Specialty Plates

License Plates

Washington’s Department of licensing provides a variety of license plates styles for vehicles registered in the state. In addition to “Personalized Plates”, Washington’s motorist can choose from a assortment of “Special Background and Theme Plates” that promote a range of interests including the state’s universities, members of the military, landmarks, wildlife, and more. You may also transfer the plates to a new vehicle when you sell the old one, as long as the vehicles are the same class.

Damaged or destroyed plates

We can provide replacement plates from our office for; trucks, cars, trailers, motor homes and motorcycles.

Personalized / Vanity Plates

Personalized license plates, also referred to as vanity plates, and may be used on most vehicle types licensed in Washington State. Standard sized plates are available for cars, trucks and trailers, small sized plates are available for motorcycles and small trailers. To see if the plate you want is available visit the web page listed below. Personalized Plates have an additional fee, which is listed on the DOL website and additional licensing fees required for your vehicle. Each year there will be an annual renewal fee for your vehicle.

How to apply for personalized plates

Check to make sure that the personalized plate you want is available and that your choice meets personalized plate requirements
Complete a personalized license plate application form the web site or come to our office and pick up a form.
Submit your application and fees by mail to: Department of Licensing P O Box 99909 Olympia, WA 98507-850

Background designs

Standard personalized plates use the mountain background
You may request personalized plates with a Special Background or Theme, for an additional fee. For information on Background designs, see our section on “Special Background and Theme Plates”

Special Background and Theme Plates

Washington State offers specialized license plates whose design reflects the interests of nonprofit organizations. A portion of the money you pay for these plates goes to these groups, so you can enjoy an attractive plate and support a cause you care about at the same time.

There are dozens of Special Background and Theme Plates available to Washington State residents, some of the backgrounds available are; Colleges, Universities, Military, Veterans, Law Enforcement Memorial, Professional firefighters, State Parks, Endangered Wildlife, Washington Wildlife, Hobbies and many more. For a complete listing of Special Design Plates see the website listed below.

Special Background and Theme Plates have an additional fee, which is listed on the DOL website. However, the total cost depends on the plate you choose, and the licensing fees required for your vehicle. Each year there will be an annual renewal fee for your vehicle. To apply, request the type plate you want at the time of your license renewal, we will complete the necessary paperwork to obtain the plate you want.

To review plates that are available click here

Disability Plates and Placards

Individuals with certain disabilities may be eligible for permanent or temporary disabled parking privileges. To obtain disabled parking privileges, the applicant must submit an application completed and signed by a licensed physician indicating the duration and type of disability. There is no fee for a temporary or permanent disabled person parking placard.

Temporary and Permanent disabled person placards are available at any vehicle license sub-agency or Snohomish County Auditors Office.
An individual with a permanent disability is also eligible for disabled person’s license plates. All requests for disabled person license plates must be accompanied by a current registration showing the applicant as a registered owner.
No more than 2 disabled parking privileges may be issued to one person at the same time (e.g. 1 placard and 1 set of disabled persons plates; or, 2 placards, etc). Those with temporary disability have a maximum of 1 placard.
Permanent disabled person placards are valid for 5 years from date of issuance. A renewal notice will be mailed to you 4 to 6 weeks before your current permit expires.
Personalized plates may be assigned a permanent disability tab.

Mandatory License Plate Replacement

When you renew your tabs you may also need to replace your plates. Washington State requires new plates every 7 years because the reflective coating on the plate wears out. This coating in important because it helps you and law enforcement to identify vehicles in poor weather. Proper care of plates won’t prevent this coating from breaking down over time. For an additional charge, the state does allow you to keep the same license plate number, it will be remade and mailed to you.