91-15-006, § 308-96A-162, filed 7/8/91, effective 8/8/91.] Repealed by WSR 99-19-026, filed 9/8/99, effective 10/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.01.100 and 46.16.060.
308-96A-165Change of class—Purchase of previously nonexempt vehicle by state, county, or city department. [Order MV-328, § 308-96A-165, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-170Change of class—Exempt agencies returning leased vehicles. [Order MV-355, § 308-96A-170, filed 5/10/76; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-170, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-177Replacement of license plates. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.16.276. WSR 01-10-069, § 308-96A-177, filed 4/30/01, effective 5/31/01.] Repealed by WSR 03-05-080, filed 2/19/03, effective 3/22/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110.
308-96A-200Computing capacity fee. [Order MV-328, § 308-96A-200, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-215Transfer of tonnage license—From person to person. [Order MV-328, § 308-96A-215, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-225Transfer of tonnage license—To a farmer. [Order MV-328, § 308-96A-225, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-230Transfer of tonnage license—From a farmer. [Order MV-328, § 308-96A-230, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-235Transfer of tonnage license—Involuntary transfer. [Order MV-328, § 308-96A-235, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-240Transfer of tonnage license—Vehicle transferred to another state. [Order MV-328, § 308-96A-240, filed 7/24/75.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-265Staggered licensing—Conversion of vehicles currently licensed. [Order MV-355, § 308-96A-265, filed 5/10/76.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-270Staggered licensing—Billing for other than 12 months. [Order MV-355, § 308-96A-270, filed 5/10/76.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-280Staggered licensing—Excise tax computation. [Order MV-355, § 308-96A-280, filed 5/10/76.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-285Quarterly tonnage. [Order MV-355, § 308-96A-285, filed 5/10/76.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-290Quarterly tonnage—Refunds excess of twelve months. [Order MV-355, § 308-96A-290, filed 5/10/76.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-305Quarterly tonnage—Destroyed vehicles rebuilt. [Order MV-355, § 308-96A-305, filed 5/10/76.] Repealed by WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110.
308-96A-306Definitions—Individual with disabilities special parking privileges. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381. WSR 04-14-077, § 308-96A-306, filed 7/6/04, effective 8/6/04; WSR 02-04-002, § 308-96A-306, filed 1/23/02, effective 2/23/02; WSR 00-16-056, § 308-96A-306, filed 7/26/00, effective 8/26/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381, 46.01.110 and 46.16.276. WSR 99-21-034, § 308-96A-306, filed 10/15/99, effective 11/15/99; WSR 98-22-032, § 308-96A-306, filed 10/29/98, effective 10/29/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 97-02-001, § 308-96A-306, filed 12/19/96, effective 1/19/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.276. WSR 92-03-076, § 308-96A-306, filed 1/14/92, effective 2/14/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.600, 46.16.276 and 46.01.110. WSR 87-12-023 (Order TL/RG-34), § 308-96A-306, filed 5/28/87.] Repealed by WSR 07-03-127, filed 1/23/07, effective 2/23/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381. Later promulgation, see chapter 308-96B WAC.
308-96A-310Application—Disabled person parking privileges. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.276. WSR 92-03-076, § 308-96A-310, filed 1/14/92, effective 2/14/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.276 and 46.16.381. WSR 88-01-010 (Order TL/RG 39), § 308-96A-310, filed 12/7/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 1984 c 154 § 2(2) [RCW 46.16.381(2)]. WSR 84-17-073 (Order TL-RG 6), § 308-96A-310, filed 8/15/84.] Repealed by WSR 98-22-032, filed 10/29/98, effective 10/29/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381, 46.01.110 and 46.16.276.
308-96A-311General provisions. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381. WSR 05-07-151, § 308-96A-311, filed 3/23/05, effective 4/23/05; WSR 04-14-077, § 308-96A-311, filed 7/6/04, effective 8/6/04; WSR 02-04-002, § 308-96A-311, filed 1/23/02, effective 2/23/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381, 46.01.110 and 46.16.276. WSR 99-21-034, § 308-96A-311, filed 10/15/99, effective 11/15/99; WSR 98-22-032, § 308-96A-311, filed 10/29/98, effective 10/29/98.] Repealed by WSR 06-19-079, filed 9/19/06, effective 10/20/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381.
308-96A-312Temporary individual with disabilities parking placard and identification card. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381. WSR 04-14-077, § 308-96A-312, filed 7/6/04, effective 8/6/04; WSR 02-04-002, § 308-96A-312, filed 1/23/02, effective 2/23/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381, 46.01.110 and 46.16.276. WSR 99-21-034, § 308-96A-312, filed 10/15/99, effective 11/15/99; WSR 98-22-032, § 308-96A-312, filed 10/29/98, effective 10/29/98.] Repealed by WSR 06-19-079, filed 9/19/06, effective 10/20/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381.
308-96A-313Individual with disabilities parking placard and identification card—For permanent disabilities. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381. WSR 04-14-077, § 308-96A-313, filed 7/6/04, effective 8/6/04; WSR 02-04-002, § 308-96A-313, filed 1/23/02, effective 2/23/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381, 46.01.110 and 46.16.276. WSR 99-21-034, § 308-96A-313, filed 10/15/99, effective 11/15/99; WSR 98-22-032, § 308-96A-313, filed 10/29/98, effective 10/29/98.] Repealed by WSR 06-19-079, filed 9/19/06, effective 10/20/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381.
308-96A-314Individual with disabilities special license plates. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381. WSR 05-07-151, § 308-96A-314, filed 3/23/05, effective 4/23/05; WSR 04-14-077, § 308-96A-314, filed 7/6/04, effective 8/6/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.12.070. WSR 03-05-082, § 308-96A-314, filed 2/19/03, effective 3/22/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381. WSR 02-04-002, § 308-96A-314, filed 1/23/02, effective 2/23/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381, 46.01.110 and 46.16.276. WSR 99-21-034, § 308-96A-314, filed 10/15/99, effective 11/15/99; WSR 98-22-032, § 308-96A-314, filed 10/29/98, effective 10/29/98.] Repealed by WSR 06-19-079, filed 9/19/06, effective 10/20/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381.
308-96A-315Temporary placards. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 97-02-001, § 308-96A-315, filed 12/19/96, effective 1/19/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.276. WSR 92-03-076, § 308-96A-315, filed 1/14/92, effective 2/14/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 1984 c 154 § 2(2) [RCW 46.16.381(2)]. WSR 84-17-073 (Order TL-RG 6), § 308-96A-315, filed 8/15/84.] Repealed by WSR 98-01-020, filed 12/8/97, effective 1/8/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.354.
308-96A-316Permanent placard and individual with disabilities special license plates for organizations. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381. WSR 04-14-077, § 308-96A-316, filed 7/6/04, effective 8/6/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.12.070. WSR 03-05-082, § 308-96A-316, filed 2/19/03, effective 3/22/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381. WSR 02-04-002, § 308-96A-316, filed 1/23/02, effective 2/23/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381, 46.01.110 and 46.16.276. WSR 99-21-034, § 308-96A-316, filed 10/15/99, effective 11/15/99; WSR 98-22-032, § 308-96A-316, filed 10/29/98, effective 10/29/98.] Repealed by WSR 06-19-079, filed 9/19/06, effective 10/20/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381.
308-96A-320Cardiovascular disease or cardiac condition. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.276. WSR 92-03-076, § 308-96A-320, filed 1/14/92, effective 2/14/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 1984 c 154 § 2(2) [RCW 46.16.381(2)]. WSR 84-17-073 (Order TL-RG 6), § 308-96A-320, filed 8/15/84.] Repealed by WSR 98-22-032, filed 10/29/98, effective 10/29/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381, 46.01.110 and 46.16.276.
308-96A-325Loss of disabled person parking placard, plate. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.276. WSR 92-03-076, § 308-96A-325, filed 1/14/92, effective 2/14/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.276 and 46.16.381. WSR 88-01-010 (Order TL/RG 39), § 308-96A-325, filed 12/7/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.600, 46.16.276 and 46.01.110. WSR 87-12-023 (Order TL/RG-34), § 308-96A-325, filed 5/28/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 1984 c 154 § 2(2) [RCW 46.16.381(2)]. WSR 84-17-073 (Order TL-RG 6), § 308-96A-325, filed 8/15/84.] Repealed by WSR 98-22-032, filed 10/29/98, effective 10/29/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381, 46.01.110 and 46.16.276.
308-96A-330Application for organization disabled person parking placards. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 97-02-001, § 308-96A-330, filed 12/19/96, effective 1/19/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 93-14-083, § 308-96A-330, filed 6/30/93, effective 7/31/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.276. WSR 92-03-076, § 308-96A-330, filed 1/14/92, effective 2/14/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.600, 46.16.276 and 46.01.110. WSR 87-12-023 (Order TL/RG-34), § 308-96A-330, filed 5/28/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 1984 c 154 § 2(2) [RCW 46.16.381(2)]. WSR 84-17-073 (Order TL-RG 6), § 308-96A-330, filed 8/15/84.] Repealed by WSR 98-22-032, filed 10/29/98, effective 10/29/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381, 46.01.110 and 46.16.276.
308-96A-335Organization special parking privilege placards—Transfer, limitations. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 97-02-001, § 308-96A-335, filed 12/19/96, effective 1/19/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.276. WSR 92-03-076, § 308-96A-335, filed 1/14/92, effective 2/14/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.600, 46.16.276 and 46.01.110. WSR 87-12-023 (Order TL/RG-34), § 308-96A-335, filed 5/28/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 1984 c 154 § 2(2) [RCW 46.16.381(2)]. WSR 84-17-073 (Order TL-RG 6), § 308-96A-335, filed 8/15/84.] Repealed by WSR 98-22-032, filed 10/29/98, effective 10/29/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381, 46.01.110 and 46.16.276.
308-96A-340Disabled person parking privileges—Validation term. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 97-02-001, § 308-96A-340, filed 12/19/96, effective 1/19/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.276. WSR 92-03-076, § 308-96A-340, filed 1/14/92, effective 2/14/92.] Repealed by WSR 98-22-032, filed 10/29/98, effective 10/29/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381, 46.01.110 and 46.16.276.
308-96A-345Definitions. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.040 and 46.16.216. WSR 00-03-057, § 308-96A-345, filed 1/18/00, effective 2/18/00; WSR 91-04-024, § 308-96A-345, filed 1/29/91, effective 3/1/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 84-17-074 (Order TL-RG 7), § 308-96A-345, filed 8/15/84.] Repealed by WSR 01-17-017, filed 8/3/01, effective 9/3/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.46.16.225 [ 46.16.225], 46.16.490, and 46.16.276.
308-96A-360Return of unacceptable notification to jurisdiction. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 84-17-074 (Order TL-RG 7), § 308-96A-360, filed 8/15/84.] Repealed by WSR 00-03-057, filed 1/18/00, effective 2/18/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.040 and 46.16.216.
308-96A-370Removal of parking ticket information from active file. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 84-17-074 (Order TL-RG 7), § 308-96A-370, filed 8/15/84.] Repealed by WSR 00-03-057, filed 1/18/00, effective 2/18/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.040 and 46.16.216.
308-96A-375Parking violation list. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 84-17-074 (Order TL-RG 7), § 308-96A-375, filed 8/15/84.] Repealed by WSR 00-03-057, filed 1/18/00, effective 2/18/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.040 and 46.16.216.
308-96A-380Effect of one hundred twenty-day notice on license renewal. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.040 and 46.16.216. WSR 91-04-024, § 308-96A-380, filed 1/29/91, effective 3/1/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 84-17-074 (Order TL-RG 7), § 308-96A-380, filed 8/15/84.] Repealed by WSR 00-03-057, filed 1/18/00, effective 2/18/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.040 and 46.16.216.
308-96A-410Study fee. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.01.100 and 46.16.060. WSR 99-19-026, § 308-96A-410, filed 9/8/99, effective 10/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.600, 46.16.276 and 46.01.110. WSR 87-12-023 (Order TL/RG-34), § 308-96A-410, filed 5/28/87.] Repealed by WSR 01-12-099, filed 6/6/01, effective 7/7/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110.
308-96A-415Centennial plate issuance. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.600, 46.16.276 and 46.01.110. WSR 87-12-023 (Order TL/RG-34), § 308-96A-415, filed 5/28/87.] Repealed by WSR 98-01-151, filed 12/22/97, effective 1/22/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 1997 c 291.
308-96A-420Centennial plate fee. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.600, 46.16.276 and 46.01.110. WSR 87-12-023 (Order TL/RG-34), § 308-96A-420, filed 5/28/87.] Repealed by WSR 98-01-151, filed 12/22/97, effective 1/22/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 1997 c 291.
308-96A-450Driving without valid license—Temporary vehicle registration. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.760(2). WSR 88-19-017 (Order TL/RG 43), § 308-96A-450, filed 9/9/88.] Repealed by WSR 95-08-038, filed 3/31/95, effective 5/1/95. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.760(2).
308-96A-460Vehicle registration cancellation hearings. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.760(2). WSR 88-19-017 (Order TL/RG 43), § 308-96A-460, filed 9/9/88.] Repealed by WSR 95-08-038, filed 3/31/95, effective 5/1/95. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.760(2).
308-96A-470Driving without valid license—Reregistration after cancellation. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.760(2). WSR 88-19-017 (Order TL/RG 43), § 308-96A-470, filed 9/9/88.] Repealed by WSR 95-08-038, filed 3/31/95, effective 5/1/95. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.760(2).
308-96A-480Driving without valid license—Vehicle operating on a permit. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.760(2). WSR 88-19-017 (Order TL/RG 43), § 308-96A-480, filed 9/9/88.] Repealed by WSR 95-08-038, filed 3/31/95, effective 5/1/95. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.760(2).
308-96A-490Driving without valid license—No valid registration. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.276. WSR 88-23-016 (Order TL/RG 45), § 308-96A-490, filed 11/7/88.] Repealed by WSR 95-08-038, filed 3/31/95, effective 5/1/95. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.760(2).
308-96A-505Veteran license plate emblems—Available. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.319(2). WSR 96-13-054, § 308-96A-505, filed 6/14/96, effective 7/15/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 91-03-091, § 308-96A-505, filed 1/18/91, effective 2/18/91.] Repealed by WSR 00-01-151, filed 12/21/99, effective 1/21/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.276 and 43.17.060.
308-96A-510Veteran license plate emblems—Fees. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 91-03-091, § 308-96A-510, filed 1/18/91, effective 2/18/91.] Repealed by WSR 00-01-151, filed 12/21/99, effective 1/21/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.276 and 43.17.060.
308-96A-520License plate emblems—How affixed. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 91-03-091, § 308-96A-520, filed 1/18/91, effective 2/18/91.] Repealed by WSR 00-01-151, filed 12/21/99, effective 1/21/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.276 and 43.17.060.
308-96A-540License plate emblems—Follow vehicle on transfer. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 91-03-091, § 308-96A-540, filed 1/18/91, effective 2/18/91.] Repealed by WSR 00-01-151, filed 12/21/99, effective 1/21/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.276 and 43.17.060.

PDF308-96A-005

Terminology—Definitions.

Terms used in chapter 46.16A RCW and this chapter will have the following meanings except where otherwise defined, and where the context clearly indicates the contrary:
(1) "Application" means a form provided or approved by the department to apply for different types of services and documents.
(2) "Cab and chassis" is an incomplete vehicle manufactured and sold with only a cab, frame and running gear. (WAC 308-96A-145.)
(3) "Certificate of license registration" means a document issued by the department and required by RCW 46.16A.180 to be carried in the vehicle to operate legally on the roadways of Washington and described in RCW 46.12.540.
(4) "Chattel lien" is a process by which a person may sell or take ownership of a vehicle when:
(a) They provide services or materials for a vehicle at the request of the registered owner; and
(b) The person who provided the services and/or materials has not been compensated.
(5) "Confidential" and "undercover" license plates have the same meaning as provided in RCW 46.04.142.
(6) "Current year" means the current registration year unless otherwise stated. (WAC 308-96A-260.)
(7) "Exception reports" means the main source of communication between jurisdictions and the department of licensing as computer reports that must be used by the jurisdiction to correct errors they have submitted to the department. Reports are received by all participating jurisdictions, whether processing vehicle violations manually or electronically.
(8) "Expiration day and month."
(a) "Date of expiration" or "expiration date" means the day of the month on which the vehicle registration, gross weight license, decal or tabs expire.
(b) "Month of expiration" or "expiration month" means the calendar month during which a registration period ends. (WAC 308-96A-260.)
(9) "Fleet" means a group of vehicles registered in the same owner name and which have been assigned the same fleet identifier code by the department.
(10) "Gross weight," "declared gross weight," and "tonnage" mean gross weight defined in RCW 46.16A.455, 46.16A.425, 46.04.140 and chapter 46.44 RCW.
(11) "Identification card" means the identification card referred to in RCW 46.19.010 for disabled parking privileges and is used for identification of persons with disabilities.
(12) "Indian country" means all lands, notwithstanding the issuance of any patent, within the exterior boundaries set aside by the United States for the use and occupancy of Indian tribes by treaty, law or executive order and which are areas currently recognized as "Indian country" by the United States Department of the Interior as referenced in 18 U.S.C. 1151 and C.F.R. 25.
(13) "Indian tribe" means a Washington Indian nation, tribe, band, or community recognized as an "Indian tribe" by the United States Department of the Interior.
(14) "Indian" means a person on the tribal rolls of the Washington Indian tribe occupying Indian country.
(15) "Individual with disabilities parking placard expiration date" means the last day of the month as specified on the department placard.
(16) "Jurisdiction" as used in the vehicle violation system means any district, municipal, justice, superior court, Washington state department of transportation, or authorized representative of one of these entities.
(17) "Jurisdiction seal" means an embossed seal or stamp provided by the jurisdiction to authenticate documents provided by jurisdictions.
(18) "Landlord's lien" for rent is a process by which a landlord may sell or take ownership of a tenant's vehicle as security for rent due.
(19) "License or licensing" and "register or registering" are synonymous and mean the act of registering a vehicle under chapter 46.16A RCW.
(20) "License fee" means the fees required for the act of licensing a vehicle under chapter 46.17 RCW. License fee does not include license plate fees identified as taxes, and fees collected by the department for other jurisdictions.
(21) "Licensed physician" for the purpose of individual with disabilities parking privileges, means: Chiropractic physicians, naturopaths, medical doctors, osteopathic physicians, podiatric physicians, and advanced registered nurse practitioners. Licensed physician does not include persons licensed in the professions of dentistry and optometry. (RCW 46.19.010.)
(22) "Municipality" in reference to parking tickets, means every court having jurisdiction over offenses committed under RCW 46.20.270.
(23) "NCIC number" means the numeric code assigned by the National Crime Information Center to identify a jurisdiction.
(24) "One hundred twenty-day notice" in reference to vehicle violations means a notice of vehicle violations that must be satisfied prior to the registration renewal date. (RCW 46.16A.120.)
(25) "Vehicle violation disposition" means the requested action as determined by the jurisdiction to add failure-to-pay vehicle violations, or to remove paid vehicle violations from a vehicle record. (RCW 46.16A.120.)
(26) "Vehicle violation" means any standing, stopping, toll nonpayment civil penalty, automated traffic safety camera infractions, or vehicle violation per RCW 46.20.270(3).
(27) "Vehicle violation list" means a computerized list containing all outstanding vehicle violations, which have been processed by the department. (RCW 46.16A.120.)
(28) "Permanent" in reference to individual with disabilities parking privileges, means a licensed physician has certified that a qualifying condition is expected to last at least five years. (RCW 46.19.010. WAC 308-96A-306.)
(29) "Permanent fleet" means a group of fifty or more vehicles registered in the same owner(s) name and which have been assigned the same fleet identifier code by the department and has an expiration date of December 31st of each year. (WAC 308-96A-161.)
(30) "Permit" in reference to individual with disabilities parking privileges means the proof provided by the department in the form of placard(s), special license plate(s) and an identification card indicating eligibility for individual with disabilities parking privileges. (RCW 46.19.010.)
(31) "Personal use vehicle" in reference to disabled veteran's, prisoners of war and congressional medal of honor plates, means vehicles not used for commercial purpose including: Passenger vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles, and trucks with designated gross vehicle weight not exceeding twelve thousand pounds. Registration ownership must be in the name of the individual and not in the business name. (WAC 308-96A-046.)
(32) "Placard" is an item issued to individuals who qualify for special individual with disabilities parking privileges under RCW 46.19.010 and are entitled to receive from the department of licensing in the form of a removable windshield placard bearing the international symbol of access and individual serial number.
(33) "Private carriers" means those entities contracting with public transportation authorities to transport persons with disabilities described in RCW 46.19.010.
(34) "Privilege" in reference to individual with disabilities parking privileges means permission to utilize the benefits associated with the permit. (RCW 46.19.010, 46.61.582 and chapter 70.84 RCW (July 1, 2011, version). WAC 308-96A-306.)
(35) "Public transportation authorities" means those entities operating motor vehicles owned or leased by Washington state, or a town, city, county, municipality, or metropolitan or municipal corporation within the state, or United States government agencies or Indian nations used for the primary purpose of transporting persons with disabilities described in RCW 46.19.010.
(36) "Regular fleet" means a group of five or more vehicles registered in the same owner(s) name and which have been assigned the same fleet identifier code by the department and has an expiration date of December 31st of each year. (WAC 308-96A-161.)
(37) "Salvage title" means a certificate of title issued by another jurisdiction designating a motor vehicle as a "salvage vehicle."
(38) "Self-storage facilities lien" is a process by which the owner of a self-storage facility may sell a vehicle stored at the facility as security for rent or other charges due.
(39) "Signature" means any memorandum, mark, sign or subscriptions made with intent to authenticate an application. (RCW 9A.04.110(23).)
(40) "Unprocessed" as used in vehicle violation system means an update of the computer record has not occurred.
(41) "Use classes" means those vehicles described in WAC 308-96A-099.
(42) "Vehicle database record" means the electronic record stored on the department's motor vehicle database reflecting vehicle and ownership information.
(43) "Vehicle/vessel report of sale" means a document or electronic record transaction that when properly filed protects the seller of a vehicle/vessel from certain criminal and civil liabilities arising from use of the vehicle/vessel by another person after the vehicle/vessel has been sold or a change in ownership has occurred.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 11-17-111, § 308-96A-005, filed 8/23/11, effective 9/23/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.010. WSR 06-21-027, § 308-96A-005, filed 10/9/06, effective 11/9/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.381. WSR 04-14-077, § 308-96A-005, filed 7/6/04, effective 8/6/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490, 46.17.276. WSR 02-17-024, § 308-96A-005, filed 8/12/02, effective 9/12/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.46.16.225 [46.16.225], 46.16.490, and 46.16.276. WSR 01-17-017, § 308-96A-005, filed 8/3/01, effective 9/3/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490, 46.17.276. WSR 00-09-008, § 308-96A-005, filed 4/6/00, effective 5/7/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 97-10-003, § 308-96A-005, filed 4/24/97, effective 5/25/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 1993 c 488 and chapter 46.12 RCW. WSR 94-17-044, § 308-96A-005, filed 8/10/94, effective 9/10/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 93-14-083, § 308-96A-005, filed 6/30/93, effective 7/31/93; WSR 92-15-025, § 308-96A-005, filed 7/6/92, effective 8/6/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.17.060, 46.01.060, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135. WSR 92-02-100, § 308-96A-005, filed 1/2/92, effective 2/2/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.335. WSR 91-15-006, § 308-96A-005, filed 7/8/91, effective 8/8/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.600, 46.16.276 and 46.01.110. WSR 87-12-023 (Order TL/RG-34), § 308-96A-005, filed 5/28/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-005, filed 5/5/86; Order MV-355, § 308-96A-005, filed 5/10/76; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-005, filed 7/24/75.]


PDF308-96A-015

Replacement certificate of registration—Documents required.

(1) How do I obtain a replacement certificate of registration?
You obtain a replacement certificate of registration by applying, either in person or by mail, at a Washington vehicle licensing office and paying appropriate fees.
(2) When do I need to replace my certificate of registration?
You need to replace your certificate of registration if it is lost, stolen, destroyed, or mutilated.
(3) Who can apply for a replacement certificate of registration?
The registered owner must apply for a replacement certificate of registration. If there is more than one registered owner, one of the registered owners need apply for a replacement certificate of registration.
(4) What documentation do I need to apply for a replacement certificate of registration?
You need an affidavit of loss or letter of request describing the vehicle by Washington license plate or vehicle identification number. The affidavit of loss or letter of request must be signed by at least one of the registered owners. Identification will be required. The registered owner's signature must be either notarized by a notary public or certified by a Washington vehicle license agent or subagent.
(5) Where do I get an affidavit of loss?
An affidavit of loss/release of interest form may be obtained at a vehicle licensing office, by mail or by accessing the department's website at www.wa.gov/dol.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.46.16.225 [46.16.225], 46.16.490, and 46.16.276. WSR 01-17-017, § 308-96A-015, filed 8/3/01, effective 9/3/01; WSR 98-19-075, § 308-96A-015, filed 9/21/98, effective 10/22/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-015, filed 5/5/86; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-015, filed 7/24/75.]


PDF308-96A-021

Replacement plates—Requirements.

(1) How do I obtain replacement plate(s) for my current Washington plate(s)?
You obtain replacement plate(s) by applying to a Washington vehicle licensing office in person or by mail.
(2) When do I need to replace my plate(s)?
You need to replace your plate(s) if:
(a) Your plate(s) are lost, destroyed, or mutilated. For an additional fee, you may replace them with the same number and letter combination as long as the plate meets a current approved license plate configuration and background; or
(b) Your plate(s) are stolen. You may not request the same number and letter combination (see the note at the end of this section); or
(c) The primary use of your vehicle has changed requiring new plate(s) designated for the new use of the vehicle. Example: A passenger car used to transport commodities, merchandise, produce, freight or animals for commercial purposes may be licensed as a commercial use truck; or
(d) You took ownership of a vehicle, unless you met one of the exemptions in RCW 46.16A.200, or the vehicle is registered as a title purpose only or has one of the following nonstandard plates on it at the time of transfer:
(i) Horseless carriage plates;
(ii) Collector vehicle plates; or
(iii) Restored plates.
(3) Who can apply for replacement plate(s)?
One of the registered owners or the owner's authorized representative may apply for replacement plate(s).
(4) What documentation do I need to apply for replacement plate(s)?
(a) If your plate(s) are lost, stolen (see note at end of this section), destroyed, or mutilated, you need to submit an affidavit of loss or letter of request describing the vehicle by Washington license plate or vehicle identification number. The affidavit of loss or letter of request must be signed by at least one of the registered owners. The registered owner's signature must be either notarized by a notary public or certified by an authorized employee of a Washington vehicle licensing office. A replacement plate fee will be charged. For an additional fee, the same number and letter combination may be requested as long as the plate meets a current approved license plate configuration and background.
(b) If the primary use of your vehicle has changed requiring new plate(s) designated for the new use of the vehicle, the department will replace the plate(s) without the affidavit of loss or letter of request. A new plate fee will be charged.
(5) What if the department issued incorrect plate(s) for my vehicle?
When incorrect plate(s) have been issued due to departmental error, the department will replace the plate(s) without the affidavit of loss or letter of request. No replacement plate fee will be charged in this case.
(6) If I replace special license plate(s) on a currently registered vehicle, will I receive the same license plate number and letter combination? Yes, for an additional fee, if you are replacing license plates on a currently registered vehicle, your license plates will be replaced with the same number and letter combination as shown on the vehicle computer record as long as the plate meets a current approved license plate configuration and background.
Note:
If the license plate has been reported as stolen or if the department record indicates the vehicle has been stolen, the same number and letter combination will not be issued.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-021, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490, 46.16.276. WSR 04-08-079, § 308-96A-021, filed 4/6/04, effective 5/7/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 03-05-080, § 308-96A-021, filed 2/19/03, effective 3/22/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.46.16.225 [46.16.225], 46.16.490 and 46.16.276. WSR 98-19-075, § 308-96A-021, filed 9/21/98, effective 10/22/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.600, 46.16.276 and 46.01.110. WSR 87-12-023 (Order TL/RG-34), § 308-96A-021, filed 5/28/87.]


PDF308-96A-026

Vehicle transit permit.

(1) What is a vehicle transit permit?
A vehicle transit permit is a document that authorizes an individual to operate a vehicle on a public highway of this state solely for the purpose of obtaining necessary documentation to complete an application for a Washington certificate of title or registration. Use of the vehicle is restricted to the reason(s) indicated on the permit.
(2) How may a vehicle transit permit be used?
A vehicle transit permit may be used to obtain:
(a) A Washington state patrol inspection;
(b) A scale weight slip;
(c) An emission test; or
(d) Any other purpose that the department deems necessary.
(3) Where do I obtain a vehicle transit permit?
You may obtain a vehicle transit permit from Washington vehicle licensing offices.
(4) How long is the vehicle transit permit valid?
The permit is valid only for the days shown on the permit and may not exceed two days. The two days do not need to be consecutive.
(5) What information is required to issue the vehicle transit permit?
(a) Description of the vehicle for which the permit is issued, which may include make, model, model year, and vehicle identification number;
(b) Name and address of person obtaining the permit;
(c) Specific purpose for which the permit is issued;
(d) The date or dates on which the permit is valid, for a maximum of two days;
(e) Applicant's signature; and
(f) Signature of vehicle licensing agent or issuing authority.
(6) How much does a vehicle transit permit cost?
There is a five dollar service fee to issue a vehicle transit permit.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-026, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 05-13-118, § 308-96A-026, filed 6/20/05, effective 7/21/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.125, 46.16.225, 46.16.276, 46.16.060, 46.16.600, 43.17.060. WSR 04-08-002, § 308-96A-026, filed 3/24/04, effective 4/24/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.46.16.225 [46.16.225], 46.16.490, and 46.16.276. WSR 01-17-017, § 308-96A-026, filed 8/3/01, effective 9/3/01; WSR 98-19-075, § 308-96A-026, filed 9/21/98, effective 10/22/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 92-15-025, § 308-96A-026, filed 7/6/92, effective 8/6/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.276. WSR 86-23-045 (Order TL/RG 28), § 308-96A-026, filed 11/18/86.]


PDF308-96A-046

Qualified veteran's free license.

(1) Who qualifies for the free licensing, authorized by RCW 73.04.110 and 46.16.305?
(a) Disabled American veterans and former prisoners of war, as defined in RCW 73.04.110;
(b) A veteran awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor as defined in RCW 46.16.305; and
(c) Surviving spouses of a deceased former prisoner of war as defined in RCW 73.04.115, who is named as a registered owner, including lessees, may register and receive regular or special license plates for one personal use vehicle. The personal use vehicle is exempt from the annual license tab fee as defined in RCW 46.16.0621. Other taxes and fees may apply.
(2) What vehicles are considered personal use vehicles? For purposes of this section, "personal use vehicle" means passenger vehicles in reference to disabled veteran's, prisoners of war and congressional medal of honor plates, means vehicles not used for commercial purposes including: Passenger vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles, and trucks with designated gross vehicle weight not exceeding twelve thousand pounds. Registration ownership must be in the name of the individual and not in the business name.
(3) Will I be subject to other taxes and fees? Yes, other taxes and fees may apply depending on the type of license plate requested and where you live.
(4) What must be provided to qualify for a veteran's free license? If the applicant is:
(a) A disabled American veteran, must provide a letter of eligibility from the Federal or Washington state veteran's administration or the branch of military service from which the veteran was discharged confirming disability under RCW 73.04.110 with the license plate application.
(b) A former prisoner of war or a veteran awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor must provide a confirmation of eligibility from the Federal or Washington state veteran's administration or the branch of military service from which the veteran was discharged.
(c) The surviving spouse of a deceased former prisoner of war may be issued a regular or special prisoner of war license plate even if the deceased had not been issued a plate under RCW 73.04.115 even if the deceased had not been issued a plate under RCW 73.04.110. In addition to confirming eligibility, the surviving spouse must furnish the following:
(i) A copy of the death certificate of the deceased former prisoner of war; and
(ii) An affidavit that the applicant is not currently married.
(5) May I transfer my veteran license plate to another qualifying vehicle? Yes, you may transfer your veteran license plates by notifying the department and paying the appropriate transfer fees in effect.
(6) If I choose to keep the vehicle from which the veteran license plate was removed, do I need to register it? Yes, if you choose to continue to use the vehicle on the highway, the vehicle must be registered under chapter 46.16 RCW.
(7) How do I dispose of the veteran license plate if I no longer qualify? The veteran license plate must be disposed of as required by WAC 308-96A-098.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.12.070, 46.16.276. WSR 02-16-071, § 308-96A-046, filed 8/6/02, effective 9/6/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.276 and 43.17.060. WSR 00-01-151, § 308-96A-046, filed 12/21/99, effective 1/21/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 97-07-013, § 308-96A-046, filed 3/11/97, effective 4/11/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.17.060, 46.01.060, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135. WSR 92-02-100, § 308-96A-046, filed 1/2/92, effective 2/2/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.070. WSR 91-04-025, § 308-96A-046, filed 1/29/91, effective 3/1/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.276, 1987 c 98 § 1 and RCW 73.04.110 as amended by 1987 c 98 § 2. WSR 88-01-010 (Order TL/RG 39), § 308-96A-046, filed 12/7/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 85-15-059 (Order TL-RG-14), § 308-96A-046, filed 7/17/85. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.600. WSR 84-21-130 (Order TL/RG-9), § 308-96A-046, filed 10/24/84. Formerly WAC 308-96A-045.]


PDF308-96A-047

Cooper Jones/Share the Road license plate emblems affixed to license plates.

(1) Where do I order the Cooper Jones/Share the Road license plate emblem? You order them from the Washington state department of printing's general store located at www.prt.wa.gov or by mail to Department of Printing, P.O. Box 798, Olympia, WA 98507-0798.
(2) Who may purchase the emblems? Anyone may purchase as many emblems as they choose.
(3) Is there a fee for the plate emblems? A fee will be charged for each set of emblems described under RCW 46.16.333.
(4) Are there vehicles that may not bear the Cooper Jones/Share the Road emblems? Yes, those vehicles excluded under chapter 46.87 RCW, nonmotorized, and one-plated vehicles.
(5) How shall I affix my Cooper Jones/Share the Road license plate emblem to my license plate? In addition to requirements and limitations in RCW 46.16.327, the "share the road" portion of the emblem set shall be displayed between the bottom license plate bolt holes of the front or rear license plate.
(6) Do I have to affix my Cooper Jones/Share the Road emblem to a license plate? No. There are no restrictions regarding placement of the emblem other than the license plate, or except where the law stipulates you may not obstruct the driver's view.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 03-05-080, § 308-96A-047, filed 2/19/03, effective 3/22/03.]


PDF308-96A-048

Distribution of the first twenty-five sequential special license plates.

(1) What is required for obtaining the distribution of the first twenty-five sequential plates of each special license plate series?
(a) The organizational sponsor liaison that signed the original special license plate series application (or their successor) may submit a list of registered owners and vehicle information to be recipients of up to the first twenty-five special license plates issued. Only vehicles required to display two license plates may be considered. The list must be submitted to the vehicle services special plate manager at least one month before the release date of the initial plate series. Plates will be issued in sequential order in the order specified on the list.
(b) If fewer than twenty-five names are provided on the list, the remainder of those plates will be made available to other applicants in sequential order.
(c) All applicable fees and taxes, as well as any required documentation, are due and must be submitted for each individual vehicle when the plates are issued.
(2) Where and when are the plates distributed? The license plates will only be distributed from the Olympia headquarters vehicle licensing office and only on the first release date of the new special license plate series.
(3) Who may pick up the plates? The registered owner or a person authorized by the registered owner may take delivery of the special license plates.
(4) Are there restrictions on issuing the special plates? Yes, the first twenty-five special plates will only be issued to Washington valid licensed vehicles requiring two license plates.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 05-01-001, § 308-96A-048, filed 12/1/04, effective 1/3/05.]


PDF308-96A-050

Nonresident members of the armed forces—Plates displayed.

(1) What license plates must be displayed on a vehicle registered to a nonresident military person assigned to duty in Washington? Nonresident military personnel assigned to duty in Washington may display on their vehicle either:
(a) License plates issued from their official home of record (state of bona fide residence); or
(b) License plates issued from a foreign jurisdiction other than their official home of record until such time as that license registration is expired; or
(c) Washington license plates.
After expiration of registration from a jurisdiction other than Washington you may maintain your registration in your home of record or obtain a Washington registration.
(2) How long may I drive in Washington using my USA or European USA Registration (EUSAR) registration and license plates after the vehicle returns to the United States from a foreign country? Military personnel are to reregister their vehicle within thirty days of return to the United States.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.12.070, 46.16.276. WSR 02-16-071, § 308-96A-050, filed 8/6/02, effective 9/6/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.276 and 43.17.060. WSR 00-01-151, § 308-96A-050, filed 12/21/99, effective 1/21/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-050, filed 5/5/86; Order MV-355, § 308-96A-050, filed 5/10/76; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-050, filed 7/24/75.]


PDF308-96A-056

Pearl Harbor survivor license plates.

(1) Who is eligible to receive Pearl Harbor survivor license plates? Pearl Harbor survivor license plates may be issued to qualified applicants as authorized in RCW 46.18.270.
(2) What documentation does a Pearl Harbor survivor or surviving spouse need to submit to obtain Pearl Harbor survivor license plates?
(a) The Pearl Harbor survivor association certification required by RCW 46.18.270 (1)(e).
(b) Surviving spouses must also submit a copy of the death certificate and an affidavit that the spouse is not remarried.
(3) May the spouse of a deceased Pearl Harbor survivor keep the Pearl Harbor survivor license plates? Yes. To keep the Pearl Harbor survivor license plates, the surviving spouse must provide a copy of the Pearl Harbor survivor's death certificate and an affidavit that the spouse is not remarried in addition to the requirements of RCW 46.18.270(4).
(4) If I replace my Pearl Harbor survivor license plate, will I receive the same license plate number and letter combination? Yes. Upon request, you will receive replacement Pearl Harbor survivor license plates with the same number and letter combination as shown on the vehicle computer record.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-056, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.12.070, 46.16.276. WSR 02-16-071, § 308-96A-056, filed 8/6/02, effective 9/6/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.276 and 43.17.060. WSR 00-01-151, § 308-96A-056, filed 12/21/99, effective 1/21/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 97-07-013, § 308-96A-056, filed 3/11/97, effective 4/11/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.070. WSR 91-04-025, § 308-96A-056, filed 1/29/91, effective 3/1/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.100, 46.16.276 and 1987 c 44. WSR 88-01-010 (Order TL/RG 39), § 308-96A-056, filed 12/7/87.]


PDF308-96A-057

Purple Heart license plates.

(1) Under what authority does the department issue Purple Heart license plates? RCW 46.18.280 authorizes the department to issue Purple Heart license plates.
(2) Who may receive Purple Heart license plates? Any Washington resident who:
(a) Has been awarded a Purple Heart medal by any branch of the United States Armed Forces, including the Merchant Marines and the Women's Air Forces Service Pilots or spouse if the recipient is deceased;
(b) Was wounded or is the spouse of a person who was wounded during one of this nation's wars or conflicts identified in RCW 41.04.005; and
(c) Is an owner, co-owner, lessee, or co-lessee of a vehicle requiring two license plates; or
(d) The spouse of a deceased recipient of a Purple Heart medal.
(3) What documentation does a Purple Heart recipient or spouse of a deceased recipient need to submit to obtain Purple Heart license plates? Purple Heart recipients or spouse of a deceased recipient applying for these license plates must submit:
(a) An application for Purple Heart license plates; and
(b) A copy of the armed forces document showing the recipient was awarded the Purple Heart medal.
(c) The surviving spouse of a deceased Purple Heart medal recipient may be issued a special Purple Heart license plate. In addition to confirm eligibility, the surviving spouse must submit the following:
(i) A copy of the death certificate of the deceased Purple Heart medal recipient; and
(ii) An affidavit that the applicant is not currently married.
(4) May the spouse of a deceased Purple Heart recipient keep the Purple Heart license plates? Yes. To keep the Purple Heart license plates the surviving spouse must provide:
(a) A copy of the Purple Heart recipient's death certificate; and
(b) An affidavit that the spouse has not remarried; and
(c) If the surviving spouse remarries, the Purple Heart special license plate is invalid and must be removed from the vehicle.
(5) If I replace my Purple Heart license plate, will I receive the same license plate number and letter combination? Yes. If the vehicle owner requests and pays the fees in RCW 46.16A.200, the Purple Heart license plates will be replaced with the same number and letter combination as shown on the vehicle computer record.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-057, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.270, and 46.16.276. WSR 07-21-119, § 308-96A-057, filed 10/23/07, effective 11/23/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.12.070, 46.16.276. WSR 02-16-071, § 308-96A-057, filed 8/6/02, effective 9/6/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.276 and 43.17.060. WSR 00-01-151, § 308-96A-057, filed 12/21/99, effective 1/21/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 97-07-013, § 308-96A-057, filed 3/11/97, effective 4/11/97; WSR 93-14-083, § 308-96A-057, filed 6/30/93, effective 7/31/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.335. WSR 91-15-006, § 308-96A-057, filed 7/8/91, effective 8/8/91.]


PDF308-96A-062

Transfer or destruction of honorary consul special license plates.

(1) Are honorary consul special license plates transferable? Yes, they are transferable to another motor vehicle owned or leased by the honorary consular, however, the special license plates may not be transferred to anyone else.
(2) How are honorary consul special license plates transferred to another vehicle? The honorary consul must submit a request to the department to transfer the plates to another vehicle and pay a transfer fee as provided in RCW 46.16.316 in addition to all other applicable fees and taxes.
(3) How are honorary consul special license plates replaced if they become lost, destroyed, mutilated or stolen? The honorary consular must submit a request to the department for replacement license plates and pay a replacement plate fee as provided in chapter 46.16 RCW in addition to all other applicable fees and taxes.
(4) What do I do with the honorary consul special license plates if I sell or otherwise dispose of the vehicle? The plates must be either:
(a) Removed from the vehicle and immediately forwarded to the department; or
(b) Transferred to another vehicle as provided in subsection (1) of this section.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490, 46.17.276. WSR 02-17-024, § 308-96A-062, filed 8/12/02, effective 9/12/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.276. WSR 99-22-058, § 308-96A-062, filed 11/1/99, effective 12/2/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.301 and [46.16].371. WSR 95-17-127, § 308-96A-062, filed 8/23/95, effective 9/23/95. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.276 and 1987 c 237. WSR 88-01-010 (Order TL/RG 39), § 308-96A-062, filed 12/7/87.]


PDF308-96A-064

Transfer or loss/destruction of foreign organization special license plates.

(1) Are foreign organization special license plates transferable? Yes, they are transferable to another motor vehicle owned or leased by the representative of the foreign organization; however, the special license plates may not be transferred to anyone else.
(2) How are foreign organization special license plates transferred to another vehicle? Submit a request to the department to transfer the plates to another vehicle and pay a transfer fee as provided in RCW 46.17.200 in addition to all other applicable fees and taxes.
(3) How are foreign organization special license plates replaced if they become lost, destroyed, mutilated, or stolen? The representative of the foreign organization must submit a request to the department for replacement license plates and pay a replacement plate fee as provided in RCW 46.17.200 in addition to all other applicable fees and taxes.
(4) If I replace my foreign organization special license plates, will I receive the same license plate number and letter combination? Yes. Upon request, you will receive replacement foreign organization special license plates with the same number and letter combination as shown on the vehicle computer record.
(5) What do I do with the foreign organization special license plates if I sell or otherwise dispose of the vehicle? The plates must be removed and either transferred to another vehicle owned or leased by the plate holder of the foreign organization or immediately forwarded to the department.
(6) How are foreign organization special license plates disposed of? The plates must be removed by the representative of the foreign organization and immediately forwarded to the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-064, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490, 46.17.276. WSR 02-17-024, § 308-96A-064, filed 8/12/02, effective 9/12/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.276. WSR 99-22-058, § 308-96A-064, filed 11/1/99, effective 12/2/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 1996 c 139. WSR 96-21-044, § 308-96A-064, filed 10/11/96, effective 11/11/96.]


PDF308-96A-065

Personalized license plates.

(1) What is a personalized license plate? Personalized license plates are plates reflecting the registered owner's chosen format or designation and are limited to those described in RCW 46.04.385 and 46.18.275.
(2) Are there any restrictions on the use of letters and numbers on personalized license plates? Personalized license plates may be issued with one to seven characters. Motorcycles and motorcycle trailers can have up to six characters. The letters "I" and "O" and the numbers "1" (one) and "0" (zero) may not be issued as single-digit plates.
(3) When may the department deny an application for or cancel personalized plates?
(a) The department may deny an application for personalized license plates or cancel personalized license plates previously issued if it determines the plate configuration to be:
(i) Offensive to good taste and decency;
(ii) Potentially misleading;
(iii) Vulgar, profane, or sexually suggestive in nature;
(iv) A racial, ethnic, lifestyle, or gender slur;
(v) Related to intoxicating substances or illegal activities;
(vi) Derogatory;
(vii) Slanderous;
(viii) A duplication of license plate or decal numbers provided in chapter 46.09, 46.10 or 46.16A RCW; or
(ix) The personalized message appears to replicate the standard configuration for a special license plate; or
(x) Contrary to the department's mission to promote highway safety.
(b) If the personalized license plates are canceled due to one or more reasons specified in subsection (3) of this section, the vehicle owner may:
(i) Apply for a refund for the fee paid under RCW 46.17.210 and 46.68.435 for such license plates; or
(ii) Instead of a refund, apply for and upon approval be issued personalized license plates with a different configuration without payment of additional personalized license plate fees.
(c) The department may cancel personalized license plates if they are:
(i) Not renewed by the owner within forty-five days of the vehicle expiration; or
(ii) Removed from a vehicle and not transferred to a replacement vehicle within thirty days; or
(iii) Transferred to a new owner who does not make proper application for the plates within twenty-five days.
(4) What special plates cannot be personalized?
(a) Medal of honor;
(b) Horseless carriage;
(c) Restored;
(d) Collector vehicle;
(e) Ham and Mars license plates;
(f) Former prisoner of war;
(g) Pearl Harbor survivor;
(h) Disabled veteran;
(i) Exempt license plates.
(5) If my registration for personalized license plates has elapsed, how do I get them reinstated or reissued?
(a) If you are an owner of a personalized license plate and do not renew it within forty-five days, you must reapply and pay the original personalized license plate fee in order to reinstate the plate.
(b) If you purchase a vehicle with a personalized plate and do not transfer the ownership of the personalized plate within twenty-five days, you forfeit ownership of the plate. The department will make that personalized plate available to the first applicant for that plate configuration.
(c) If you are the owner of a personalized license plate who does not transfer the plate as described in (b) of this subsection, you must reapply and pay the original personalized license plate fee in order to reinstate the plate.
(6) Can I transfer my personalized license plate? Yes, if you are the owner(s) of a vehicle with personalized license plates and sell, trade, or otherwise transfer ownership of the vehicle, you may transfer the plates to another vehicle within thirty days; (the personalized license plates may be transferred at any vehicle licensing office or through a vehicle dealer if the owner wishes to transfer a plate to a dealer-purchased vehicle) or transfer the plates to a new owner. If the plates are transferred to a new owner, the current owner must provide the new owner with a notarized or certified release of interest for the plates. The new owner must make application to the department within twenty-five days, including payment of the original personalized license plate fee.
(7) How do I dispose of my personalized vehicle license plates?
(a) You may turn the plates in to the department with a notarized release of interest from the owner(s) relinquishing the right to that personalized license plate configuration; or
(b) If your vehicle has personalized license plates and is sold to a wrecker or you accept a total loss claim from your insurance company and you choose not to retain the salvage, you must either transfer the plates to another vehicle within thirty days or turn the plates in to the department with a notarized release of interest from all registered owner(s) relinquishing the right to that personalized license plate.
Note:
If the license plate has been reported as stolen or if the department record indicates the vehicle has been stolen, the same number and letter combination will not be issued.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.18.020. WSR 16-02-032, § 308-96A-065, filed 12/29/15, effective 1/29/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-065, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 07-20-110, § 308-96A-065, filed 10/3/07, effective 11/3/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.16.276. WSR 01-10-069, § 308-96A-065, filed 4/30/01, effective 5/31/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.335. WSR 98-09-024, § 308-96A-065, filed 4/8/98, effective 5/9/98; WSR 91-15-006, § 308-96A-065, filed 7/8/91, effective 8/8/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.276 and 46.16.600. WSR 88-12-043 (Order TL/RG 41), § 308-96A-065, filed 5/27/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.600, 46.16.276 and 46.01.110. WSR 87-12-023 (Order TL/RG-34), § 308-96A-065, filed 5/28/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.600. WSR 84-21-130 (Order TL/RG-9), § 308-96A-065, filed 10/24/84; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-065, filed 7/24/75.]


PDF308-96A-070

Amateur radio operator special license plates.

(1) Who may apply for amateur radio operator vehicle special license plate(s)? Any person having a valid amateur radio operator's license may apply to the department for license plates bearing the official amateur radio call letters assigned by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These plates are in lieu of regular issue license plates. The department will issue only one set of plates at any one time carrying these call letters.
(2) What documents are required to receive an amateur radio operator vehicle special license plate? In addition to all other license fees required by law, the amateur radio operator must attach a copy of the current FCC license to the application. The operator must notify the department when the FCC license is canceled or expires and whether or not the operator has renewed the license. If the license has been renewed, the operator must send a copy of the new FCC license to the department.
(3) How will the amateur radio operator license plates be displayed? The amateur radio operator license plates must be displayed on a motor vehicle owned by the amateur radio operator unless the plates were issued and assigned to a vehicle prior to January 1, 1991. Prior to the January 1, 1991, date, the amateur radio operator license plates are allowed to be installed on any motor vehicle qualified under RCW 46.18.205.
(4) Are there any special fees required to obtain the amateur radio operator license plates? In addition to all other license fees required by law, each applicant for amateur radio operator license plates must pay an additional license plate fee of five dollars for the plate and applicable fees as stated in RCW 46.17.200 any time the plates are transferred to another vehicle.
(5) When are the amateur radio operator special license plates canceled? The effective date of the plate cancellation is the date the FCC license becomes invalid. Reinstatement of the plates requires the amateur radio operator to reapply for the plates, providing a copy of the valid FCC license and paying the five-dollar fee for a new plate and applicable fees as stated in RCW 46.17.200.
(6) Are there any FCC operator special license plates that will not be issued? Yes, if the call sign has WSP as part of the number letter combination.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-070, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 07-20-112, § 308-96A-070, filed 10/3/07, effective 11/3/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.316. WSR 04-18-023, § 308-96A-070, filed 8/24/04, effective 9/24/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.16.276. WSR 01-10-069, § 308-96A-070, filed 4/30/01, effective 5/31/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.335. WSR 98-09-024, § 308-96A-070, filed 4/8/98, effective 5/9/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.070. WSR 91-04-025, § 308-96A-070, filed 1/29/91, effective 3/1/91; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-070, filed 7/24/75.]


PDF308-96A-071

Military affiliate radio system special license plates.

(1) Who may apply for the military affiliate radio system station special license plates? Any person having a valid military affiliate radio system (MARS) station license may apply to the department for license plates bearing the official MARS call letters assigned by the Department of Defense. These plates are in lieu of regular issue license plates. The department will issue only one set of plates at any one time carrying these call letters and can only be displayed on a motor vehicle registered to the MARS station license holder.
(2) Can a MARS special license plate be issued for my motorcycle? No. Motorcycle license plates accommodate a maximum of six characters. MARS call letters consist of seven characters.
(3) What documents are required to receive MARS special license plates? In addition to all other license fees required by law, an applicant for MARS license plates must attach a copy of the current official MARS station license authorized by the Department of Defense and issued by the United States Army, Air Force, or Navy/Marine Corps. The recipient of these plates must notify the department when the MARS station license has been canceled.
(4) Are there any special fees required to obtain the MARS license plates? In addition to all other license fees required by law, each applicant for MARS license plates must pay an additional license plate fee of five dollars for the plate and applicable fees as stated in RCW 46.17.200 any time the plates are transferred to another vehicle.
(5) When are the MARS license plates canceled? The effective date of a plate cancellation is the date the MARS station license becomes invalid. Reinstatement of the plates requires the MARS station license holder to reapply for the plates, providing a copy of the valid MARS license and paying the five-dollar fee for a new plate and applicable fees as stated in RCW 46.17.200.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-071, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.316. WSR 04-18-023, § 308-96A-071, filed 8/24/04, effective 9/24/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.16.276. WSR 01-10-069, § 308-96A-071, filed 4/30/01, effective 5/31/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.335. WSR 98-09-024, § 308-96A-071, filed 4/8/98, effective 5/9/98; WSR 91-15-006, § 308-96A-071, filed 7/8/91, effective 8/8/91.]


PDF308-96A-072

Square dancer license plates.

(1) Who may apply for square dancer license plates? A registered owner of a vehicle may apply to the department and receive, in lieu of regular vehicle license plates, special square dancer license plates bearing a symbol of square dancers.
(2) What vehicles may display square dancer license plates? Square dancer license plates may be issued for vehicles required to display two license plates, except those vehicles licensed under the provisions of chapter 46.87 RCW.
(3) Are special license fees required for square dancer license plates? A special license plate fee of forty dollars, in addition to all other appropriate fees and taxes, is collected for each set of square dancer license plates issued.
(4) How does the department define "current license plate registration"? For the purposes of this section, a current license plate registration is defined as: A registration that has not expired or a registration where it is less than one year past the expiration date.
Note:
If the license plate has been reported as stolen or if the department record indicates the vehicle has been stolen, the same number and letter combination will not be issued.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-072, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490, 46.16.276. WSR 04-08-079, § 308-96A-072, filed 4/6/04, effective 5/7/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.16.276. WSR 01-10-069, § 308-96A-072, filed 4/30/01, effective 5/31/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 1997 c 291. WSR 98-01-151, § 308-96A-072, filed 12/22/97, effective 1/22/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 97-07-013, § 308-96A-072, filed 3/11/97, effective 4/11/97; WSR 93-14-083, § 308-96A-072, filed 6/30/93, effective 7/31/93.]


PDF308-96A-073

Antique vehicle—Horseless carriage license plate.

(1) What is a horseless carriage license plate? A horseless carriage license plate is a single license plate issued to a qualified motor vehicle owned by a collector as defined in RCW 46.04.125. It must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle for which it was issued.
(2) What vehicles qualify for a horseless carriage license plate? Any motor vehicle which is:
(a) At least forty years old; and
(b) Capable of being operated upon the highway; and
(c) Currently registered in Washington; and
(d) Operated primarily as a collector vehicle under RCW 46.18.220.
(3) May I transfer my horseless carriage license plate to another antique vehicle? No. Horseless carriage license plates are not transferable to any other motor vehicle.
(4) What additional fees are required to obtain a horseless carriage license plate? In addition to all other license fees required by law, the applicant must pay a fee of thirty-five dollars for a horseless carriage license plate.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-073, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.305 and 46.01.110. WSR 09-06-030, § 308-96A-073, filed 2/24/09, effective 3/27/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.12.070, 46.16.276. WSR 02-16-071, § 308-96A-073, filed 8/6/02, effective 9/6/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.16.276. WSR 01-10-069, § 308-96A-073, filed 4/30/01, effective 5/31/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.335. WSR 98-09-024, § 308-96A-073, filed 4/8/98, effective 5/9/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 97-07-014, § 308-96A-073, filed 3/11/97, effective 4/11/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.070 [46.16.335]. WSR 91-04-025, § 308-96A-073, filed 1/29/91, effective 3/1/91.]


PDF308-96A-074

Collector vehicle and restored license plates.

(1) What is a collector vehicle license plate? For the purposes of this section, a collector vehicle license plate is a special license plate indicating "Collector Vehicle." The smaller size collector vehicle license plate is available for motorcycles and travel trailers. Collector vehicle owners must conform to the rules under RCW 46.18.220.
(2) What fees are required to obtain a collector vehicle license plate? In addition to all other license fees required by law, the applicant must pay an additional fee of thirty-five dollars.
(3) What is a "restored license plate"? A restored license plate is a Washington state issued license plate designated for general use in the year of the vehicle's manufacture. The restored license plate may not be a specialized license plate. The restored license plate may be used instead of a collector vehicle license plate or horseless carriage license plate. The license plate must be restored to such a condition that it may be identified with the year of the vehicle's manufacture. Reproductions of the original are not acceptable for use as a restored license plate.
(4) How is a restored license plate to be displayed? The owner must display a single plate on the rear of the vehicle. If the vehicle owner has two identical license plates, the second license plate may be displayed on the front of the vehicle.
(5) If I sell my vehicle may I keep my restored license plate? Yes. The restored plate(s) may be reassigned to another qualifying vehicle.
(6) May I replace my restored license plate with another restored license plate? Yes, however, your vehicle record must be updated with the department to reflect the new plate number before it may be displayed on the vehicle.
(7) What fees are required to have a restored license plate assigned to my vehicle? In addition to all other title and license fees required by law, you must pay an additional fee of thirty-five dollars.
(8) Will I be able to apply for a refund of fees if I decide to change my restored use plate to a regular issue plate? No. There is no provision in the law to issue a refund.
(9) May I apply the fees I paid for my restored plate towards the purchase of regular issued plates? No. Full fees must be paid for the new plates.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.18.020. WSR 19-16-146, § 308-96A-074, filed 8/7/19, effective 9/7/19. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-074, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490, 46.16.276. WSR 04-08-079, § 308-96A-074, filed 4/6/04, effective 5/7/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.12.070. WSR 03-05-082, § 308-96A-074, filed 2/19/03, effective 3/22/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.12.070, 46.16.276. WSR 02-16-071, § 308-96A-074, filed 8/6/02, effective 9/6/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.16.276. WSR 01-10-069, § 308-96A-074, filed 4/30/01, effective 5/31/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.335. WSR 98-09-024, § 308-96A-074, filed 4/8/98, effective 5/9/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 97-07-014, § 308-96A-074, filed 3/11/97, effective 4/11/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.070 [46.16.335]. WSR 91-04-025, § 308-96A-074, filed 1/29/91, effective 3/1/91.]


PDF308-96A-076

Law enforcement memorial special vehicle license plate series.

(1) When ownership of a vehicle issued a law enforcement memorial license plate(s) changes, what happens to the plate(s)? The special license plate owner may relinquish the plate(s) to the new vehicle owner or remove the plate(s) from the vehicle for transfer to a replacement vehicle. License plate transfer fees apply.
(2) Will any new fees be charged when the law enforcement memorial license plate(s) are transferred? If the registration expiration date for the new vehicle is later than registration expiration date of the previous vehicle, an additional fee for the law enforcement memorial license plate will be charged at the rate of one-twelfth of the annual law enforcement memorial license plate(s) fee for each additional month and partial month beyond the registration expiration date of the previous vehicle. If the new registration expiration date is sooner than the previous registration expiration date, a refund will not be made for the remaining registration period.
(3) May law enforcement memorial license number plates be replaced with the same number if they become lost, defaced, or destroyed? Yes. Upon the loss, defacement, or destruction of one or both plate(s), the owner must make application for new law enforcement memorial or other license plate(s) and pay the fees described in RCW 46.17.200. See subsection (4) of this section.
(4) When replacing law enforcement memorial license plate(s), is same license plate number and letter combination issued? Yes. If the vehicle owner requests and pays the fees in RCW 46.16A.200, the law enforcement memorial license plate(s) will be replaced with the same number and letter combination as shown on the vehicle computer record.
(5) Will my license plates that have been reported stolen be replaced with new license plates with the same number and letter combination? If the license plate(s) have been reported as stolen or if the department record indicates the plate has been stolen, the same number and letter combination will not be issued. This is a law enforcement issue for the protection of the public.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-076, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.316. WSR 05-01-003, § 308-96A-076, filed 12/1/04, effective 1/3/05.]


PDF308-96A-077

Volunteer firefighter special vehicle license plate series.

(1) Who may apply for the volunteer firefighters license plate(s)? Any person that:
• Meets the requirements and has proven eligibility as per RCW 46.18.210;
• Is not requesting issue for a vehicle registered under chapter 46.87 RCW;
• Has paid all applicable fees and taxes.
The volunteer firefighters special license plate(s) will be issued upon proof of eligibility and receipt of all applicable fees.
(2) What must be provided as proof that the applicant qualifies? The applicant must provide documentation of service from the fire district(s) where they serve or have served.
(3) When is proof required? Upon initial application.
(4) Can the volunteer firefighters special license plate(s) be retained if the applicant is no longer a volunteer firefighter? Yes, if the license plate owner has at least ten years of service, the license plate can be retained and renewed.
(5) If I have less than ten years of service, can I retain the plates if I am no longer a volunteer firefighter? No, They must be surrendered at the next registration renewal date.
(6) Is there a limit to the number of sets of license plates that a volunteer firefighter can have? Yes, there is a maximum of two sets per applicant.
(7) Are there any other circumstances when the volunteer firefighter plates must be surrendered? Yes, if the volunteer firefighter is convicted of a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or a felony. It is the responsibility of the license plate owner to notify the department and surrender the plates. However, if the department is notified of the conviction, the department has authority to cancel the plates under RCW 46.12.550.
(8) When ownership of a vehicle issued volunteer firefighters license plate(s) is transferred, what happens to the plate(s)? The special license plate owner must remove the plate(s) from the vehicle. The plate owner may transfer the special plate(s) to a replacement vehicle by visiting a vehicle licensing office. License plate transfer and other applicable fees apply.
(9) What fees are charged when the volunteer firefighters license plate(s) are transferred to a replacement vehicle? If the registration expiration date for the replacement vehicle is later than the registration expiration date of the current vehicle, an abated fee for the volunteer firefighters license plate will be charged. It is charged at the rate of one-twelfth of the annual volunteer firefighters license plate(s) fee for each month and partial month. If the new registration expiration date is sooner than the previous registration expiration date, a refund will not be made for the remaining registration period.
(10) When replacing volunteer firefighters license plate(s), is the same license plate number and letter combination issued? No, unless the owner chooses to pay an additional fee to keep the same number. If the vehicle owner requests and pays the fees described in RCW 46.16A.200, the volunteer firefighters license plate(s) may be replaced with the same number and letter combination as shown on the vehicle computer record.
(11) Will my license plates that have been reported stolen be replaced with new license plates with the same number and letter combination? If the license plate(s) has been reported as stolen or if the department record indicates the plate has been stolen, the same number and letter combination will not be issued. This is a law enforcement issue for the protection of the public.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-077, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 2011 c 225. WSR 11-24-088, § 308-96A-077, filed 12/7/11, effective 1/7/12.]


PDF308-96A-078

Professional firefighters and paramedics special vehicle license plate series.

(1) Who may apply for the professional firefighters and paramedics (PFFP) license plate(s)? Only members of the Washington state council of firefighters who are indicated on the vehicle record as a registered or coregistered owner of a vehicle may apply. The professional firefighters and paramedics license plate(s) will be issued upon proof of eligibility and receipt of all applicable fees.
(2) What must be provided as proof that the applicant is a current member to the Washington state council of firefighters (WSCFF)? A member of the Washington state council of firefighters must provide a current letter from the WSCFF and either a valid Washington state drivers license or identification card, or International Federation of Firefighters identification showing current membership.
(3) When is proof of WSCFF membership required? Upon initial application or vehicle registration renewal.
(4) When ownership of a vehicle issued professional firefighters and paramedics license plate(s) is transferred, what happens to the plate(s)? The special license plate owner must remove the plate(s) from the vehicle. The plate owner may transfer the special plate(s) to a replacement vehicle. License plate transfer fees apply.
(5) Will any new fees be charged when the professional firefighters and paramedics license plate(s) are sold, traded, or otherwise transferred? If the registration expiration date for the new vehicle is later than registration expiration date of the previous vehicle, an abated fee for the professional firefighters and paramedics license plate will be charged at the rate of one-twelfth of the annual professional firefighters and paramedics license plate(s) fee for each succeeding month and partial month. If the new registration expiration date is sooner than the previous registration expiration date, a refund will not be made for the remaining registration period.
(6) When replacing professional firefighters and paramedics license plate(s), is same license plate number and letter combination issued? Yes. If the vehicle owner requests and pays the fees described in RCW 46.16A.200, the professional firefighters and paramedics license plate(s) may be replaced with the same number and letter combination as shown on the vehicle computer record.
(7) Will my license plates that have been reported stolen be replaced with new license plates with the same number and letter combination? If the license plate(s) has been reported as stolen or if the department record indicates the plate has been stolen, the same number and letter combination will not be issued. This is a law enforcement issue and is for the protection of the public.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-078, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.316. WSR 05-01-002, § 308-96A-078, filed 12/1/04, effective 1/3/05.]


PDF308-96A-079

Helping Kids Speak special vehicle license plate series.

(1) When ownership of a vehicle issued "Helping Kids Speak license plate(s)" is sold, traded, or otherwise transferred, what happens to the plate(s)? The special license plate owner may relinquish the plate(s) to the new vehicle owner or remove the plate(s) from the vehicle for transfer to a replacement vehicle. License plate transfer fees apply.
(2) Will any new fees be charged when the Helping Kids Speak license plate(s) are transferred? If the registration expiration date for the new vehicle is later than registration expiration date of the previous vehicle the fee for the Helping Kids Speak plate will be charged at the rate of one-twelfth of the annual Helping Kids Speak plate(s) fee for each exceeding month and partial month. If the new registration expiration date is sooner than the previous registration expiration date, a refund will not be made for the remaining registration period.
(3) May Helping Kids Speak license number plates be replaced with the same number if they become lost, defaced, or destroyed? Yes. Upon the loss, defacement, or destruction of one or both Helping Kids Speak license plate(s), the owner must make application for new Helping Kids Speak or other license plate(s) and pay the fees described in RCW 46.16A.200. See note following subsection (4) of this section.
(4) When replacing Helping Kids Speak license plate(s), is the same license plate number and letter combination issued? Yes. If the vehicle owner requests and pays the fees described in RCW 46.16A.200, the Helping Kids Speak license plate(s) may be replaced with the same number and letter combination as shown on the vehicle computer record.
Note:
If the license plate(s) have been reported as stolen or if the department record indicates the plate has been stolen, the same number and letter combination will not be issued. This is a law enforcement issue and is for the protection of the public.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-079, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.316. WSR 05-01-210, § 308-96A-079, filed 12/21/04, effective 1/21/05.]


PDF308-96A-080

Undercover and confidential license plates—Application procedures.

(1) What are undercover and confidential license plates? They are standard issue license plates assigned only to vehicles owned or operated by government agencies as identified in RCW 46.08.066. These vehicles include, but are not limited to, off road vehicles, trailers, and snowmobiles.
(2) When is an undercover or confidential license plate issued? An undercover or confidential license plate is issued to government agencies when being used in confidential, investigative, or undercover work.
(3) When are undercover and confidential license plates used?
(a) These plates are used for official business by government agencies or any state elected official.
(b) For the personal security of any other public officer, or public employee, for use on an unmarked publicly owned or controlled vehicle for the conduct of business for the period of time required.
(4) How are undercover and confidential vehicles registered?
(a) An undercover license plate record will show fictitious names and addresses on all department records subject to public disclosure.
(b) A confidential license plate record will show the government agency name and address on all department records subject to public disclosure.
(5) Who is responsible for verifying that only fictitious names and addresses are used for undercover vehicle registrations? The individual signing the application.
(6) How does a government agency apply for undercover or confidential license plates?
(a) A completed application form approved by the department needs to be signed by the government agency head or designated contact person.
(b) A copy of the current title, registration or other documents approved by the department of licensing that proves the vehicle is owned or operated by the government agency.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.08.066 and 88.02.035. WSR 06-04-026, § 308-96A-080, filed 1/24/06, effective 2/24/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.08.066. WSR 02-21-118, § 308-96A-080, filed 10/23/02, effective 11/23/02; WSR 99-16-020, § 308-96A-080, filed 7/26/99, effective 8/26/99; WSR 98-16-002, § 308-96A-080, filed 7/22/98, effective 8/22/98; WSR 85-11-014 (Order TL/RG-12), § 308-96A-080, filed 5/8/85.]


PDF308-96A-085

Undercover and confidential license plates—Agency contact.

(1) Who may represent a government agency regarding undercover or confidential license plates? The government agency head may designate a maximum of two designees to represent the agency regarding undercover or confidential license plates. The government agency head must provide the name, signature, title, address, telephone number, and if available, fax number and email address of each designee.
(2) How often does the government agency contact information need to be updated? The government agency contact information shall be updated, in writing, within thirty days of any change in the agency head or designee.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.08.066. WSR 02-21-118, § 308-96A-085, filed 10/23/02, effective 11/23/02; WSR 99-16-020, § 308-96A-085, filed 7/26/99, effective 8/26/99; WSR 98-16-002, § 308-96A-085, filed 7/22/98, effective 8/22/98; WSR 85-11-014 (Order TL/RG-12), § 308-96A-085, filed 5/8/85.]


PDF308-96A-090

Undercover or confidential license plates—Vehicle inventory.

(1) How does the department maintain a current inventory listing of vehicles with undercover or confidential license plates?
(a) The department provides an inventory list of vehicles, scheduled to be renewed within the next quarter, to each agency participating in the undercover/confidential vehicle license plate program. Each government agency verifies the accuracy of the information by:
(i) Correcting any erroneous information;
(ii) Deleting vehicles no longer in the program, by marking plainly on the list "deleted" next to the vehicle that needs to be deleted;
(iii) Signing the inventory list certifying that all undercover and confidential license plates shown on the list are being utilized under RCW 46.08.066; and
(iv) Returning the updated inventory list to the department by the date requested. The inventory list may also be returned by sending an email verifying the active plates to the confidential plate program manager.
(b) The department updates the agency inventory based on information submitted by the agencies.
(2) What action may the department take if a government agency fails to return their inventory list? The department may refuse to renew a vehicle(s) shown on the quarterly inventory list until the government agency has complied with the requirements of subsection (1) of this section.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.08.066. WSR 02-21-118, § 308-96A-090, filed 10/23/02, effective 11/23/02; WSR 99-16-020, § 308-96A-090, filed 7/26/99, effective 8/26/99; WSR 98-16-002, § 308-96A-090, filed 7/22/98, effective 8/22/98; WSR 85-11-014 (Order TL/RG-12), § 308-96A-090, filed 5/8/85.]


PDF308-96A-095

Undercover or confidential license plates—Cancellation.

(1) Who may cancel undercover or confidential license plates? Undercover or confidential license plates may be canceled one of two ways:
(a) The department may cancel or refuse to renew undercover or confidential license plates when the department has reasonable cause to believe the license plates are being used for purposes other than those authorized in RCW 46.08.066; or
(b) A government agency may request cancellation of their undercover or confidential license plates when the license plates are no longer required.
(2) How does a government agency cancel undercover or confidential license plates? The government agency notifies the department in writing that the undercover or confidential license plates are no longer required, and indicates that the license plates and registration are being returned to the department or are being destroyed.
(3) May the undercover or confidential license plates remain on the vehicle when it is removed from the program? No, the license plates must be removed from the vehicle and returned to the department or destroyed.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.08.066. WSR 02-21-118, § 308-96A-095, filed 10/23/02, effective 11/23/02; WSR 99-16-020, § 308-96A-095, filed 7/26/99, effective 8/26/99; WSR 98-16-002, § 308-96A-095, filed 7/22/98, effective 8/22/98; WSR 85-11-014 (Order TL/RG-12), § 308-96A-095, filed 5/8/85.]


PDF308-96A-096

Registration requirements.

(1) What is required when registering a vehicle in Washington?
(a) The name of each registered owner (natural person or business) of the vehicle and, if the vehicle is subject to a lien or other security interest, the name of each secured party;
(b) The registered owner's primary residence street address (a mailing address if different from the residence address can also be given);
(c) The primary secured party's mailing address; and
(d) When initially registering the vehicle, each registered owner who is a natural person must meet one of the following requirements:
(i) Present an unexpired Washington state driver's license; or
(ii) Certify that he or she is:
(A) A Washington resident who does not operate a motor vehicle on public roads; or
(B) Exempt from the requirement to obtain a Washington state driver's license under RCW 46.20.025; or
(iii) Provide evidence that, in the department's view, satisfactorily demonstrates a valid and compelling reason for not being able to meet this requirement.
(2) For purposes of this section, "present" means:
(a) If registering in person, to bring and display the unexpired Washington state driver's license to the department or its agents and subagents and for each additional registered owner who is a natural person shown on the vehicle record, a photocopy of, or to provide in writing, the license number and expiration date from an unexpired Washington state driver's license.
(b) If registering by mail, to provide in writing the license number and expiration date from an unexpired Washington state driver's license.
(3) For purposes of this section, "valid and compelling" reasons include:
(a) Driving privilege has been withdrawn by the department or a court.
(b) A co-owner is not available. Circumstances to include, but not be limited to, being incarcerated or out-of-state due to work assignment or personal need.
(c) A co-owner is deceased.
(d) Persons who are divorced and the registered owner awarded the vehicle presents a divorce decree showing the vehicle was awarded to them.
(e) Active military stationed in a foreign country or otherwise not available to provide the information.
(f) Military personnel who are at least sixteen years of age, including a spouse or dependent, who have in their immediate possession a valid driver's license issued by the jurisdiction designated as their home of record.
(g) Other reasons determined by the director or his or her designee to be valid and compelling.
(4) For purposes of this section, a "natural person" may be a resident of this state even though that person has or claims residency in another state or intends to leave this state at some future time. The department will presume a natural person is a resident if he or she meets at least two of the following conditions:
(a) Maintains a residence in this state for personal use;
(b) Has a Washington state driver's license or a Washington state resident hunting or fishing license;
(c) Uses a Washington state address for federal income tax or state tax purposes;
(d) Has previously maintained a residence in this state for personal use and has not established a permanent residence outside the state of Washington (for example, a person who retires and lives in a motor home or vessel which is not permanently attached to any property);
(e) Claims this state as residence for obtaining eligibility to hold a public office or for judicial actions;
(f) Is a custodial parent with a child attending public school in this state;
(g) The department may consider factors other than those listed in this subsection to determine that a person intends to be located in or be a resident of this state. However, the department may not consider those factors alone to presume residency.
(5) A natural person who is a resident of Washington may not form a corporation, trust or other entity in another jurisdiction for the purpose of evading Washington vehicle registration.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16A.220. WSR 14-21-003, § 308-96A-096, filed 10/1/14, effective 11/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.010. WSR 06-17-033, § 308-96A-096, filed 8/8/06, effective 9/8/06; WSR 05-23-135, § 308-96A-096, filed 11/22/05, effective 1/3/06.]


PDF308-96A-098

Surrender and disposition of license plates.

(1) What license plates are required to be surrendered? Only license plates authorized under RCW 46.16.301, 46.16.280, 46.16.305, and 46.16.595 and dealer/manufacturer plates are required to be surrendered under chapter 308-66 WAC. Wreckers and scrap processors, hulk haulers must dispose of license plates according to WAC 308-63-070(7) and 308-63-120(4).
(2) Where do I surrender my Washington vehicle license plates? 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?
(a) License plates surrendered to Washington vehicle licensing offices will be invalidated to make them unusable;
(b) Washington vehicle licensing offices will recycle or otherwise dispose of the invalidated plates that have been surrendered.
(4) If I choose to dispose of the Washington vehicle license plates that are no longer valid, how is this done? Other than license plates indicated in subsection (1) of this section, you may dispose of your invalid Washington vehicle license plates in the following ways:
(a) Remove or invalidate the month and year tabs and bend the plates so they are no longer usable;
(b) Shred the entire license plate; or
(c) After the month and year tab have been removed or invalidated, recycle the license plate in such a way that it cannot be confused with a valid Washington license plate.
(5) How does the department dispose of my surrendered Washington vehicle license plate? Once the department has received the Washington vehicle license plate, it must surrender it to the department of general administration for disposal under RCW 43.19.1919.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.01.100. WSR 02-11-079, § 308-96A-098, filed 5/14/02, effective 6/14/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.01.100 and 46.16.060. WSR 99-19-026, § 308-96A-098, filed 9/8/99, effective 10/9/99.]


PDF308-96A-099

Use class descriptions.

(1) Why does the department assign use classes to vehicles?
The department assigns use classes to:
(a) Charge the proper license fees and taxes for vehicles;
(b) Assign special brands on subsequent owner's certificate of ownership;
(c) Apply certain restrictions on the use of the vehicles, which prints on the vehicle registrations;
(d) Assign the proper license plates, tabs or decals.
(2) Under what authority does the department assign use classes to vehicles?
The department assigns use classes under the authority of RCW 46.16.040.
(3) What use classes does the department assign and when do they apply?
The use classes the department assigns are described below:
abbreviation
translation
description
cab
taxi cab
Motor vehicle used for carrying passengers between two points for compensation for an on-demand trip rather than a scheduled route. A vehicle with this use class may not carry any luggage or commodities that do not belong to a passenger being carried at the same time. In other words, the vehicle cannot just carry cargo between two points.
c/g
converter gear
Vehicle is an axle that is used to convert a semi-trailer to a full trailer. Converter gear is titled but not licensed.
cmb
combination
Vehicle is either (1) a power unit with a declared gross weight of 42,000 pounds or more and tows a trailer; or (2) a trailing unit with permanent plates. The trailer may be towed only by a power unit with a CMB, or FCB use class.
cmp
camper
Is a slide-in pickup camper (not a canopy) as defined in RCW 46.04.085. Even if the owner has chosen to permanently attach the camper to the pickup, the units need to be titled and licensed separately.
com
commercial
Motor vehicle either (1) a power unit that does not pull a trailer or that pulls a trailer but the declared gross weight for the truck and trailer does not exceed 40,000 pounds; or (2) a trailing unit that is titled in a business name (including the name of a farm). A commercial trailer may be towed by a vehicle with PAS, TRK, COM, CMB, FAR or FCB use classes. If the trailer is being towed by a vehicle with FAR or FCB use class, the use of the trailer (items carried, etc.,) must meet the farm use class requirements.
cyc
motorcycle
Is a motorcycle, motor driven cycle or scooter. A moped does not qualify to be licensed as a motorcycle as defined in RCW 46.04.330 and 46.04.332.
ex
exempt
Can be any type of vehicle, which is owned by a city, county or state government agency or federally recognized Indian tribe located in the state of Washington. This includes school buses, which are owned or leased by school districts. If the school district contracts a company to provide total bus service, such as the bus, the driver and the maintenance, and the vehicle is registered in the name of the school district as registered owner, the vehicle qualifies for exempt license plates.
far
farm
Motor vehicle is a truck (or tractor) used to transport the farmer's own farm, orchard or dairy products as defined in RCW 46.16.090, or aquatic products as defined in RCW 15.85.020, from point of production to market or warehouse. The vehicle may also be used to transport the farmer's own farm supplies.
fcb
farm
combination
Motor vehicle is (1) a power unit (not a trailer) with a declared gross weight of 42,000 pounds or more and towing a trailer; and (2) meets the criteria of FAR use class above.
fed
federal
Vehicle is owned by the federal government of the United States. Like exempt vehicles, this could be any type of vehicle. This does not include vehicles displaying license plates issued by the federal government.
fex
farm exempt
Any motor vehicle used exclusively in agricultural pursuits on farms as defined in RCW 46.16.010(3) and 46.04.181.
fix
fixed load
Motor vehicle as defined in RCW 46.16.070(1). These vehicles have a unique use class because they are exempt from the law requiring vehicles with a scale weight of more than six thousand pounds to have a declared gross weight of at least 150 percent of the scale weight. The basic license fee is based on the declared gross weight for these vehicles and should be equal to the scale weight, or the next higher gross weight increment. If the scale weight exceeds the maximum legal limit for that vehicle, the declared gross weight needs to be equal to or just lower than the legal limit. Fixed load vehicles' maximum legal limit may actually be less than their scale weight. An oversize permit is required in addition to the registration in these cases.
f/h
for hire
Motor vehicle is used to transport people and/or commodities for compensation as defined in RCW 46.72.010. A for hire permit from business and professions division (BPD) is required.
h/c
horseless
carriage
Motor vehicle 40 years old or older licensed with restricted use as defined in RCW 46.16.307.
h/d
house dolly
Vehicle constructed and used exclusively to move buildings or homes.
log
logging
Vehicle is a truck or trailer used exclusively for hauling logs.
mep
medium speed electric passenger vehicle
Medium speed electric vehicle as defined in RCW 46.04.295.
met
medium speed electric truck-type vehicle
Medium speed electric vehicle as defined in RCW 46.04.295 and 46.04 653. These vehicles are equipped with a truck-type bed.
mh
motor home
Motorized vehicle designed for human habitation and defined in RCW 46.04.305
mob
mobile home
A mobile or manufactured home as defined in RCW 46.04.302 is titled but generally not registered. This use class does not include park model trailers.
nep
neighborhood electric passenger vehicle
Neighborhood electric vehicle as defined in RCW 46.04.357.
net
neighborhood electric truck-type vehicle
Neighborhood electric vehicle as defined in RCW 46.04.357 and 46.04.653. These vehicles are equipped with a truck-type bed.
orv
off-road
vehicle
Vehicle is used off-road as defined in RCW 46.09.020. A vehicle licensed only as an ORV may not be operated on public roadways, including ocean beaches, unless authorized under RCW 46.09.180.
pas
passenger
Motor vehicle used to transport passengers as defined in RCW 46.04.382. Typically passenger cars, utility or multipurpose vehicles, passenger vans, and private buses are licensed as passenger vehicles.
ped
moped
Motor vehicle as defined in RCW 46.04.304 and subject to the restrictions in RCW 46.61.710.
res
restored
Motor vehicles over 30 years old licensed with restricted use as defined in RCW 46.16.307. Vehicles with this use class may display license plates described in WAC 308-96A-074.
sch
school
Motor vehicle owned and operated by a private school meeting the accreditation requirements of RCW 28A.195.010. The vehicle is used to transport children to and from school or in connection with school activities.
sno
snowmobile
Vehicle is a snowmobile as defined in RCW 46.10.010(2).
snx
exempt
snowmobile
Vehicle is a snowmobile as defined in RCW 46.10.010(2) and owned by a city, county or state agency.
sta
stage
Motor vehicle used as an auto stage as defined in RCW 46.04.050.
tlr
trailer
Vehicle is a personal use trailer as defined in RCW 46.04.620. Trailers used by businesses or others for commercial purposes do not qualify for this use class.
tow
tow
Motor vehicle as defined in RCW 46.16.079 and 46.55.010(8). If the vehicle carries other vehicles, it does not qualify for the TOW use class and must be licensed as COM.
trk
truck
Motor vehicle is a personal use truck, with a declared gross weight of twelve thousand pounds or less. Trucks used for business or commercial purposes do not qualify for the TRK use class.
tvl
travel
trailer
Vehicle is a travel trailer as defined in RCW 46.04.623, which includes park models and camp/tent trailers.
(4) Do all powered three-wheeled vehicles need to be licensed as motorcycles?
Yes, a three-wheeled vehicle needs to be licensed as a motorcycle for street use as defined in RCW 46.04.330 or 46.04.332.
(5) What license plates and use class will be assigned to my for hire vehicle?
The license plates and use class assigned to your for hire vehicle depends upon how you use your vehicle. All for hire vehicles transport passengers and commodities for compensation. For hire vehicles include cabulances, limousines, taxi cabs, and buses hauling passengers for compensation in addition to transporting school children. There are two use classes and license plate combinations assigned to for hire vehicles:
(a) CAB use class vehicles are assigned passenger license plates. These vehicles are used exclusively for transporting passengers and their possessions; and
(b) F/H use class vehicles are assigned truck license plates. These vehicles not only transport passengers for compensation, but also transport commodities, without passengers, for compensation.
(6) When may truck license plates be assigned to my passenger vehicle?
Truck license plates may be assigned to your passenger vehicle whenever the vehicle is used to transport commodities, produce, freight or animals for commercial purposes. The use class would be COM instead of PAS. This would require a title application, a scale weight slip and a certified/notarized statement of use describing how the vehicle will be used commercially.
(7) What use classes and license plates will be assigned to school buses?
(a) EX use class and county exempt license plates will be assigned to a school bus owned or leased by an exempt agency (school district);
(b) SCH use class and passenger license plates will be assigned to a school bus owned or leased by an accredited private school;
(c) F/H use class and truck license plates will be assigned to school buses used for transporting passengers for compensation and not used exclusively for transporting school children to and from school or school related activities;
(d) (PAS) passenger; or
(e) (COM) commercial.
(8) May I license my motorcycle or any other motor vehicle for both road and off road use?
Yes, you may license your motorcycle or any other motor vehicle for both uses as long as the vehicle qualifies for road use. You will receive two registration certificates showing the vehicle is licensed for both uses. However, the certificate of ownership will show the use class associated with the road use.
(9) May I license my truck, truck tractor or tractor as a motor home?
Yes, you may license your truck, truck tractor or tractor as a motor home if:
(a) The vehicle has been permanently altered to meet the definition of a motor home in RCW 46.04.305; and
(b) You certify the vehicle qualifies as M/H and will be used exclusively as a motor home for personal use and not for commercial use.
(10) Is my truck, truck tractor or tractor which I use exclusively for towing my travel trailer licensed differently than any other like truck?
No. Your truck, truck tractor or tractor used exclusively for towing your travel trailer must be licensed in accordance with RCW 46.16.070. Depending on scale weight the use class will be TRK or COM.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 10-19-062, § 308-96A-099, filed 9/14/10, effective 10/15/10; WSR 07-22-091, § 308-96A-099, filed 11/6/07, effective 12/7/07; WSR 01-12-099, § 308-96A-099, filed 6/6/01, effective 7/7/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.276, 43.17.060, 46.16.600 and 46.01.110. WSR 99-06-029, § 308-96A-099, filed 2/24/99, effective 3/27/99.]


PDF308-96A-101

Scale weight required for licensing.

(1) The department requires vehicle scale weight for:
(a) Vehicles licensed under RCW 46.16.070, 46.16.090, and 46.16.0621;
(b) Trailers;
(c) The vehicle is powered by propane, natural gas or butane;
(d) The vehicle has been structurally modified changing the scale weight.
(2) Determining scale weight:
The department will accept:
(a) The shipping/scale weight as shown on a manufacturer’s statement/certificate of origin, factory invoice, previous title, registration, or supporting documentation issued by another jurisdiction; or
(b) A weight slip from a certified scale; or
(c) Information provided by any nationally recognized electronic source, guidebook or other publication of recognized standing in the vehicle industry; (for example: NADA or Kelly Blue Book); or
(d) Automated Value System (AVS) Value Detail Screen; or
(e) Dealer's declaration of factory shipping weight - Completed vehicles only; or
(f) Other sources approved by the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.010. WSR 06-21-027, § 308-96A-101, filed 10/9/06, effective 11/9/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.276, 46.16.600. WSR 02-11-096, § 308-96A-101, filed 5/20/02, effective 6/20/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.276, 43.17.060, 46.16.600 and 46.01.110. WSR 99-06-029, § 308-96A-101, filed 2/24/99, effective 3/27/99.]


PDF308-96A-110

Private carrier bus.

When may a vehicle be licensed as a private carrier bus?
A vehicle may be licensed as a private carrier bus as described in RCW 46.04.416 without a license based on gross weight if it carries passengers without compensation and is:
(1) Used by a hotel, resort or lodge to transport guests;
(2) Used by a parking service to transport parking customers to and from a transportation terminal or other destination;
(3) Used by its owner to transport an athletic team, an educational group, members of a religious organization, a show troupe or similar organization;
(4) Used by its owner to transport family, guests or employees;
(5) Used as a school bus by a private school not accredited by the superintendent of public instruction.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.276, 46.16.600. WSR 02-11-096, § 308-96A-110, filed 5/20/02, effective 6/20/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.276, 43.17.060, 46.16.600 and 46.01.110. WSR 99-06-029, § 308-96A-110, filed 2/24/99, effective 3/27/99; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-110, filed 7/24/75.]


PDF308-96A-135

Fixed load vehicles.

What is a fixed load vehicle?
A fixed load vehicle is specified in RCW 46.16.070 and described in WAC 308-96A-099.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 01-12-099, § 308-96A-135, filed 6/6/01, effective 7/7/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.276, 43.17.060, 46.16.600 and 46.01.110. WSR 99-06-029, § 308-96A-135, filed 2/24/99, effective 3/27/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-135, filed 5/5/86; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-135, filed 7/24/75.]


PDF308-96A-136

Mopeds—License plates.

(1) Will the department issue a license plate for my moped?
The department will issue a motorcycle series license plate for your moped when you make proper application.
The number on the license plate serves as the moped's registration number as required in RCW 46.16A.405.
(2) How do I display the license plate on my moped?
The license plate must be displayed on the rear of your moped as provided in RCW 46.16A.200.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16A.200. WSR 14-03-044, § 308-96A-136, filed 1/9/14, effective 2/9/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.276, 46.16.600. WSR 02-11-096, § 308-96A-136, filed 5/20/02, effective 6/20/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.276, 43.17.060, 46.16.600 and 46.01.110. WSR 99-06-029, § 308-96A-136, filed 2/24/99, effective 3/27/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 97-07-013, § 308-96A-136, filed 3/11/97, effective 4/11/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.17.060, 46.01.060, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135. WSR 92-02-100, § 308-96A-136, filed 1/2/92, effective 2/2/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.600, 46.16.276 and 46.01.110. WSR 87-12-023 (Order TL/RG-34), § 308-96A-136, filed 5/28/87.]


PDF308-96A-138

Electric, hybrid and clean alternative fuel vehicles—Definitions and fees.

(1) The definitions in this section are created for the purposes of assessing licensing fees in section 23, chapter 287, Laws of 2019.
(a) "Clean alternative fuel" means electricity, dimethyl ether, hydrogen, methane, natural gas, liquefied natural gas, compressed natural gas, or propane.
(b) "Electric" means at least one method of propulsion that is capable of being reenergized by an external source of electricity and capable of traveling at least thirty miles using only battery power and can reach a speed of at least thirty-five miles per hour.
(c) "Hybrid" means two or more power sources or fuel types and has the capability to drive at a speed of more than thirty-five miles per hour. This definition excludes vehicles that are considered electric or plug-in hybrid.
(2) Will an electric vehicle be assessed the fee in section 23(1), chapter 287, Laws of 2019 in addition to the fees described in RCW 46.17.323? Yes.
(3) Will an electric vehicle be assessed the fee in section 23(2), chapter 287, Laws of 2019 in addition to the fees described in RCW 46.17.323? No.
(4) Will a hybrid or clean alternative fuel vehicle be assessed the fee in RCW 46.17.323 in addition to the fees described in section 23, chapter 287, Laws of 2019? No. These vehicles are only subject to the electrification fee in section 23(2), chapter 287, Laws of 2019.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16A.220. WSR 19-20-003, § 308-96A-138, filed 9/18/19, effective 10/19/19.]


PDF308-96A-139

Neighborhood and medium speed electric vehicles—Requirements.

(1) Do I have to license my neighborhood or medium speed electric vehicle to drive on the road?
Yes, you must license your vehicle to obtain a registration certificate. The registration certificate will indicate that your vehicle is a neighborhood or medium speed electric vehicle.
(2) What fees will I pay to license my neighborhood or medium speed electric vehicle?
You are required to pay all licensing fees for a passenger motor vehicle or truck (if equipped with a bed).
(3) Do I have to complete a form to license my motor vehicle?
Yes, in addition to all other forms required by law or rule, you must complete the Neighborhood/Medium Speed Electric Vehicle Certification form.
(4) If I use my vehicle for commercial purposes, is it licensed differently?
No. Your license will appear the same; however, if you wish to park in loading zones, you must license your motor vehicle with truck plates.
(5) Are there restrictions on where a neighborhood or medium speed electric vehicle can be driven?
Yes. The restrictions can be found in RCW 46.61.723 and 46.61.725.
(6) How do I prove that my motor vehicle qualifies as a neighborhood or medium speed electric vehicle?
New vehicles must have a statement on the manufacturer's statement of origin that indicates the motor vehicle conforms to federal regulations under Title 49 C.F.R. Part 571.500. If it is a used vehicle and the ownership document does not indicate it, the owner can complete the Neighborhood/Medium Speed Electric Vehicle Certification form as proof.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 10-19-062, § 308-96A-139, filed 9/14/10, effective 10/15/10.]


PDF308-96A-145

Cab and chassis.

(1) What is a cab and chassis?
A cab and chassis is an incomplete truck shipped from the manufacturer. The customer chooses the type of bed to be installed.
(2) Will the department issue a certificate of ownership for my cab and chassis?
Yes. However, because the cab and chassis is an incomplete vehicle, when the body or special equipment has been installed you must apply for a new certificate of ownership to reflect the correct series and body type, scale weight and the completed vehicle's new value.
(3) Will the department issue a certificate of registration for my cab and chassis?
Yes, if you intend to use the vehicle on the public highways. The gross weight will be limited to one hundred fifty percent of the scale weight. Gross weight is rounded up to the nearest two thousand pound increment and may not be increased until the certificate of ownership is corrected to reflect the completed vehicle information.
(4) What do I need to provide the department when my cab and chassis has been converted to a complete vehicle and I am applying for a new license and certificate of ownership?
Whether you titled the cab and chassis or waited until the vehicle was completed before titling, you need to provide the department with the following before you use the completed vehicle on the public highways:
(a) Proof of ownership for the cab and chassis;
(b) Proof of ownership for the equipment installed to make it a complete vehicle;
(c) A weight slip from a certified scale;
(d) Proof or payment of sales or use tax on the equipment installed to make a complete vehicle; and
(e) Applicable fees and taxes for any increased value of the completed vehicle.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 01-12-099, § 308-96A-145, filed 6/6/01, effective 7/7/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.276, 43.17.060, 46.16.600 and 46.01.110. WSR 99-06-029, § 308-96A-145, filed 2/24/99, effective 3/27/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-145, filed 5/5/86; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-145, filed 7/24/75.]


PDF308-96A-161

Fleet registration.

(1) What is the purpose of the fleet program? The purpose of the fleet program is to provide a process for business and individual registered owners to have the same expiration date for all of their vehicles and to receive a single billing notice.
(2) What types of fleet programs are available? There are two types of fleet programs, regular and permanent.
(3) What is the difference between a regular and a permanent fleet?
(a) Regular fleets consist of five or more vehicles, all currently titled and registered in exact name agreement (letter for letter and space for space). The owner has the option to purchase monthly gross weight license.
(b) Permanent fleets consist of 50 or more vehicles, all currently titled and registered in exact name agreement (letter for letter and space for space). The owner must purchase gross weight for the entire year. Gross weight license may not be purchased month to month, but may be increased throughout the year.
(4) Who does a fleet owner contact to join the fleet program? Fleet owners who meet the qualifications may contact the department or their local vehicle licensing office to have a fleet account established and a fleet identifier code issued.
(5) Are there any vehicles that may not be part of a fleet? Yes, the following vehicles may not be part of the fleet program:
(a) Snowmobiles;
(b) Trailers with permanent license plates issued under RCW 46.16A.450;
(c) Any vehicle not required to renew annually; and
(d) Prorate vehicles registered under proportional registration as defined in chapter 46.87 RCW.
(6) Will the department remove a fleet from the fleet program? Yes, the department will remove a fleet from the program at the request of the owner or if the number of registered vehicles in the fleet drops below the required minimum.
(7) What happens to a fleet once it is removed from the fleet program? When a fleet is removed from the program the fleet identifier code will be removed from all of the vehicles in the fleet. The owner will then be required to renew them individually.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 22-01-082, § 308-96A-161, filed 12/10/21, effective 1/10/22; WSR 11-20-066, § 308-96A-161, filed 10/3/11, effective 11/3/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.01.100. WSR 02-11-079, § 308-96A-161, filed 5/14/02, effective 6/14/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.01.100 and 46.16.060. WSR 99-19-026, § 308-96A-161, filed 9/8/99, effective 10/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 97-10-003, § 308-96A-161, filed 4/24/97, effective 5/25/97; WSR 92-15-025, § 308-96A-161, filed 7/6/92, effective 8/6/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.335. WSR 91-15-006, § 308-96A-161, filed 7/8/91, effective 8/8/91.]


PDF308-96A-175

Ride-sharing vehicles.

(1) When may the department issue a ride share special license plate? Ride share special license plates may be issued when:
The passenger motor vehicle is primarily used as a commute ride-sharing motor vehicle defined in RCW 46.74.010(1). The vehicle owner may be issued special ride-share license plates by satisfying the provisions of RCW 46.18.285. Any person desiring the special ride-share license plates must make application on a form approved by the department and pay all fees required by chapter 46.12 RCW and the special ride-share license plate fee required by RCW 46.18.285. The owner must then provide:
(a) For privately owned vehicles, a statement that the vehicle is being used as a ride-sharing vehicle; or
(b) For motor vehicles operated by public transportation agencies or by major employers defined in RCW 70.94.524 in commute trip reduction programs, a written statement that the motor vehicle is used as a commuter ride-sharing motor vehicle.
(c) A written statement that the motor vehicle is used for commuter ride-sharing if the passenger motor vehicle is owned, rented or leased by a government agency.
(2) Can the ride-share license plate be transferred to another motor vehicle? To transfer license plates to another motor vehicle, the owner must:
(a) Make application to and receive approval by the department for the replacement passenger motor vehicle; and
(b) Pay applicable fees stated in RCW 46.17.200.
(3) What happens when I remove or transfer special ride-share plates from my vehicle? When you remove or transfer special ride-share license plates from one motor vehicle to another, you must:
(a) Purchase replacement license plates if the motor vehicle will be operated on public highways; and
(b) Pay applicable tax for the remaining license registration period for the vehicle.
(c) If use/sales tax was exempted but the vehicle was used less than thirty-six consecutive months as a ride-share motor vehicle, use tax is due and payable to the department of revenue.
(4) What happens when the ride-share motor vehicle is sold or transferred to another person?
(a) When a ride-share motor vehicle is sold or transferred to another person who will continue to use the passenger motor vehicle as a commuter ride-share vehicle, the new owner must:
(i) Apply for a certificate of title under chapter 46.12 RCW;
(ii) Apply for commuter ride-share exemption; and
(iii) Pay all required fees and taxes including the special license plate fee.
(b) Upon application for registration renewal, the owners of nongovernment ride-share plated vehicles must:
(i) Provide a statement that the motor vehicle is used as a commuter ride-share motor vehicle to continue to be exempt from chapters 82.08, 82.12, and 82.44 RCW; and
(ii) Submit a completed statement approved by the department that the motor vehicle qualifies as a commuter ride-sharing motor vehicle. If the registered owner fails to file a completed recertification form, the department will cancel the special ride-share license plates and the registered owner will need to purchase replacement plates and pay applicable fees and taxes to complete registration renewal.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-175, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 08-20-035, § 308-96A-175, filed 9/23/08, effective 10/24/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.316. WSR 04-18-023, § 308-96A-175, filed 8/24/04, effective 9/24/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.16.276. WSR 01-10-069, § 308-96A-175, filed 4/30/01, effective 5/31/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.335. WSR 98-09-024, § 308-96A-175, filed 4/8/98, effective 5/9/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.74.010 and 1996 c 244. WSR 96-21-043, § 308-96A-175, filed 10/11/96, effective 11/11/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 1993 c 488 and chapter 46.12 RCW. WSR 94-17-044, § 308-96A-175, filed 8/10/94, effective 9/10/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.276 and 1987 c 175 § 2. WSR 88-01-010 (Order TL/RG 39), § 308-96A-175, filed 12/7/87.]


PDF308-96A-176

Special transportation needs for ride-share vehicles.

(1) Who may request application for special transportation needs for ride-share vehicles? Private, nonprofit transportation providers furnishing ride share for persons with special transportation needs under chapter 81.66 RCW may be issued special ride-share license plates under RCW 46.18.285 for passenger motor vehicles. The transportation provider must make application for special ride-share license plates on a form approved by the department. The application must include:
(a) A copy of the utilities and transportation commission's operating certificate authorizing the organization to operate in this state;
(b) Payment of all fees required under chapter 46.12 RCW; and
(c) Payment for the special ride-share license plate fee as provided in RCW 46.18.285.
(2) What is a passenger motor vehicle? For purposes of this section, a passenger motor vehicle is defined as:
(a) A motor vehicle titled with a use class of PAS, but does not include a motor home;
(b) A bus with a seating capacity of fifteen or less including the driver;
(c) A cutaway, defined as a van or light truck cut off behind the cab, a bus-type body permanently affixed to the frame behind the cab, and a seating capacity of fifteen or less including the driver. A cutaway does not include a motor home; and
(d) A modified van, not more than twenty-eight feet in overall length, and a seating capacity of fifteen or less including the driver. A modified van does not include a motor home.
(3) What happens when a transportation provider removes the special ride-share license plate or transfers the plate to another vehicle?
(a) When the transportation provider removes the special ride-share license plates or transfers the plates to another vehicle owned by the transportation provider, replacement license plate fee, vehicle registration fee and abated RTA vehicle excise tax if necessary must be collected if the vehicle will continue to be operated on public highways. If the exemption is being removed within thirty-six consecutive months from obtaining the exemption, the full use or sales tax amount originally exempted will be due and payable to the department of revenue.
(b) If the special license plates are to be transferred to another vehicle, a new application for exemption must be filed as required under subsection (1) of this section with payment of the license plate transfer fee provided in RCW 46.16A.200.
(4) What is required to retain my ride-share exemption when I renew my registration? When applying for registration renewal, the transportation provider must recertify that the vehicle is being used to provide transportation for persons with special transportation needs to be exempt from chapters 82.08 and 82.44 RCW. The department will provide recertification forms to registered owners of ride-share vehicles for filing with registration renewal applications.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-176, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.16.276. WSR 01-10-069, § 308-96A-176, filed 4/30/01, effective 5/31/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.335. WSR 98-09-024, § 308-96A-176, filed 4/8/98, effective 5/9/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.74.010 and 1996 c 244. WSR 96-21-043, § 308-96A-176, filed 10/11/96, effective 11/11/96.]


PDF308-96A-180

Registration of rental vehicles.

(1) What is a rental vehicle?
A rental vehicle is defined in RCW 46.04.465.
(2) Who registers a rental vehicle?
Any Washington vehicle licensing office registers rental vehicles.
(3) How will I register my rental vehicles?
Annual renewal of rental vehicle registration may be processed through any Washington vehicle licensing office or by mail by meeting the qualifications and paying the appropriate fees. The rental vehicle business registration number must be included on the vehicle registration. The name of the legal or registered owner on a rental vehicle registration must be identical to the business name displayed on the master license.
(4) Do rental vehicles operated in Washington need to be registered in Washington?
Rental vehicles must be registered in Washington unless:
(a) Rented by a customer at a location outside of the state of Washington; or
(b) The vehicle was dropped off at a Washington rental vehicle business by its previous renter and is being rented for a one-way trip out of Washington; or
(c) The vehicle is part of a properly registered International Registration Plan (IRP) rental vehicle business fleet.
(5) Does the current certificate of registration issued by the department need to be carried in the rental vehicle?
A photocopy of the current certificate of registration may be carried in a rental vehicle in lieu of the original certificate of registration.
(6) Who may operate a rental vehicle?
Rental vehicles may only be used by rental customers, unless the rental vehicle is being moved by the business to another business site, to or from maintenance or repair facilities, or for testing purposes.
(7) What does a rental vehicle business do when they remove a rental vehicle from their fleet?
The rental vehicle business may submit a vehicle seller's report of sale that protects the seller of a vehicle from certain criminal and civil liabilities arising from use of the vehicle by another person after the vehicle has been sold or a change in ownership has occurred.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 07-02-077, § 308-96A-180, filed 1/2/07, effective 2/2/07; WSR 04-01-162, § 308-96A-180, filed 12/22/03, effective 1/22/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.46.16.225 [46.16.225], 46.16.490 and 46.16.276. WSR 98-19-075, § 308-96A-180, filed 9/21/98, effective 10/22/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.87.023. WSR 95-15-028, § 308-96A-180, filed 7/11/95 effective 8/11/95.]


PDF308-96A-201

Purchasing gross weight—Expiration dates.

(1) What is the gross weight expiration date if I purchase twelve thousand pounds or less?
The gross weight license expiration date is the same as the registration expiration date. Gross weight fees are paid for the same number of months as the registration.
(2) What would the gross weight expiration date be if I purchase fourteen thousand pounds or more?
You, the owner, have two options:
(a) If you choose to buy twelve months gross weight, the expiration date of the gross weight is the same as the expiration date of the vehicle registration; or
(b) If you choose to buy one to eleven consecutive months, the expiration date of the gross weight is the same day of the month as the expiration date of the vehicle registration. For example: If the vehicle registration expires March 9, monthly gross weight licenses will expire April 9, May 9, etc. Monthly gross weight may not be purchased beyond the vehicle registration expiration date.
(3) When renewing the registration and purchasing monthly gross weight, what is the effective date of my gross weight license?
The effective date of the gross weight license must be the first month the new registration is effective. Example: If the vehicle expiration is March 9, and the vehicle registration is purchased prior to April 9, the effective date is March 10. If the registration is purchased June 15, the effective date is June 10, etc. When there is a partial month between the requested effective date of the gross weight license and the expiration date of the gross weight license, gross weight fees are charged for a full month.
(4) If the vehicle registration expiration date is the thirty-first day of the month, what is the expiration date of the gross weight for those months having fewer than thirty-one days?
If the vehicle registration date is the thirty-first, the monthly gross weight will expire on the last calendar day of those months having fewer than thirty-one days.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.010. WSR 06-21-027, § 308-96A-201, filed 10/9/06, effective 11/9/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.070, 46.16.135. WSR 02-10-013, § 308-96A-201, filed 4/22/02, effective 5/23/02; WSR 99-01-133, § 308-96A-201, filed 12/21/98, effective 1/21/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.17.060, 46.01.060, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135. WSR 92-02-100, § 308-96A-201, filed 1/2/92, effective 2/2/92.]


PDF308-96A-202

Power units towing trailers with permanent registrations.

(1) What determines if I pay the higher gross weight fees?
If the declared gross weight of the power unit exceeds forty thousand pounds AND the power unit will be towing a trailer, the power unit must be licensed with a combination (CMB) or farm combination (FCB) use class. This results in higher gross weight fees.
(2) How do I change to a CMB or FCB use class during the registration year?
If you choose to change the use class of your power unit during the registration year, you will need to:
(a) Pay the additional gross weight fees for the remaining months of the gross weight license period currently in effect; and
(b) Immediately attach the combination decals between the lower bolt holes on the front and rear license plates.
If the license plates were issued prior to January 1, 1987, new plates are required.
(3) What if I change to a CMB or FCB use class at renewal time?
If you change use class at renewal time, you will pay the gross weight fees for the new registration year. Fees are not due for the remainder of the current registration year. If the plates were issued prior to January 1, 1987, new plates are required. The combination decals assigned may not be attached to the license plates until the first day of the new registration year, when the new use class is effective.
(4) What if I change from CMB or FCB to COM or FAR?
If you change from CMB or FCB to COM or FAR, you will need to purchase new plates. Excess gross weight fees may be used to purchase additional months of gross weight to the end of the current registration year.
(5) If I sell the power unit with a CMB or FCB use class, will the new owner need to purchase new plates?
If the new owner retains the CMB or FCB use class, new plates are not required. If the use class is changed to commercial (COM) or farm (FAR), new plates are required.
(6) If new plates are required because of the change of use class or because they were issued prior to January 1, 1987, am I required to pay replacement plate fees?
Yes, under RCW 46.17.200.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-202, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 01-12-099, § 308-96A-202, filed 6/6/01, effective 7/7/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135. WSR 99-01-133, § 308-96A-202, filed 12/21/98, effective 1/21/99.]


PDF308-96A-203

Permanent trailer registrations.

(1) Do I have an option of purchasing a permanent registration for my trailer to offset the higher fees on my power unit?
Yes, if the power unit towing the trailer is properly licensed to tow a trailer with a permanent registration.
(2) How does the power unit need to be licensed to tow a trailer with a permanent registration?
The power unit must have a combination (CMB) or farm combination (FCB) use class.
(3) How does the power unit qualify for the CMB or FCB use class?
The declared gross weight of the power unit must exceed forty thousand pounds. The CMB and FCB use classes require a higher gross weight fees to offset the annual revenue loss of the permanently licensed trailer(s) the power unit is towing.
(4) If I am not required to renew the permanent trailer registration each year, how is my registration kept updated?
Your registration will show an expiration date of "PERM." Your vehicle record will show a current expiration date, which is updated annually, and your trailer plate will have a permanent trailer validation tab assigned to it.
(5) Are there any restrictions on the use of the trailer with permanent plates?
Yes, there is a restriction printed on the registration stating that the vehicle must be towed by a power unit with a CMB or FCB use class and gross weight in excess of forty thousand pounds.
(6) How long is the permanent registration valid?
The permanent registration is valid until ownership in the trailer changes. For purposes of this section, the following are not considered changes of ownership:
(a) Addition or deletion of spouse or co-owner; or
(b) Change of lessee with the same lessor.
(7) What do I do if I want to cancel the permanent registration and register the trailer as commercial?
You may change from CMB to COM use class at any time. You will need to pay all fees and taxes from the date of application to the expiration date shown on the vehicle record. A partial month requires a full month's fees. The license plates must be replaced when ownership changes on a trailer with CMB use class.
(8) What type of plates do I display on a trailer with a permanent registration?
A regular trailer plate, including a permanent trailer tab and combination decal, must be displayed on the trailer. The trailer may not display personalized or other special plates in this case.
(9) How is the expiration date established for a permanent trailer registration?
If the vehicle is unlicensed at the time of application, an expiration date is established based on the date of application as defined in WAC 308-96A-260. The permanent trailer plate fee is charged. If the vehicle is currently registered, either as COM or CMB, the permanent trailer plate fee is charged and the expiration date remains the same.
(10) Do I need to get a new plate when I get a permanent trailer registration?
If the vehicle is new, is currently registered to another owner with CMB use class, or the plate was issued prior to January 1, 1987, a new plate must be issued. If the vehicle is currently registered with a COM use class, and the plate has been issued since January 1, 1987, the permanent trailer tab and combination decal may be attached to the existing plate.
(11) If the trailer has a permanent registration and I no longer wish to use the trailer, or I sell the trailer and the new owner does not wish to license the trailer, may a title purpose only title be issued?
Yes, however, a title purpose only title will not eliminate the requirement for license fees to be paid. As soon as the vehicle is no longer used as a CMB trailer, license fees are due. The owner has the choice of:
(a) Paying to change the use class to COM, in which case the registration would not need to be renewed the following year if it is not being used; or
(b) Paying the permanent trailer registration fee one time and having the vehicle be licensed.
(12) If I need to purchase new plates because of changing the use class or because the plates were issued prior to January 1, 1987, do I need to pay replacement plate fees?
Yes, under RCW 46.17.200.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-203, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 01-12-099, § 308-96A-203, filed 6/6/01, effective 7/7/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135. WSR 99-01-133, § 308-96A-203, filed 12/21/98, effective 1/21/99.]


PDF308-96A-205

Gross weight—Increasing declared gross weight.

(1) If my gross weight is insufficient, am I required to increase it? Yes, you are required to maintain sufficient gross weight to cover the weight of the vehicle and its load up to the legal weight limit of your vehicle. Any amount above the legal limit of the gross vehicle weight rating requires an overweight permit from the department of transportation.
(2) How do I increase my gross weight? You may purchase additional gross weight by applying at any Washington vehicle license office and surrendering the current gross weight license.
(3) What would the gross weight expiration date be when I increase the declared gross weight of my vehicle?
The new gross weight expiration date remains the same as the current gross weight license. You may choose to purchase additional months of gross weight not to exceed the vehicle registration expiration date.
(4) What is the start date of the new gross weight license? The start date of the new gross weight license remains the same as the current gross weight license.
(5) Will I receive credit for gross weight fees that I have already paid? Yes. You will receive dollar value credit for the number of months from the start date of the new gross weight license to the expiration of the current gross weight license. Credit is given for the gross weight that has already been purchased:
(a) You must surrender the current gross weight license in order to receive credit.
(b) If the gross weight license is lost, stolen or destroyed, you must sign an affidavit of loss and a statement that the gross weight license has not been transferred to another vehicle.
(c) You will not receive credit for the monthly gross weight permit fees as defined in RCW 46.16.135.
(6) How many months gross weight must I purchase when I increase the declared gross weight on my vehicle? You must purchase at least as many months as are remaining on the current gross weight license.
Credit will be given as provided in subsection (5) of this section. You will also be charged for the permit fees as defined in RCW 46.16.135, when applicable, in addition to all other fees required to license the vehicle.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135. WSR 02-11-095, § 308-96A-205, filed 5/20/02, effective 6/20/02; WSR 99-01-133, § 308-96A-205, filed 12/21/98, effective 1/21/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.17.060, 46.01.060, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135. WSR 92-02-100, § 308-96A-205, filed 1/2/92, effective 2/2/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.600, 46.16.276 and 46.01.110. WSR 87-12-023 (Order TL/RG-34), § 308-96A-205, filed 5/28/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-205, filed 5/5/86; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-205, filed 7/24/75.]


PDF308-96A-206

Gross weight—Decreasing declared gross weight.

(1) May I decrease the declared gross weight on my vehicle?
Yes. If you decrease the declared gross weight, you must surrender the current gross weight license.
(2) When may I decrease the declared gross weight on my vehicle? Any time during the registration year. However, decreasing the declared gross weight may result in a forfeiture of gross weight fees already paid. Unless you have been advised by law enforcement to decrease your declared gross weight, you may wait to decrease it until renewing your gross weight license.
(3) What would the gross weight expiration date be when I decrease the declared gross weight of my vehicle? The expiration date of the gross weight license would remain the same as the current gross weight license.
(4) What will be the start date of the new gross weight license? The start date of the gross weight license would remain the same as the current gross weight license.
(5) Will I receive credit for gross weight fees that I have already paid? You will receive dollar value credit for the number of months remaining and at the rate of the declared gross weight previously purchased for the period between the effective date of the change and the expiration date of the previously issued gross weight license. At the time of application, any excess credit accrued as a result of such change may be applied toward the payment of gross weight license fees for the gross weight license months between the previous gross weight license expiration date and the registration expiration date:
(a) Credit may not be carried over to the next registration year and any credit still remaining after decreasing gross weight to the registration expiration date shall be forfeited;
(b) You must surrender the current gross weight license in order to receive credit;
(c) If the gross weight license is lost, stolen or destroyed, you must sign an affidavit of loss and a statement that the gross weight license has not been transferred to another vehicle;
(d) You will not receive credit for the monthly gross weight permit fees as defined in RCW 46.16.135.
(6) May the credit of gross weight be applied to any other fee? No it may only be applied to gross weight.
(7) How many months gross weight must I purchase when I decrease the declared gross weight of my vehicle? You will need to purchase the number of months remaining on the current gross weight license. Credit will be given as provided in subsection (5) of this section. You will also be charged for the permit fees as defined in RCW 46.16.135, when applicable, in addition to all other fees required to license the vehicle.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135. WSR 02-11-095, § 308-96A-206, filed 5/20/02, effective 6/20/02; WSR 99-01-133, § 308-96A-206, filed 12/21/98, effective 1/21/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.17.060, 46.01.060, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135. WSR 92-02-100, § 308-96A-206, filed 1/2/92, effective 2/2/92.]


PDF308-96A-207

Gross weight—Changing from a farm use class to a nonfarm use class.

(1) When would I need to change my vehicle registration from a farm use class to a nonfarm use class?
You need to change your vehicle registration from a farm to nonfarm use class when the vehicle is no longer being used solely for farm purposes as defined in RCW 46.16.090.
(2) What would the gross weight expiration date be when I change my vehicle registration from a farm use class to a nonfarm use class? The expiration date of the gross weight license would remain the same as the current gross weight license.
(3) What will be the start date of the gross weight license with the nonfarm use class?
The new gross weight license start date is the first day of the current registration month, as described in WAC 308-96A-201 (2)(b), or any subsequent registration month of the current gross weight license period.
(4) How many months gross weight must I purchase when I change my vehicle registration from farm to nonfarm? You must purchase at least as many months as are remaining on the current gross weight license. Credit will be given as provided in subsection (5) of this section. You will also be charged for the permit fees as defined in RCW 46.16.135, and additional gross weight fees in addition to all other fees required to license the vehicle.
(5) Will I receive credit for gross weight fees that I have already paid?
You will receive dollar value credit for the number of months remaining on the current gross weight license. The credit will be given at the rate of the declared gross weight; however, you must surrender the current gross weight license in order to receive credit. If the gross weight license is lost, stolen or destroyed, you must sign an affidavit of loss and a statement that the gross weight license has not been transferred to another vehicle. You will not receive credit for the monthly gross weight permit fees as defined in RCW 46.16.135.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.070, 46.16.135. WSR 02-10-013, § 308-96A-207, filed 4/22/02, effective 5/23/02; WSR 99-01-133, § 308-96A-207, filed 12/21/98, effective 1/21/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.17.060, 46.01.060, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135. WSR 92-02-100, § 308-96A-207, filed 1/2/92, effective 2/2/92.]


PDF308-96A-208

Gross weight—Changing from a nonfarm use class to a farm use class.

(1) When may I change my vehicle registration from a nonfarm use class to a farm use class?
You may change your vehicle registration from a nonfarm to farm use class when the vehicle is being used solely for farm purposes as defined in RCW 46.16.090.
(2) When is the best time to change my vehicle registration from a nonfarm use class to a farm use class?
The best time to change your vehicle registration from a nonfarm to a farm use class is at the time you are purchasing gross weight. Changing use class from nonfarm to farm results in a forfeiture of gross weight fees paid. You may increase your declared gross weight to make up the difference between the nonfarm and the farm gross weight fees if the increased gross weight does not exceed the maximum legal limit of the vehicle.
(3) What would the gross weight expiration date be when I change my vehicle registration from a nonfarm use class to a farm use class? The expiration date of the gross weight license would remain the same as the current gross weight license.
(4) What will be the start date of the gross weight license when I change my vehicle registration from nonfarm use class to a farm use class? The start date of the gross weight license would remain the same as the current gross weight license.
(5) How many months gross weight must I purchase when I change my vehicle registration from nonfarm to farm?
You will need to purchase the number of months remaining on the current gross weight license. Credit will be given as provided in subsection (6) of this section. You will also be charged for the permit fees as defined in RCW 46.16.135, in addition to all other fees required to license the vehicle.
(6) Will I receive credit for gross weight fees that I have already paid?
You will receive dollar value credit for the number of months and at the rate of the declared gross weight previously purchased for the period between the effective date of the change in use class and the expiration date of the previously issued gross weight license. At the time of application for change of use class from nonfarm to farm, any excess credit accrued as a result of such change may be applied toward the payment of gross weight license fees for the gross weight license months between the nonfarm gross weight license expiration date and the registration expiration date. Credit may not be carried over to the next registration year and any credit still remaining after purchasing gross weight license to the registration expiration date forfeit. You must surrender the current gross weight license in order to receive credit. If the gross weight license is lost, stolen or destroyed, you must sign an affidavit of loss and a statement that the gross weight license has not been transferred to another vehicle. You will not receive credit for the monthly gross weight permit fees as defined in RCW 46.16.135.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.010. WSR 06-21-027, § 308-96A-208, filed 10/9/06, effective 11/9/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.070, 46.16.135. WSR 02-10-013, § 308-96A-208, filed 4/22/02, effective 5/23/02; WSR 99-01-133, § 308-96A-208, filed 12/21/98, effective 1/21/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.17.060, 46.01.060, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135. WSR 92-02-100, § 308-96A-208, filed 1/2/92, effective 2/2/92.]


PDF308-96A-210

Gross weight—Transfer of gross weight license to new owner.

(1) Is a gross weight license transferable to a new owner at the time of transfer of ownership?
Only for a gross weight license of fourteen thousand pounds or more. If the seller has signed off the gross weight license, the gross weight license of fourteen thousand pounds or more may be transferred to the new owner at the time of transfer of ownership of the vehicle. The seller also has the option of retaining the gross weight license to transfer to a replacement vehicle as provided in WAC 308-96A-220.
(2) What happens if the gross weight license is neither transferred to the new owner or a replacement vehicle?
Any gross weight credit not transferred to the new owner or to a replacement vehicle is forfeit and is not refunded.
(3) What will be the start date of the gross weight license when transferred to the new owner?
The new gross weight license start date for fourteen thousand pounds or more is the first day of the registration month in which application for transfer of ownership is made. A gross weight license cannot be purchased for a partial registration month. For example: If the current gross weight license start date was the 24th, the expiration is on the 23rd, and an application for transfer of ownership is made on the 17th, then the effective date of the new gross weight license is the 24th of the current registration month.
(4) What would the new gross weight expiration date be?
If the current declared gross weight is fourteen thousand pounds or more, the gross weight expiration date will remain the same as is currently in effect. You may choose to purchase additional months of gross weight not to exceed the vehicle registration expiration date.
(5) How many months' gross weight fees will I be charged when I apply for transfer of ownership?
You will be charged for the number of months from the start date of the new gross weight license to the expiration of the new gross weight license at the rate of the declared gross weight amount. Credit will be given as provided in subsection (6) of this section. You will also be charged for the permit fees as defined in RCW 46.16A.455, when applicable, in addition to all other fees required to license the vehicle.
(6) Will I receive credit for gross weight fees that have already been paid?
If the previous owner has provided you with the signed off gross weight license, and the gross weight credit is fifteen dollars or more, you will receive dollar value credit for the number of months from the start date of the new gross weight license to the expiration of the current gross weight license and at the rate of the declared gross weight of the current gross weight license. However, you must surrender the current gross weight license in order to receive credit. If the gross weight license is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you must provide an affidavit of loss and a statement from the seller that the gross weight license has not been, or will not be, transferred to another vehicle. You will not receive credit for the monthly gross weight permit fees as defined in RCW 46.16A.455.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-210, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.010. WSR 06-21-027, § 308-96A-210, filed 10/9/06, effective 11/9/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135. WSR 99-01-133, § 308-96A-210, filed 12/21/98, effective 1/21/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.17.060, 46.01.060, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135. WSR 92-02-100, § 308-96A-210, filed 1/2/92, effective 2/2/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-210, filed 5/5/86; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-210, filed 7/24/75.]


PDF308-96A-220

Gross weight—Transfer of gross weight license to a replacement vehicle.

(1) May I transfer a gross weight license to a replacement vehicle? Yes, the gross weight license on a truck, tractor, or truck tractor may be transferred to a replacement vehicle.
(2) What qualifies as a replacement vehicle? A replacement vehicle is a truck, tractor, or truck tractor that is:
(a) A presently unlicensed vehicle belonging to the same owner; or
(b) A vehicle purchased for replacement that is presently unlicensed or has had its gross weight license retained by its former owner.
(3) What is an unlicensed vehicle? For the purposes of this section, a vehicle is considered unlicensed if the current gross weight license expires prior to the registration, or if the current gross weight license is not adequate for the load being carried.
(4) When may I transfer gross weight license to a replacement vehicle? You may transfer a gross weight license from one vehicle to a replacement vehicle when the previously licensed vehicle is:
(a) Sold and the gross weight credit amount of fifteen dollars or more is retained;
(b) Destroyed;
(c) Reclassified so a gross weight license is no longer required;
(d) Registered in another jurisdiction;
(e) Involuntarily removed from the person's ownership by repossession, sheriff's sale, court order, chattel lien, landlord lien, self-service storage facility lien, abandoned vehicle sale;
(f) Stolen; or
(g) Removed from service by the owner.
Gross weight license may also be transferred to a replacement vehicle at the request of the owner.
(5) What are the restrictions to transferring gross weight license? The restrictions to transferring gross weight license are:
(a) The expiration date of the transferred gross weight license may not:
(i) Extend beyond the registration expiration date of the replacement vehicle;
(ii) Be used to extend the registration expiration date of the replacement vehicle.
(b) The gross weight license being transferred may not exceed the replacement vehicle's weight limitations as defined in chapter 46.44 RCW;
(c) The gross weight license being transferred must be 14,000 pounds or more;
(d) The amount of gross weight credit being transferred must be fifteen dollars or more;
(e) A transfer of gross weight license for the purposes of increasing the declared gross weight of the replacement vehicle must comply with the requirements of WAC 308-96A-205;
(f) You must surrender the current gross weight license in order to transfer gross weight license to a replacement vehicle.
(6) What would the new gross weight expiration date be?
(a) The expiration date of the transferred gross weight license is the same day of the month as the registration expiration date of the replacement vehicle. For example: If the registration expiration date of the replacement vehicle is July 15, the transferred gross weight license will expire on the fifteenth day of the month, depending on how many months gross weight license was transferred.
You may choose to purchase additional months of gross weight not to exceed the replacement vehicle registration expiration date.
(b) If the registration of a replacement vehicle as described in subsection (2)(b) of this section has expired, new registration and gross weight expiration dates will be assigned.
(7) Will I receive credit for gross weight fees that have already been paid? You will receive credit for the current and unused portions of the gross weight license already purchased. Any excess credit will not be refunded or ever used as a credit.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.010. WSR 06-21-027, § 308-96A-220, filed 10/9/06, effective 11/9/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135. WSR 02-11-095, § 308-96A-220, filed 5/20/02, effective 6/20/02; WSR 99-01-133, § 308-96A-220, filed 12/21/98, effective 1/21/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.17.060, 46.01.060, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135. WSR 92-02-100, § 308-96A-220, filed 1/2/92, effective 2/2/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.600, 46.16.276 and 46.01.110. WSR 87-12-023 (Order TL/RG-34), § 308-96A-220, filed 5/28/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-220, filed 5/5/86; Order MV-328, § 308-96A-220, filed 7/24/75.]


PDF308-96A-260

Assignment of original registration year.

How are registration years assigned?
Vehicles licensed for the first time in this state will have expiration dates assigned under RCW 46.16A.020 except as follows:
(1) Fleet vehicles will have a registration year ending December 31. A full month's fees are charged for any partial month.
(2) City, state, and county exempt vehicles using propane, butane, or natural gas will have a June 30th expiration date for special fuel billing purposes. This does not apply to federal exempt vehicles, which are required to be registered annually and pay the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fee at the time of registration renewal.
(3) Vehicles delivered on dealer temporary permits must be assigned expiration dates based on date of delivery as documented by the dealer.
(4) A February 29th expiration date will be reassigned to March 1st.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-260, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.46.16.225 [46.16.225], 46.16.490, and 46.16.276. WSR 01-17-017, § 308-96A-260, filed 8/3/01, effective 9/3/01; WSR 98-19-075, § 308-96A-260, filed 9/21/98, effective 10/22/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.17.060, 46.01.060, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135. WSR 92-02-100, § 308-96A-260, filed 1/2/92, effective 2/2/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-260, filed 5/5/86. Statutory Authority: 1985 c 109 §§ 2, 4, 6 and 8, RCW 46.80.140, 46.70.080 [46.79.080], 46.70.160, 46.76.070 and 46.16.225. WSR 86-08-028 (Order DLR-091), § 308-96A-260, filed 3/26/86; Order MV-355, § 308-96A-260, filed 5/10/76.]


PDF308-96A-275

Assignment of fleet registration expiration.

(1) When do fleet vehicle registrations expire? Fleet vehicle registrations expire December 31 annually.
(2) How does the department adjust registration fees to assign a December 31 registration expiration date for a fleet vehicle?
(a) When you add an unlicensed vehicle to your fleet, you will be charged for the number of months from the date of the current registration month to December 31st. The fees are abated to correspond with the number of months of registration purchased. For example:
(i) If you add a vehicle to your new or existing fleet between October 1 and December 30 of the current year, you will be required to purchase more than twelve months of registration to obtain a December 31 vehicle registration expiration date for the following December 31;
(ii) If you add a vehicle to your new or existing fleet between February 1 and September 30, you will be required to purchase less than twelve months of registration to obtain a December 31 vehicle registration expiration date for the current year;
(iii) If you add a vehicle to your new or existing fleet between December 31 and January 31, you will be required to purchase twelve months of registration to obtain a vehicle registration expiration date for the next year.
(b) When you add a currently registered vehicle to your new or existing fleet, the number of months registration fees abated from the date of current registration expiration to December 31, as applied in (a) of this subsection not to exceed eighteen months;
(c) The department will charge a full month’s fees for any partial month.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.01.100. WSR 02-11-079, § 308-96A-275, filed 5/14/02, effective 6/14/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.01.100 and 46.16.060. WSR 99-19-026, § 308-96A-275, filed 9/8/99, effective 10/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 92-15-025, § 308-96A-275, filed 7/6/92, effective 8/6/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.17.060, 46.01.060, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135. WSR 92-02-100, § 308-96A-275, filed 1/2/92, effective 2/2/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-275, filed 5/5/86; Order MV-355, § 308-96A-275, filed 5/10/76.]


PDF308-96A-295

Display of tabs.

(1) What are tabs?
Tabs are decals affixed to the rear license plate as indicated on the license plate to identify the registration expiration month or year for a specific vehicle.
(2) Which tabs are valid to be displayed on the vehicle license plate? Tabs depicting the current registration expiration month and year must be displayed on the rear vehicle license plate in the area designated on the license plate. Expired month and year tabs may be displayed on the front vehicle license plate for vehicles that are required to display a front license plate.
(3) Does this rule apply to all vehicles? No, vehicles registered under the provisions of the International Registration Plan must display tabs depicting current registration expiration month and year on both the front and rear vehicle license plates of the power unit.
(4) When is the requirement for rear license plate tabs effective? The requirement for rear license plate tabs is effective for vehicle registration expiration periods after December 31, 2001.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.16.225. WSR 01-09-079, § 308-96A-295, filed 4/17/01, effective 5/18/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.46.16.225 [46.16.225], 46.16.490 and 46.16.276. WSR 98-19-075, § 308-96A-295, filed 9/21/98, effective 10/22/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 93-14-083, § 308-96A-295, filed 6/30/93, effective 7/31/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-295, filed 5/5/86; Order MV-355, § 308-96A-295, filed 5/10/76.]


PDF308-96A-300

Changing assigned registration year.

When will the assigned registration year of a vehicle be changed?
(1) The department will change the registration year of a vehicle if the vehicle remains unlicensed for more than the entire assigned registration year.
(2) The registered owner may request a change of registration expiration month. This can only be done at the time of renewal and requires the registered owner to purchase more than twelve months of registration, limited to the vehicle field system constraints and license tab availability.
(3) When the vehicle is being added to a fleet.
(4) When you took ownership of a vehicle that is being transferred, unless it met one of the exemptions in RCW 46.16A.200, or the vehicle is registered as a title purpose only or has one of the following nonstandard plates on it at the time of transfer:
(a) Horseless carriage plates;
(b) Collector vehicle plates; or
(c) Restored plates.
(5) When the registered owner is a member of the armed forces returning to Washington state after being stationed outside of Washington in accordance with RCW 46.16A.020.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-300, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 09-20-078, § 308-96A-300, filed 10/6/09, effective 11/6/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.46.16.225 [46.16.225], 46.16.490, and 46.16.276. WSR 01-17-017, § 308-96A-300, filed 8/3/01, effective 9/3/01; WSR 98-19-075, § 308-96A-300, filed 9/21/98, effective 10/22/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.17.060, 46.01.060, 46.16.070 and 46.16.135. WSR 92-02-100, § 308-96A-300, filed 1/2/92, effective 2/2/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.600, 46.16.276 and 46.01.110. WSR 87-12-023 (Order TL/RG-34), § 308-96A-300, filed 5/28/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490 and 46.01.110. WSR 86-10-040 (Order TL/RG 24), § 308-96A-300, filed 5/5/86; Order MV-355, § 308-96A-300, filed 5/10/76.]


PDF308-96A-350

Outstanding vehicle violations—Information to be supplied to the department by issuing jurisdictions.

(1) How is the department notified of outstanding (unpaid) vehicle violations? The jurisdiction notifies the department of outstanding vehicle violations. The notice will include the following:
(a) Jurisdiction name.
(b) NCIC number/originating agency identifier (ORI)/jurisdiction ID.
(c) Vehicle violation number.
(d) Date vehicle violation was issued.
(e) Vehicle license plate number.
(f) Fine and penalty amount.
(g) Jurisdictions seal, except if filed electronically.
(h) Signature and date when required on form, except if filed electronically.
(2) When will the department accept vehicle violations for a vehicle database record by a jurisdiction? An original report against a vehicle record must contain a minimum of two outstanding violations from one jurisdiction. Subsequent reports against that vehicle by that same jurisdiction may be for a single violation unless the vehicle record indicates all existing violations have been paid and no further violations have been accrued in the thirteen months following the payment. If thirteen months have elapsed, the jurisdiction must submit an original report containing a minimum of two violations.
(3) What methods do jurisdictions use to notify the department of vehicle violations? Information must be provided in accordance with department instructions by:
(a) A form created or approved by the department;
(b) A computer listing sheet; or
(c) Electronic format.
(4) What methods do jurisdictions use to correct invalid, incomplete or inaccurate record transactions received and processed by the department electronically or manually?
(a) Reconcile and correct errors identified on the exception reports provided by the department; and
(b) Submit corrected transactions to the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 11-17-111, § 308-96A-350, filed 8/23/11, effective 9/23/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.040, 46.12.216. WSR 01-17-091, § 308-96A-350, filed 8/20/01, effective 9/20/01. RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.040, 46.16.216. WSR 00-03-057, § 308-96A-350, filed 1/18/00, effective 2/18/00; WSR 91-04-024, § 308-96A-350, filed 1/29/91, effective 3/1/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 84-17-074 (Order TL-RG 7), § 308-96A-350, filed 8/15/84.]


PDF308-96A-355

Satisfaction of vehicle violations—Information to be supplied by issuing jurisdiction.

What happens when outstanding vehicle violations are satisfied? Upon satisfaction of vehicle violations previously reported as outstanding against a vehicle, the issuing jurisdiction must:
(1) Furnish the registered owner with a proof of payment form; and
(2) Notify the department within ten days of satisfaction of the vehicle violations.
(3) Both proof of payment and notification to the department must contain:
(a) Jurisdiction name;
(b) NCIC number/originating agency identifier (ORI)/jurisdiction ID;
(c) Vehicle violation number;
(d) Date vehicle violation was issued;
(e) Vehicle license plate number;
(f) Date of satisfaction;
(g) Jurisdiction seal, except if filed electronically;
(h) Signature of representative and date signed, except if filed electronically.
(4) If filed electronically, must be in accordance with department instructions.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 11-17-111, § 308-96A-355, filed 8/23/11, effective 9/23/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.040, 46.12.216. WSR 01-17-091, § 308-96A-355, filed 8/20/01, effective 9/20/01. RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.040, 46.16.216. WSR 00-03-057, § 308-96A-355, filed 1/18/00, effective 2/18/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 84-17-074 (Order TL-RG 7), § 308-96A-355, filed 8/15/84.]


PDF308-96A-365

Reinstatement of parking violation.

(1) Can a parking violation be reinstated on a vehicle record after it has been reported by the jurisdiction as satisfied? A parking violation previously reported as satisfied will be reinstated on the vehicle record upon:
(a) Jurisdiction reporting error;
(b) Dishonored check for payment of fines and penalties;
(c) Departmental error.
(2) How is a parking violation reinstated that has been previously reported as satisfied? The jurisdiction seeking reinstatement of a parking violation must supply the department with the following information:
(a) Jurisdiction name,
(b) NCIC number/originating agency identifier (ORI),
(c) Parking violation number,
(d) Date parking violation was issued,
(e) Vehicle license plate number,
(f) Fine and penalty amount,
(g) Jurisdiction seal, except if filed electronically,
(h) Signature of court representative and date signed, except if filed electronically,
(i) Reason for reinstatement.
Information must be on a form approved by the department on a computer listing sheet or electronic format in accordance with department instructions.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.040, 46.12.216. WSR 01-17-091, § 308-96A-365, filed 8/20/01, effective 9/20/01. RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.040, 46.16.216. WSR 00-03-057, § 308-96A-365, filed 1/18/00, effective 2/18/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 84-17-074 (Order TL-RG 7), § 308-96A-365, filed 8/15/84.]


PDF308-96A-400

Excise tax exemption—Indians.

(1) What definitions does the department apply to this section? For purposes of this rule, the following words and terms have the following meanings:
(a) "Indian country" means all lands, notwithstanding the issuance of any patent, within the exterior boundaries set aside by the United States for the use and occupancy of Indian tribes by treaty, law or executive order and which are areas currently recognized as "Indian country" by the United States Department of the Interior as referenced in 18 U.S.C. 1151 and C.F.R. 25.
(b) "Indian tribe" means an Indian nation, tribe, band, or community recognized as an "Indian tribe" by the United States Department of the Interior.
(c) "Indian" means a person on the tribal rolls of the Indian tribe occupying Indian country.
(2) What Indian country tribes in Washington are recognized by the United States Department of the Interior? The only Washington "Indian tribes" are those currently recognized as such by the United States Department of the Interior. As of the effective date of this rule, there are twenty-eight federally recognized tribes in the state of Washington. You may contact the governor's office of Indian affairs for an up-to-date list of federally recognized Indian tribes in the state of Washington at its website www.goia.wa.gov or at:
Governor's Office of Indian Affairs
531 15th Ave. S.E.
P.O. Box 40909
Olympia, WA 98504-0909
(3) How does an Indian qualify for a motor vehicle excise tax exemption? To qualify for an RTA excise tax exemption, an Indian shall:
(a) Be enrolled as a tribal member of a recognized Washington tribe;
(b) Have their principal residence within the boundaries of Indian country of the tribe of which they are a member; and
(c) Be a registered owner of the vehicle for which the exemption is requested.
(4) Are vehicles owned or leased by a governing body of an Indian tribe subject to RTA excise tax? No. Vehicles owned or leased by a governing body of an Indian tribe are not subject to the RTA excise tax as provided in RCW 46.16.020 and 46.16.022.
(5) What documentation does the department require from a tribal member to qualify for an RTA excise tax exemption? The department requires a properly completed affidavit of exemption on a form supplied or approved by the department. An affidavit for each vehicle must be submitted at the time the exemption is established and at the time of renewal if there is a change of address and the new address is located inside the RTA boundary. The department may require such other proof of qualification for exemption, as it deems necessary.
(6) What information must be contained within the affidavit of exemption described in subsection (5) of this section? At the minimum, the affidavit of exemption must include the following:
(a) Description of the vehicle including the year and make and either the license plate number or the vehicle identification number;
(b) The registered owner's name, tribe, their enrollment numbers and the address in Indian country where the registered owner lives, as will be shown on the vehicle registration certificate; and enrollment or Bureau of Indian Affairs number;
(c) Signature of the registered owner;
(d) A certification of an authorized tribal authority representing the Indian tribe of which the registered owner is a member. The position or title of the tribal authority, their telephone number and their signature must appear on the certification. The certification must include a statement that the registered owner is an enrolled tribal member and that the address provided by the registered owner is within the boundaries of their Indian country;
(e) The position or title of the tribal authority, their telephone number and their signature.
(7) Are there any types of vehicles for which the Indian RTA excise tax exemption does not apply? No, the Indian RTA excise tax exemption applies to all types of vehicles for which RTA excise tax is due.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 01-12-099, § 308-96A-400, filed 6/6/01, effective 7/7/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.01.100 and 46.16.060. WSR 99-19-026, § 308-96A-400, filed 9/8/99, effective 10/9/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.600, 46.16.276 and 46.01.110. WSR 87-12-023 (Order TL/RG-34), § 308-96A-400, filed 5/28/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 82.44.020 and 82.44.060. WSR 83-08-052 (Order 714-DOL), § 308-96A-400, filed 4/1/83.]


PDF308-96A-530

Veterans remembrance and military service award license plate emblems.

(1) What license plate emblems are available? The following license plate emblems are available:
(a) Veteran's remembrance emblems with the words "U.S. veteran";
(b) Military service award emblems in RCW 46.18.295;
(c) Distinguished Flying Cross.
(2) Who may purchase license plate emblems? Only persons qualified under RCW 46.18.295 may purchase license plate emblems.
(3) What will I receive when I purchase license plate emblems? In addition to a receipt, you will receive an emblem package including: One U.S. veteran emblem, military service award emblem, or Distinguished Flying Cross emblem; and any two of the following:
(a) Campaign ribbon remembrance emblem.
(b) U.S. flag emblem.
(4) What campaign ribbon remembrance emblems or military service award emblems are available? In addition to those in RCW 46.18.295, the following emblems are available:
(a) Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
(b) Armed Forces Services Medal.
(c) Iraq Campaign Medal.
(d) Korean Defense Medal.
(e) Kosovo Campaign Medal.
(f) Merchant Marines Atlantic War Zone Medal.
(g) Merchant Marines Middle East War Zone Medal.
(h) Merchant Marines Pacific War Zone Medal.
(i) National Defense Medal.
(j) War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
(k) War on Terrorism Service Medal.
(5) How much do license plate emblem packages cost? License plate emblem packages cost ten dollars per package, in addition to fees authorized in RCW 46.17.040(2).
(6) How do I display my license plate emblems? In addition to the requirements and limitations in RCW 46.16A.210:
(a) When the veteran emblem, military service award emblem, or Distinguished Flying Cross emblem is displayed on a license plate, it must be displayed between the bottom license plate bolt holes;
(b) U.S. flags and emblems described in subsection (4) of this section must be displayed on the outside of each bottom license plate bolt hole. No more than two flags or small emblems may be affixed to any one license plate;
(c) For two-plated vehicles, you may display the emblems on either the front or rear license plate. You may buy a second package if you want to display emblems on both license plates.
Note:
When a license plate displaying veteran's remembrance emblems is transferred to a new owner, the emblems must be removed.
(7) Do the license plate emblems on my front license plate have to match the emblems on the rear license plate? No, emblems displayed on the front license plate do not need to match emblems displayed on the rear license plate.
(8) May I obtain a replacement or additional license plate emblem package? Yes:
(a) If you choose to purchase an additional set, you will be charged the fee in subsection (5) of this section; or
(b) When the original emblems become faded or unrecognizable, you may obtain a replacement set at no fee.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-530, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16A.251. WSR 13-04-007, § 308-96A-530, filed 1/24/13, effective 2/24/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.110, 46.16.335, 46.16.276. WSR 06-21-026, § 308-96A-530, filed 10/9/06, effective 11/9/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.12.070, 46.16.276. WSR 02-16-071, § 308-96A-530, filed 8/6/02, effective 9/6/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.276 and 43.17.060. WSR 00-01-151, § 308-96A-530, filed 12/21/99, effective 1/21/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 91-03-091, § 308-96A-530, filed 1/18/91, effective 2/18/91.]


PDF308-96A-545

Gold Star license plate.

(1) What is a Gold Star license plate? The Gold Star license plate recognizes the eligible family members of United States armed forces members who have died while in service to their country or as a result of such service.
(2) Who qualifies as an eligible family member of a member of the United States armed forces? Eligible family members are listed in RCW 46.18.245. For purposes of this section, a widow or widower includes the surviving member of a registered domestic partnership.
(3) Can a Gold Star plate be transferred to a new owner? No. The plate may only be transferred to a vehicle owned by the same registered owner. If the qualified applicant transfers the plate to a new motor vehicle registered to them, they are required to pay the plate transfer fee.
(4) Can a Gold Star plate be personalized? Yes. A Gold Star plate can be personalized. The customer is required to pay all fees associated with a personalized plate original purchase or renewal.
(5) Can I use a Gold Star plate on a commercial vehicle? Yes, provided the commercial vehicle is owned by a qualified applicant.
(6) Can a prorated vehicle display a Gold Star plate if the vehicle is under the name of the qualified applicant that is eligible for this plate? No per chapter 46.87 RCW.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, and 46.18.020. WSR 20-07-062, § 308-96A-545, filed 3/13/20, effective 4/13/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-545, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 13-23-056, § 308-96A-545, filed 11/15/13, effective 12/16/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.305 and 46.16.725. WSR 08-22-066, § 308-96A-545, filed 11/4/08, effective 12/5/08.]


PDF308-96A-550

Vehicle special collegiate license plates.

(1) What are the criteria for establishing collegiate license plates? Application for license plate series from an institution of higher education under RCW 46.18.225 may be submitted to the department through the process established in RCW 46.18.100 and 46.18.110. In addition the following criteria must be satisfied:
(a) The plates will consist of numbers, letters, colors, and a symbol or artwork approved by the department.
(b) The numbers and letters combination may not exceed seven positions.
(c) The plate series will not conflict with existing license plates.
(d) The plate design must provide at least four positions to accommodate serial numbering.
(e) The plate must not carry connotations which are offensive to good taste or decency, which may be misleading or vulgar in nature, a racial, ethnic, lifestyle, or gender slur, related to intoxicating substances or illegal activities, contrary to the department's mission to promote highway safety, or a duplication of other license plates provided in chapter 46.16A RCW.
(f) The plate must be designed so that it is legible and clearly identifiable by law enforcement personnel as an official Washington state issued license plate. A collegiate license plate design may not be issued in combination with any other license plate configuration including special, personalized, or exempt license plate(s). A collegiate license plate design may be issued in combination with a personalized plate as described in RCW 46.18.277.
(2) How is the design for a collegiate plate determined? The institution of higher education must provide a design, including color and dimension specifications of the logo requested on the special collegiate license plate series, with their application. Design services may be purchased through the department. The design must be legible and clearly identifiable as a Washington state plate to be approved by the department, Washington state patrol, and the legislature.
(3) Who may apply for the special collegiate license plate? Upon receipt of all applicable fees, the special collegiate license plate will be issued to a registered owner of the vehicle.
(4) When ownership of a vehicle issued collegiate license plates is sold, traded, or otherwise transferred, what happens to the plates? The owner may relinquish the plates to the new vehicle owner or remove the plates from the vehicle for transfer to a replacement vehicle. If the plates are removed from the vehicle, a transfer fee to another vehicle shall be charged as provided in RCW 46.17.200(1).
(5) Will any new fees be charged when the collegiate license plates are sold, traded, or otherwise transferred? If the registration expiration date for the new vehicle exceeds the old vehicle registration expiration date, an abated fee for the collegiate plate will be charged at the rate of one-twelfth of the annual collegiate plate fee for each exceeding month and partial month. If the new registration expiration date is sooner than the old expiration date, a refund will not be made for the remaining registration period.
(6) Will I be able to retain my current collegiate license plate number and letter combination if my plate is lost, defaced, or destroyed? Yes. Upon the loss, defacement, or destruction of one or both collegiate license plates, the owner will make application for new collegiate plates or other license plates and pay the fees described in RCW 46.17.200 as applicable. See note following subsection (8) of this section.
(7) How does the department define "current license plate registration"? For the purposes of this section, a current license plate registration is defined as: A registration that has not expired or a registration where it is less than one year past the expiration date.
(8) When I am required to replace my collegiate license plate, will I receive the same license plate number and letter combination? Yes. In addition to the license plate replacement fee, you may pay an additional plate retention fee to retain the same number and letter combination as shown on the current vehicle computer record as long as the plate meets a current approved license plate configuration and background.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.18.020. WSR 16-02-032, § 308-96A-550, filed 12/29/15, effective 1/29/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16A.220. WSR 15-10-005, § 308-96A-550, filed 4/22/15, effective 5/23/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 11-01-118, § 308-96A-550, filed 12/20/10, effective 1/20/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490, 46.16.276. WSR 04-08-079, § 308-96A-550, filed 4/6/04, effective 5/7/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.12.070. WSR 03-05-082, § 308-96A-550, filed 2/19/03, effective 3/22/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.16.276. WSR 01-10-069, § 308-96A-550, filed 4/30/01, effective 5/31/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 1997 c 291. WSR 98-01-151, § 308-96A-550, filed 12/22/97, effective 1/22/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.301, 46.16.324 and 46.01.110. WSR 95-11-043, § 308-96A-550, filed 5/10/95, effective 6/10/95. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 91-03-091, § 308-96A-550, filed 1/18/91, effective 2/18/91.]


PDF308-96A-560

Special license plates—Criteria for creation or continued issuance.

(1) What is a special license plate series? For the purpose of this rule a special license plate series is one license plate design with a range of numbers and letter combinations to be determined by the department.
(2) What is required for an organization to apply to create a new plate through the department? The organization must submit a completed application packet, signature sheet and supporting documentation as required by law. Signature sheets must reflect that they are collected within three years of submission.
(3) What are the design criteria for a special license plate series?
(a) The jurisdiction must be located at the top of the license plate;
(b) The plate dimensions, bolt hole placement, and other features must comply with the Department's Specialty Plate Design Guide;
(c) Plate color usage must be readable by state tolling facilities or law enforcement plate readers, consistent with the department's published guidance; and
(d) Other criteria as established by the department.
(4) What criteria are used to discontinue issuing special license plates? A special license plate series may be canceled if:
(a) The department determines that fewer than 500 special license plates are purchased annually and fewer than 1,500 special license plates are purchased in any continuous three-year period. (Except those license plates issued under RCW 46.16.301, 46.16.305, and 46.16.324); or
(b) If the sponsoring organization does not submit an annual financial statement required by RCW 46.16.765 and certified by an accountant; or
(c) The legislature concurs with a recommendation from the department to discontinue a plate series created after January 1, 2003; or
(d) The state legislature changes the law allowing that plate series.
(5) What information must be contained in the annual financial report? The annual financial report must include all expenditures related to programs, fund-raising, marketing, and administrative expenses related to their special license plate(s). The report must include:
(a) The stated purpose of the organization receiving the special plate revenue;
(b) A message from the chair or director of the organization;
(c) Program highlights with a detailed list of how the funds were expended for those programs;
(d) List of special events the organization held to market their special plate for the current reporting year;
(e) A summary of financial information:
(i) Previous revenue received during current reporting year;
(ii) Total revenue received during current reporting year;
(iii) Summary of administrative expenses.
If an organization is disbursing funds through a grant program or to another nonprofit organization supporting Washington citizens, a list including the program and the organizations must be submitted which includes their name and amount received.
(6) What steps are taken by the department if the annual financial report is not submitted as required or the special plate revenue is expended for purposes other than allowed by law? The department will follow the guidelines as established in the organization's contractual agreement with the department:
(a) Send a written notice of the violations to the organization;
(b) The organization is given 30 days to correct the violation;
(c) If the violation is not corrected, the department may immediately terminate the contract.
(7) Can an organization have more than one special plate series? No. Organizations cannot have more than one special license plate series except those issued before January 1, 2006. Those organizations that already have multiple special plate series may not have more.
An updated design of the current special license plates does not constitute more than one special plate series. The newest design supersedes the prior design. The assigned number and letter combination cannot be changed when a new plate design is created.
(8) Are tribal license plates established pursuant to RCW 46.16A.230 subject to the requirements of this section? No. Tribal license plates enacted through the compacting process described in RCW 46.16A.230 are exempt from the special license plate requirements established in this section.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.18.200. WSR 23-22-022, § 308-96A-560, filed 10/20/23, effective 11/20/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 11-01-118, § 308-96A-560, filed 12/20/10, effective 1/20/11; WSR 08-22-067, § 308-96A-560, filed 11/4/08, effective 12/5/08; WSR 07-20-110, § 308-96A-560, filed 10/3/07, effective 11/3/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.135, 46.16.225, 46.16.490, 46.16.276. WSR 04-08-079, § 308-96A-560, filed 4/6/04, effective 5/7/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.335, 46.16.276. WSR 01-10-069, § 308-96A-560, filed 4/30/01, effective 5/31/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 1997 c 291. WSR 98-01-151, § 308-96A-560, filed 12/22/97, effective 1/22/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.301, 46.16.324 and 46.01.110. WSR 95-11-043, § 308-96A-560, filed 5/10/95, effective 6/10/95. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 93-14-083, § 308-96A-560, filed 6/30/93, effective 7/31/93; WSR 91-03-091, § 308-96A-560, filed 1/18/91, effective 2/18/91.]


PDF308-96A-570

Invalid or fraudulent DOT numbers—Cancellation of registrations.

The department will cancel any license registration issued to a motor carrier who provided invalid or fraudulent DOT number information to register a commercial motor vehicle as required in RCW 46.16.615.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 09-09-109, § 308-96A-570, filed 4/21/09, effective 5/22/09.]