title: RCW 46.17.140

text:
The penalty for a late transfer under *RCW 46.12.650(7) is fifty dollars assessed on the sixteenth day after the date of delivery and two dollars for each additional day thereafter, but the total penalty must not exceed one hundred twenty-five dollars. The penalty must be distributed under RCW 46.68.020.
[ 2012 c 74 s 2; 2010 c 161 s 512.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 46.12.650 was amended by 2023 c 273 s 1, changing subsection (7) to subsection (8).
Effective date—2012 c 74 ss 1-12: See note following RCW 46.17.100.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Late transfer of title penalty.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 46.17.150

text:
Before accepting an application for a transfer of certificate of title for a new or used manufactured home as required in this title and chapter 65.20 RCW, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall require the applicant to pay a fifteen dollar fee in addition to any other fees and taxes required by law. The fifteen dollar fee must be forwarded to the state treasurer, who shall deposit the fee in the manufactured home installation training account created in RCW 43.22A.100.
[ 2011 c 158 s 4; 2010 c 161 s 510.]
Notes:
Transfer of residual funds to manufactured home installation training account—2011 c 158: See note following RCW 43.22A.100.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Manufactured home title transfer fee.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 46.17.155

text:
(1) Before accepting an application for a certificate of title for an original or transfer manufactured home transaction as required in this title or chapter 65.20 RCW, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall require the applicant to pay a fee, in accordance with subsection (4) of this section, in addition to any other fees and taxes required by law if the manufactured home:
(a) Is located in a mobile home park;
(b) Is one year old or older; and
(c) Is new or ownership changes, excluding changes that involve adding or deleting spouse or domestic partner coregistered owners or legal owners.
(2) The fee amount established in subsection (4) of this section must be forwarded to the state treasurer, who shall deposit the fee in the manufactured/mobile home park relocation fund created in RCW 59.21.050.
(3) The department and the state treasurer may adopt rules necessary to carry out this section.
(4) The amount of the fee that the department must collect must be 0.25 percent of the sale price of the manufactured home, but in no case may the fee be less than one hundred dollars or greater than five hundred dollars.
[ 2019 c 390 s 6; 2010 c 161 s 511.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—2019 c 390: See note following RCW 59.21.005.
Tax preference performance statement and expiration—2019 c 390: See note following RCW 84.36.560.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Manufactured home transaction fee.


title: RCW 46.17.160

text:
Before accepting an application for a quick title of a vehicle under RCW 46.12.555, the department, participating county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall require the applicant to pay a fifty dollar quick title service fee in addition to any other fees and taxes required by law. The quick title service fee must be distributed under RCW 46.68.025.
[ 2011 c 326 s 2.]
Notes:
Application—Effective date—2011 c 326: See notes following RCW 46.12.555.

catchline: Quick title service fee.


title: RCW 46.17.200

text:
(1) In addition to all other fees and taxes required by law, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall charge:
(a) The following license plate fees for each license plate, unless the owner or type of vehicle is exempt from payment:
FEE TYPE
FEE
DISTRIBUTION
Original issue
$50.00
RCW 46.68.070
Reflectivity
$2.00
RCW 46.68.070
Replacement
$30.00
RCW 46.68.070
Original issue, motorcycle
$20.00
RCW 46.68.070
Replacement, motorcycle
$12.00
RCW 46.68.070
Original issue, moped
$1.50
RCW 46.68.070
(b) A license plate retention fee, as required under RCW 46.16A.200(9)(a), of $20 if the owner wishes to retain the current license plate number upon license plate replacement, unless the owner or type of vehicle is exempt from payment. The $20 fee must be deposited in the multimodal transportation account created in RCW 47.66.070.
(c) A $10 license plate transfer fee, as required under RCW 46.16A.200(8)(a), when transferring standard issue license plates from one vehicle to another, unless the owner or type of vehicle is exempt from payment. The $10 license plate transfer fee must be deposited in the motor vehicle fund created in RCW 46.68.070.
(d) Former prisoner of war license plates, as described in RCW 46.18.235, may be transferred to a replacement vehicle upon payment of a $5 license plate fee, in addition to any other fee required by law.
(2) The department may, upon request, provide license plates that have been used and returned to the department to individuals for nonvehicular use. The department may charge a fee of up to $5 per license plate to cover costs or recovery for postage and handling. The department may waive the fee for license plates used in educational projects and may, by rule, provide standards for the fee waiver and restrictions on the number of license plates provided to any one person. The fee must be deposited in the motor vehicle fund created in RCW 46.68.070.
(3) $40 of the original issue license plate fee imposed under subsection (1)(a) of this section and $16 of the original issue motorcycle license plate fee imposed under subsection (1)(a) of this section must be deposited in the move ahead WA account created in RCW 46.68.510.
(4) $20 of the replacement license plate fee imposed under subsection (1)(a) of this section and $8 of the replacement motorcycle license plate fee imposed under subsection (1)(a) of this section must be deposited in the move ahead WA account created in RCW 46.68.510.
[ 2022 c 182 s 202; 2014 c 80 s 4; 2012 c 74 s 3; 2011 c 171 s 56; 2010 c 161 s 518.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2022 c 182: See notes following RCW 70A.65.240.
Application—2014 c 80: See note following RCW 46.16A.200.
Effective date—2012 c 74 ss 1-12: See note following RCW 46.17.100.
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Original issue fees—Reflectivity fee—Replacement fees—Moped fee—Retention fee—Transfer fees—Recovery fee for nonvehicular use.


title: RCW 46.17.210

text:
In addition to all fees and taxes required to be paid upon application for a vehicle registration under chapter 46.16A RCW, the holder of a personalized license plate shall pay an initial fee of $52 and $52 for each renewal. The personalized license plate fee must be distributed as provided in RCW 46.68.435.
[ 2025 c 385 s 23; 2013 c 329 s 6; 2011 c 171 s 57; 2010 c 161 s 520.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 385 ss 3-24: See note following RCW 44.04.300.
Short title—2025 c 385: See note following RCW 46.18.060.
Application—2013 c 329 s 6: "Section 6 of this act applies only to vehicle registrations that are due or become due on or after October 1, 2013." [ 2013 c 329 s 7.]
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Personalized license plate fees.


title: RCW 46.17.220

text:
In addition to all fees and taxes required to be paid upon application for a vehicle registration in chapter 46.16A RCW, the holder of a special license plate shall pay the appropriate special license plate fee as listed in this section.
PLATE TYPE
INITIAL FEE
RENEWAL FEE
DISTRIBUTED UNDER
(1) 4-H
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(2) Amateur radio license
$ 5.00
N/A
RCW 46.68.070
(3) Armed forces
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.425
(4) Breast cancer awareness
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.425
(5) Collector vehicle
$ 35.00
N/A
RCW 46.68.030
(6) Collegiate
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.430
(7) Donate life
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(8) Endangered wildlife
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.425
(9) Firefighter memorial
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(10) Fred Hutch
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(11) Gonzaga University alumni association
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(12) Helping kids speak
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(13) Historical throwback
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(14) Horseless carriage
$ 35.00
N/A
RCW 46.68.030
(15) Keep kids safe
$ 45.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.425
(16) Keep Washington evergreen
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.425
(17) Law enforcement memorial
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(18) LeMay-America's Car Museum
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(19) Military affiliate radio system
$ 5.00
N/A
RCW 46.68.070
(20) Mount St. Helens
$40.00
$30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(21) Music matters
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(22) Nautical Northwest
$40.00
$30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(23) Patches pal, or alternative name as designated by the department under RCW 46.04.383
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(24) Professional firefighters and paramedics
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(25) Purple Heart
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.425
(26) Ride share
$ 25.00
N/A
RCW 46.68.030
(27) San Juan Islands
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(28) Seattle Mariners
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(29) Seattle NHL hockey
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(30) Seattle Reign FC
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(31) Seattle Seahawks
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(32) Seattle Sounders FC
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(33) Seattle Storm
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(34) Seattle University
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(35) Share the road
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(36) Ski & ride Washington
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(37) Smokey Bear
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.425
(38) Square dancer
$ 40.00
N/A
RCW 46.68.070
(39) State flower
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(40) State sport
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(41) United States Naval Academy
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.425
(42) Volunteer firefighters
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(43) Washington apples
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(44) Washington farmers and ranchers
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(45) Washington lighthouses
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(46) Washington state aviation
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(47) Washington state honey bees and pollinators
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(48) Washington state parks
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.425
(49) Washington state wrestling
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(50) Washington tennis
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(51) Washington wine
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(52) Washington's fish collection
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.425
(53) Washington's national parks
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(54) Washington's wildlife collection
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.425
(55) We love our pets
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
(56) Wild on Washington
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.425
(57) Working forests
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.420
[ 2025 c 385 s 4. Prior: 2022 c 239 s 1; 2022 c 117 s 1; prior: 2020 c 129 s 1; 2020 c 93 s 2; prior: 2019 c 384 s 2; 2019 c 177 s 2; 2018 c 67 s 4; prior: 2017 c 25 s 2; 2017 c 11 s 3; prior: 2016 c 36 s 2; 2016 c 31 s 2; 2016 c 30 s 3; 2016 c 16 s 2; 2016 c 15 s 2; prior: 2014 c 77 s 2; 2014 c 6 s 2; 2013 c 286 s 2; 2012 c 65 s 4; prior: 2011 c 229 s 3; 2011 c 225 s 2; 2011 c 171 s 58; 2010 c 161 s 521.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 385 ss 3-24: See note following RCW 44.04.300.
Short title—2025 c 385: See note following RCW 46.18.060.
Effective date—2022 c 239: "This act takes effect October 1, 2022." [ 2022 c 239 s 5.]
Effective date—2022 c 117: "This act takes effect November 1, 2022." [ 2022 c 117 s 5.]
Effective date—2020 c 129: "This act takes effect October 1, 2020." [ 2020 c 129 s 5.]
Effective date—2020 c 93: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Effective date—2019 c 384: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Effective date—2019 c 177: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Effective date—2018 c 67 ss 3-8: "Sections 3 through 8 of this act take effect January 1, 2019." [ 2018 c 67 s 9.]
Effective date—2017 c 25: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Finding—Intent—2017 c 11: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Effective date—2016 c 36: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Effective date—2016 c 31: See note following RCW 46.18.280.
Effective date—2016 c 30: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Effective date—2016 c 16: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Effective date—2016 c 15: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Effective date—2014 c 77: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Effective date—2014 c 6: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Effective date—2013 c 286: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Effective date—2012 c 65: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Effective date—2011 c 229: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Effective date—2011 c 225: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Special license plate fees.


title: RCW 46.17.230

text:
Before accepting an application for a replacement license tab or windshield emblem, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall charge a fifty cent fee for each tab or windshield emblem. The license tab or windshield emblem replacement fee must be deposited in the motor vehicle fund created in RCW 46.68.070. A replacement tab or emblem may be issued under this section only in conjunction with an application for a duplicate registration certificate under RCW 46.16A.190.
[ 2017 c 147 s 6; 2011 c 171 s 59; 2010 c 161 s 519.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Replacement license tab and windshield emblem fee.


title: RCW 46.17.240

text:
State agencies, political subdivisions, Indian tribes, and the United States government, except foreign governments or international bodies, shall pay a fee of two dollars for a license plate or plates for each vehicle when the department assigns license plates for further assignment by the entity.
[ 2010 c 161 s 517.]
Notes:
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Government vehicle license plate fee.


title: RCW 46.17.250

text:
Before accepting an application for a combination trailer license plate authorized under RCW 46.16A.450, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall require an applicant to pay a thirty-six dollar license plate fee. The thirty-six dollar license plate fee must be deposited and distributed under RCW 46.68.035.
[ 2010 c 161 s 516.]
Notes:
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Combination trailer license plate fee.


title: RCW 46.17.260

text:
(1) A person who requests a replacement license plate for a license plate that is defective may receive a replacement set of license plates:
(a) Completely free of charge without being subject to the following fees, if the request is made on or before the last day of the 24th month from the date of issuance of the defective plate:
(i) The license plate and other fees in accordance with RCW 46.17.200;
(ii) The filing fee in accordance with RCW 46.17.005;
(iii) The license service fee in accordance with RCW 46.17.025;
(iv) The service fee in accordance with RCW 46.17.040(1)(b);
(v) The special license plate fee in accordance with RCW 46.17.220;
(vi) The personalized license plate fee in accordance with RCW 46.17.210;
(b) Completely free of charge without being subject to the fees specified (a) of this subsection, if the request is made after the last day of the 24th month and on or before the last day of the 60th month from the date of issuance of the defective plate, and if the defective plate meets the criteria as established by the department in rule. Based on the criteria as established by the department in rule, any of the fees specified in (a) of this subsection may be imposed, at the department's discretion, depending on the specific circumstances of the need for license plate replacement.
(2) A license plate is considered defective for the purposes of this section if the plate is no longer functional. Lack of functionality is indicated when the numbers are no longer legible, the paint is peeling or bubbling, or when the plate materials have otherwise degraded.
(3) The department may require the defective plate to be submitted with the request for replacement license plates in order for the person to qualify for reduced charges under subsection (1) of this section.
(4) The department is not required to provide a replacement license plate at reduced charges in accordance with subsection (1) of this section if:
(a) The license plate has been tampered with by manual means or was damaged in a vehicle collision with another vehicle, building, or object;
(b) The defective license plate is associated with a vehicle registered as stolen and the person requesting the plate is not the owner or registered person of the vehicle;
(c) The person has already received a replacement plate within the preceding five years;
(d) The person has applied for or is submitting an application to transfer the license plate to a different vehicle; or
(e) The department determines the license plate is not associated with a valid registration for the specific vehicle.
(5) A person with one defective license plate is eligible to receive a replacement set of license plates under the terms of this section unless only one license plate is required by law.
[ 2026 c 172 s 2.]
Notes:
Application—2026 c 172 s 2: "Section 2 of this act is exempt from the rule of strict construction, and shall be liberally construed to give full effect to the objective and purpose of replacing defective license plates in a manner that is consistent with fairness to the person that purchased the license plates." [ 2026 c 172 s 4.]
Intent—2026 c 172: "The department of licensing sells license plates, and sometimes those license plates weather quickly and become illegible. The manufacturer has indicated the license plates will be useable for a number of years, so when the plates delaminate, purchasers are justifiably upset when the replacement for the defective license plate requires payment of fees and taxes. The department of licensing cannot ignore statutory requirements to collect fees and taxes associated with replacement plates. The legislature intends to improve the department of licensing's ability to provide customer service when a license plate fails to last the expected life span by making clear that fees and taxes that were collected when a license plate is initially purchased do not apply when a defective license plate is being replaced." [ 2026 c 172 s 1.]
Effective date—2026 c 172: "This act takes effect January 1, 2027." [ 2026 c 172 s 5.]

catchline: Defective license plates—Replacement. (Effective January 1, 2027.)


title: RCW 46.17.305

text:
Before accepting an application for a vehicle registration for a boat trailer, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall require the applicant to pay a three dollar aquatic weed fee in addition to any other fees and taxes required by law. The three dollar fee must be deposited in the freshwater aquatic weeds account created in RCW 43.21A.650.
[ 2010 c 161 s 522.]
Notes:
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Boat trailer fee.


title: RCW 46.17.310

text:
Before accepting an application for a change of class as required under RCW 46.16A.200(6), the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall require the applicant to pay a one dollar fee. The one dollar fee must be deposited in the motor vehicle fund created in RCW 46.68.070.
[ 2010 c 161 s 523.]
Notes:
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Change of class fee.


title: RCW 46.17.315

text:
(1) Before accepting an application for a motor vehicle base plated in the state of Washington that is subject to highway inspections and compliance reviews by the Washington state patrol under RCW 46.32.080 or the international registration plan if base plated in a foreign jurisdiction, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall require the applicant to pay a $32 commercial vehicle safety enforcement fee in addition to any other fees and taxes required by law. The $32 fee:
(a) Must be apportioned for those vehicles operating interstate and registered under the international registration plan;
(b) Does not apply to trailers; and
(c) Is not refundable when the motor vehicle is no longer subject to RCW 46.32.080.
(2) The department may deduct an amount equal to the cost of administering the program. All remaining fees must be deposited with the state treasurer and credited in equal proportions to the state patrol highway account of the motor vehicle fund created in RCW 46.68.070 and the commercial truck safety and education account created in RCW 46.68.550.
[ 2026 c 61 s 3; 2011 c 171 s 60; 2010 c 161 s 524.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2026 c 61: See note following RCW 43.59.190.
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Commercial vehicle safety enforcement fee.


title: RCW 46.17.320

text:
Before accepting an application for a duplicate registration as required under RCW 46.16A.190, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall require the applicant to pay a one dollar and twenty-five cent fee in addition to any other fees and taxes required by law. The one dollar and twenty-five cent fee must be deposited in the motor vehicle fund created in RCW 46.68.070.
[ 2010 c 161 s 525.]
Notes:
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Duplicate registration fees.


title: RCW 46.17.323

text:
(1) Before accepting an application for an annual vehicle registration renewal for a vehicle that both (a) uses at least one method of propulsion that is capable of being reenergized by an external source of electricity and (b) is capable of traveling at least 30 miles using only battery power, except for electric motorcycles, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director must require the applicant to pay a $100 fee in addition to any other fees and taxes required by law. The $100 fee is due only at the time of annual registration renewal.
(2) This section only applies to a vehicle that is designed to have the capability to drive at a speed of more than 35 miles per hour.
(3)(a) The fee under this section is imposed to provide funds to mitigate the impact of vehicles on state roads and highways and for the purpose of evaluating the feasibility of transitioning from a revenue collection system based on fuel taxes to a road user assessment system, and is separate and distinct from other vehicle license fees. Proceeds from the fee must be used for highway purposes, and must be deposited in the motor vehicle fund created in RCW 46.68.070, subject to (b) of this subsection.
(b) If in any year the amount of proceeds from the fee collected under this section exceeds $1,000,000, the excess amount over $1,000,000 must be deposited as follows:
(i) Seventy percent to the motor vehicle fund created in RCW 46.68.070;
(ii) Fifteen percent to the transportation improvement account created in RCW 47.26.084; and
(iii) Fifteen percent to the rural arterial trust account created in RCW 36.79.020.
(4)(a) In addition to the fee established in subsection (1) of this section, before accepting an application for an annual vehicle registration renewal for a vehicle that both (i) uses at least one method of propulsion that is capable of being reenergized by an external source of electricity and (ii) is capable of traveling at least 30 miles using only battery power, except for electric motorcycles, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director must require the applicant to pay a $50 fee.
(b) The fee required under (a) of this subsection must be distributed as follows:
(i) The first $1,000,000 raised by the fee must be deposited into the multimodal transportation account created in RCW 47.66.070; and
(ii) Any remaining amounts must be deposited into the motor vehicle fund created in RCW 46.68.070.
(5) Beginning November 1, 2022, before accepting an application for an annual vehicle registration renewal for an electric motorcycle that uses propulsion units powered solely by electricity, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director must require the applicant to pay a $30 fee in addition to any other fees and taxes required by law. The $30 fee is due only at the time of annual registration renewal.
(6) The fees collected pursuant to subsection (5) of this section shall be deposited into the motor vehicle fund created in RCW 46.68.070.
(7) This section applies to annual vehicle registration renewals until the effective date of enacted legislation that imposes a vehicle miles traveled fee or tax.
[ 2022 c 149 s 1; (2020 c 1 s 5 repealed by 2024 c 232 s 7); 2015 3rd sp.s. c 44 s 203; 2012 c 74 s 10.]
Notes:
Effective date—2022 c 149: "This act takes effect November 1, 2022." [ 2022 c 149 s 2.]
Application—2015 3rd sp.s. c 44 s 203: "Section 203 of this act applies to vehicle registrations that are due or become due on or after July 1, 2016." [ 2015 3rd sp.s. c 44 s 204.]
Effective date—2015 3rd sp.s. c 44: See note following RCW 46.68.395.
Notice of expiration date—2012 c 74 s 10: "The department of licensing must provide written notice of the expiration date of section 10 of this act to affected parties, the chief clerk of the house of representatives, the secretary of the senate, the office of the code reviser, and others as deemed appropriate by the department." [ 2012 c 74 s 12.]
Effective date—2012 c 74 ss 1-12: See note following RCW 46.17.100.

catchline: Electric vehicle registration renewal fees—Electric motorcycles.


title: RCW 46.17.324

text:
To realize the environmental benefits of electrification of the transportation system it is necessary to support the adoption of electric vehicles and other electric technology in the state by incentivizing the purchase of these vehicles, building out the charging infrastructure, developing greener transit options, and supporting clean alternative fuel infrastructure. Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to support these activities through the imposition of new transportation electrification fees in this section.
(1) A vehicle that both (a) uses at least one method of propulsion that is capable of being reenergized by an external source of electricity and (b) is capable of traveling at least thirty miles using only battery power, is subject to an annual seventy-five dollar transportation electrification fee to be collected by the department, county auditor, or other agent or subagent appointed by the director, in addition to any other fees and taxes required by law. For administrative efficiencies, the transportation electrification fee must be collected at the same time as vehicle registration renewals and may only be collected for vehicles that are renewing an annual vehicle registration.
(2) Beginning October 1, 2019, in lieu of the fee in subsection (1) of this section for a hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle that is not required to pay the fees established in RCW 46.17.323 (1) and (4), the department, county auditor, or other agent or subagent appointed by the director must require that the applicant for the annual vehicle registration renewal of such hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle pay a seventy-five dollar hybrid vehicle transportation electrification fee, in addition to any other fees and taxes required by law.
(3) The fees required under this section must be deposited in the electric vehicle account created in RCW 82.44.200, until July 1, 2025, when the fee must be deposited in the motor vehicle account [fund].
(4) This section only applies to a vehicle that is designed to have the capability to drive at a speed of more than thirty-five miles per hour.
[ 2019 c 287 s 23.]
Notes:
Effective date—2019 c 287 ss 1-7, 12, and 14-23: See note following RCW 28B.30.903.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 287: See note following RCW 28B.30.903.

catchline: Transportation electrification fee.


title: RCW 46.17.325

text:
Before accepting an application for a farm exempt decal as required under RCW 46.16A.420, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall require the applicant to pay a five dollar fee in addition to any other fees and taxes required by law. The five dollar fee must be deposited in the motor vehicle fund created in RCW 46.68.070.
[ 2010 c 161 s 526.]
Notes:
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Farm exempt decal fee.


title: RCW 46.17.330

text:
(1) In lieu of the vehicle license fee required under RCW 46.17.350 and before accepting an application for a vehicle registration for farm vehicles described in RCW 46.16A.425, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall require the applicant, unless specifically exempt, to pay the following farm vehicle reduced gross weight license fee by weight:
WEIGHT
SCHEDULE A
SCHEDULE B
4,000 pounds
$24.50
$24.50
6,000 pounds
$24.50
$24.50
8,000 pounds
$24.50
$24.50
10,000 pounds
$40.50
$40.50
12,000 pounds
$49.00
$49.00
14,000 pounds
$54.50
$54.50
16,000 pounds
$60.50
$60.50
18,000 pounds
$86.50
$86.50
20,000 pounds
$95.00
$95.00
22,000 pounds
$102.00
$102.00
24,000 pounds
$109.50
$109.50
26,000 pounds
$115.00
$115.00
28,000 pounds
$134.00
$134.00
30,000 pounds
$153.00
$153.00
32,000 pounds
$182.50
$182.50
34,000 pounds
$193.50
$193.50
36,000 pounds
$209.00
$209.00
38,000 pounds
$228.50
$228.50
40,000 pounds
$260.00
$260.00
42,000 pounds
$270.00
$315.00
44,000 pounds
$275.50
$320.50
46,000 pounds
$295.50
$340.50
48,000 pounds
$307.50
$352.50
50,000 pounds
$333.00
$378.00
52,000 pounds
$349.50
$394.50
54,000 pounds
$376.50
$421.50
56,000 pounds
$397.00
$442.00
58,000 pounds
$412.50
$457.50
60,000 pounds
$439.00
$484.00
62,000 pounds
$470.00
$515.00
64,000 pounds
$480.00
$525.00
66,000 pounds
$533.50
$578.50
68,000 pounds
$556.00
$601.00
70,000 pounds
$598.00
$643.00
72,000 pounds
$639.00
$684.00
74,000 pounds
$693.50
$738.50
76,000 pounds
$748.50
$793.50
78,000 pounds
$816.50
$861.50
80,000 pounds
$880.50
$925.50
82,000 pounds
$941.00
$986.00
84,000 pounds
$1,001.00
$1,046.00
86,000 pounds
$1,061.50
$1,106.50
88,000 pounds
$1,122.00
$1,167.00
90,000 pounds
$1,182.50
$1,127.50
92,000 pounds
$1,242.50
$1,287.50
94,000 pounds
$1,303.00
$1,348.00
96,000 pounds
$1,363.50
$1,408.50
98,000 pounds
$1,424.00
$1,469.00
100,000 pounds
$1,484.00
$1,529.00
102,000 pounds
$1,544.50
$1,589.50
104,000 pounds
$1,605.00
$1,650.00
105,500 pounds
$1,665.50
$1,710.50
(2) Schedule A applies to vehicles either used exclusively for hauling logs or that do not tow trailers. Schedule B applies to vehicles that tow trailers and are not covered under Schedule A.
(3) If the resultant gross weight is not listed in the table provided in subsection (1) of this section, it must be increased to the next higher weight.
(4) The farm vehicle reduced gross weight license fees provided in subsection (1) of this section are in addition to the filing fee required under RCW 46.17.005 and any other fee or tax required by law.
(5) The farm vehicle reduced gross weight license fee as provided in subsection (1) of this section must be distributed under RCW 46.68.035.
[ 2017 c 147 s 7; 2010 c 161 s 527.]
Notes:
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Farm vehicle reduced gross weight license fee.


title: RCW 46.17.335

text:
Before accepting an application for a fixed load motor vehicle registration, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall require an applicant to pay:
(1) The license fee based on declared gross weight as provided in RCW 46.17.355. The declared gross weight must be equal to the scale weight of the motor vehicle, rounded up to the next higher amount in the schedule provided in RCW 46.17.355, up to the legal limit provided in chapter 46.44 RCW; or
(2) A twenty-five dollar capacity fee if the vehicle is equipped for lifting or towing any abandoned, disabled, or impounded vehicle or parts of vehicles. The twenty-five dollar capacity fee is in lieu of the license fee based on declared gross weight as provided in RCW 46.17.355 and must be deposited under RCW 46.68.030.
[ 2010 c 161 s 528.]
Notes:
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Fixed load motor vehicle registration fees.


title: RCW 46.17.340

text:
(1) Before accepting an application for a vehicle registration for a for hire vehicle or auto stage with a seating capacity of six or less, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall require the applicant to pay a fifteen dollar seating capacity fee. The seating capacity fee must be deposited in the motor vehicle fund created in RCW 46.68.070.
(2) The for hire vehicle and auto stage seating capacity fee imposed in subsection (1) of this section does not apply to taxicabs.
[ 2010 c 161 s 529.]
Notes:
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: For hire vehicle and auto stage seating capacity fee.


title: RCW 46.17.345

text:
Before accepting an application for a permanent registration authorized under RCW 46.16A.428, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director must require an applicant to pay a one hundred eighty-seven dollar and fifty cent fee, which must be deposited and distributed under RCW 46.68.030.
[ 2015 c 200 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2015 c 200: See note following RCW 46.16A.428.

catchline: Intermittent-use trailer registration fee.


title: RCW 46.17.350

text:
(1) Before accepting an application for a vehicle registration, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall require the applicant, unless specifically exempt, to pay the following vehicle license fee by vehicle type:
VEHICLE TYPE
INITIAL FEE
RENEWAL FEE
DISTRIBUTED UNDER
(a) Auto stage, six seats or less
$ 30.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.030
(b) Camper
$ 4.90
$ 3.50
RCW 46.68.030
(c) Commercial trailer
$ 34.00
$ 34.00
RCW 46.68.035
(d) For hire vehicle, six seats or less
$ 30.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.030
(e) Mobile home (if registered)
$ 30.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.030
(f) Moped
$ 30.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.030
(g) Motor home
$ 30.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.030
(h) Motorcycle
$ 30.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.030
(i) Off-road vehicle
$ 18.00
$ 18.00
RCW 46.68.045
(j) Passenger car
$ 30.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.030
(k) Private use single-axle trailer
$ 15.00
$ 15.00
RCW 46.68.035
(l) Snowmobile
$ 50.00
$ 50.00
RCW 46.68.350
(m) Snowmobile, vintage
$ 12.00
$ 12.00
RCW 46.68.350
(n) Sport utility vehicle
$ 30.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.030
(o) Tow truck
$ 30.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.030
(p) Trailer, over 2000 pounds
$ 30.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.030
(q) Travel trailer
$ 30.00
$ 30.00
RCW 46.68.030
(r) Wheeled all-terrain vehicle, on-road use
$ 12.00
$ 12.00
RCW 46.09.540
(s) Wheeled all-terrain vehicle, off-road use
$ 18.00
$ 18.00
RCW 46.09.510
(2) The vehicle license fee required in subsection (1) of this section is in addition to the filing fee required under RCW 46.17.005, and any other fee or tax required by law.
[ 2019 c 44 s 4; (2020 c 1 s 3 repealed by 2024 c 232 s 7); 2014 c 30 s 2; (2014 c 30 s 1 expired October 1, 2015); 2013 2nd sp.s. c 23 s 19; 2010 c 161 s 531.]
Notes:
Application—Effective date—2014 c 30 s 2: "Section 2 of this act applies to snowmobile registrations that are due on or after October 1, 2015. Section 2 of this act takes effect October 1, 2015." [ 2014 c 30 s 4.]
Application—Expiration date—2014 c 30 s 1: "Section 1 of this act applies to snowmobile registrations that are due on or after October 1, 2014. Section 1 of this act expires October 1, 2015." [ 2014 c 30 s 3.]
Finding—Intent—2013 2nd sp.s. c 23: See note following RCW 46.09.442.
Effective date—2013 2nd sp.s. c 23: See note following RCW 46.09.310.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: License fees by vehicle type.


title: RCW 46.17.355

text:
(1) In lieu of the vehicle license fee required under RCW 46.17.350 and before accepting an application for a vehicle registration for motor vehicles described in RCW 46.16A.455, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall require the applicant, unless specifically exempt, to pay the following license fee by weight, to be adjusted annually as provided in subsection (8) of this section:
WEIGHT
SCHEDULE A
SCHEDULE B
4,000 pounds
$ 53.00
$ 53.00
6,000 pounds
$80.00
$80.00
8,000 pounds
$110.00
$110.00
10,000 pounds
$140.00
$140.00
12,000 pounds
$147.85
$147.85
14,000 pounds
$182.60
$182.60
16,000 pounds
$208.70
$208.70
18,000 pounds
$234.80
$234.80
20,000 pounds
$260.85
$260.85
22,000 pounds
$286.95
$286.95
24,000 pounds
$313.05
$313.05
26,000 pounds
$339.15
$339.15
28,000 pounds
$365.20
$365.20
30,000 pounds
$391.30
$391.30
32,000 pounds
$417.40
$417.40
34,000 pounds
$443.50
$443.50
36,000 pounds
$469.55
$469.55
38,000 pounds
$495.65
$495.65
40,000 pounds
$521.75
$521.75
42,000 pounds
$547.85
$ 609.00
44,000 pounds
$573.90
$ 620.00
46,000 pounds
$600.00
$ 660.00
48,000 pounds
$626.10
$ 684.00
50,000 pounds
$652.15
$ 735.00
52,000 pounds
$678.25
$ 768.00
54,000 pounds
$ 732.00
$ 822.00
56,000 pounds
$ 773.00
$ 863.00
58,000 pounds
$ 804.00
$ 894.00
60,000 pounds
$ 857.00
$ 947.00
62,000 pounds
$ 919.00
$1,009.00
64,000 pounds
$ 939.00
$1,029.00
66,000 pounds
$ 1,046.00
$ 1,136.00
68,000 pounds
$ 1,091.00
$ 1,181.00
70,000 pounds
$ 1,175.00
$ 1,265.00
72,000 pounds
$ 1,257.00
$ 1,347.00
74,000 pounds
$ 1,366.00
$ 1,456.00
76,000 pounds
$ 1,476.00
$ 1,566.00
78,000 pounds
$ 1,612.00
$ 1,702.00
80,000 pounds
$ 1,740.00
$ 1,830.00
82,000 pounds
$ 1,861.00
$ 1,951.00
84,000 pounds
$ 1,981.00
$ 2,071.00
86,000 pounds
$ 2,102.00
$ 2,192.00
88,000 pounds
$ 2,223.00
$ 2,313.00
90,000 pounds
$ 2,344.00
$ 2,434.00
92,000 pounds
$ 2,464.00
$ 2,554.00
94,000 pounds
$ 2,585.00
$ 2,675.00
96,000 pounds
$ 2,706.00
$ 2,796.00
98,000 pounds
$ 2,827.00
$ 2,917.00
100,000 pounds
$ 2,947.00
$ 3,037.00
102,000 pounds
$ 3,068.00
$ 3,158.00
104,000 pounds
$ 3,189.00
$ 3,279.00
105,500 pounds
$ 3,310.00
$ 3,400.00
(2) Schedule A applies to vehicles either used exclusively for hauling logs or that do not tow trailers. Schedule B applies to vehicles that tow trailers and are not covered under Schedule A.
(3) If the resultant gross weight is not listed in the table provided in subsection (1) of this section, it must be increased to the next higher weight.
(4) The license fees provided in subsection (1) of this section and the freight project fee provided in subsection (6) of this section are in addition to the filing fee required under RCW 46.17.005 and any other fee or tax required by law.
(5) The license fee based on declared gross weight as provided in subsection (1) of this section must be distributed under RCW 46.68.035.
(6) In addition to the license fee based on declared gross weight required under subsection (1) of this section, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director must require an applicant with a vehicle with a declared gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds, unless specifically exempt, to pay a freight project fee equal to 15 percent of the license fee provided in subsection (1) of this section, rounded to the nearest whole dollar, which must be distributed under RCW 46.68.035.
(7) In addition to the license fee based on declared gross weight required under subsection (1) of this section, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director must require an applicant with a vehicle with a declared gross weight of less than or equal to 12,000 pounds, unless specifically exempt, to pay an additional weight fee of $10, which must be distributed under RCW 46.68.035.
(8) Beginning July 1, 2026, the vehicle license fee required in subsection (1) of this section must be adjusted annually by increasing the fee by two percent and the result must be rounded to the nearest five cents.
[ 2025 c 417 s 104; 2015 3rd sp.s. c 44 s 201; (2020 c 1 s 4 repealed by 2024 c 232 s 7); 2011 c 171 s 61; 2010 c 161 s 530.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 417 ss 104, 105, 107-110, 201-206, 301-303, 604, and 903: "Sections 104, 105, 107 through 110, 201 through 206, 301 through 303, 604 and 903 of this act take effect January 1, 2026." [ 2025 c 417 s 1404.]
Applicability—2025 c 417 ss 104, 105, and 107-110: "Sections 104, 105, and 107 through 110 of this act apply to vehicle registrations that are due or become due on or after January 1, 2026." [ 2025 c 417 s 1416.]
Findings—Intent—2025 c 417: See note following RCW 82.38.030.
Effective date—2015 3rd sp.s. c 44: See note following RCW 46.68.395.
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: License fees by weight.


title: RCW 46.17.360

text:
A person applying for a monthly declared gross weight license as authorized in RCW 46.16A.455 shall pay an additional two dollars for each month of the declared gross weight license, plus an additional two dollars. These two dollar fees must be deposited in the motor vehicle fund created in RCW 46.68.070.
[ 2010 c 161 s 532.]
Notes:
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Monthly declared gross weight license fees.


title: RCW 46.17.365

text:
(1) A person applying for a motor vehicle registration and paying the vehicle license fee required in RCW 46.17.350(1) (a), (d), (e), (h), (j), (n), and (o) shall pay a motor vehicle weight fee in addition to all other fees and taxes required by law.
For vehicle registrations that are due or become due on or after January 1, 2026, the motor vehicle weight fee:
(a) Must be based on the motor vehicle scale weight as follows:
WEIGHT
FEE
4,000 pounds
$35.00
6,000 pounds
$65.00
8,000 pounds
$82.50
16,000 pounds and over
$96.00;
(b) If the resultant motor vehicle scale weight is not listed in the table provided in (a) of this subsection, must be increased to the next highest weight; and
(c) Must be distributed under RCW 46.68.415.
(2) A person applying for a motor home vehicle registration shall, in lieu of the motor vehicle weight fee required in subsection (1) of this section, pay a motor home vehicle weight fee of $75 in addition to all other fees and taxes required by law. The motor home vehicle weight fee must be distributed under RCW 46.68.415.
(3) The department shall:
(a) Rely on motor vehicle empty scale weights provided by vehicle manufacturers, or other sources defined by the department, to determine the weight of each motor vehicle; and
(b) Adopt rules for determining weight for vehicles without manufacturer empty scale weights.
[ 2025 c 417 s 105; 2021 c 317 s 19; 2015 3rd sp.s. c 44 s 202; 2010 c 161 s 533.]
Notes:
Expiration date—2025 c 417 s 105: "Section 105 of this act expires January 1, 2029." [ 2025 c 417 s 1414.]
Effective date—2025 c 417 ss 104, 105, 107-110, 201-206, 301-303, 604, and 903: See note following RCW 46.17.355.
Applicability—2025 c 417 ss 104, 105, and 107-110: See note following RCW 46.17.355.
Findings—Intent—2025 c 417: See note following RCW 82.38.030.
Severability—2021 c 317: See note following RCW 70A.535.005.
Effective date—2015 3rd sp.s. c 44: See note following RCW 46.68.395.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.
PDF
RCW 46.17.365
Motor vehicle weight fee—Motor home vehicle weight fee. (Effective January 1, 2029.)
(1) A person applying for a motor vehicle registration and paying the vehicle license fee required in RCW 46.17.350(1) (a), (d), (e), (h), (j), (n), and (o) shall pay a motor vehicle weight fee in addition to all other fees and taxes required by law.
For vehicle registrations that are due or become due on or after January 1, 2029, the motor vehicle weight fee:
(a) Must be based on the motor vehicle scale weight as follows:
WEIGHT
FEE
4,000 pounds
$35.00
6,000 pounds
$75.00
8,000 pounds
$90.00
16,000 pounds and over
$110.00;
(b) If the resultant motor vehicle scale weight is not listed in the table provided in (a) of this subsection, must be increased to the next highest weight; and
(c) Must be distributed under RCW 46.68.415.
(2) A person applying for a motor home vehicle registration shall, in lieu of the motor vehicle weight fee required in subsection (1) of this section, pay a motor home vehicle weight fee of $75 in addition to all other fees and taxes required by law. The motor home vehicle weight fee must be distributed under RCW 46.68.415.
(3) The department shall:
(a) Rely on motor vehicle empty scale weights provided by vehicle manufacturers, or other sources defined by the department, to determine the weight of each motor vehicle; and
(b) Adopt rules for determining weight for vehicles without manufacturer empty scale weights.
[ 2025 c 417 s 106; 2025 c 417 s 105; 2021 c 317 s 19; 2015 3rd sp.s. c 44 s 202; 2010 c 161 s 533.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 417 s 106: "Section 106 of this act takes effect January 1, 2029." [ 2025 c 417 s 1413.]
Applicability—2025 c 417 s 106: "Section 106 of this act applies to vehicle registrations that are due or become due on or after January 1, 2029." [ 2025 c 417 s 1415.]
Findings—Intent—2025 c 417: See note following RCW 82.38.030.
Severability—2021 c 317: See note following RCW 70A.535.005.
Effective date—2015 3rd sp.s. c 44: See note following RCW 46.68.395.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Motor vehicle weight fee—Motor home vehicle weight fee. (Effective until January 1, 2029.)


title: RCW 46.17.375

text:
(1) Before accepting an application for registration for a recreational vehicle, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall require an applicant to pay a three dollar fee in addition to any other fees and taxes required by law. The recreational vehicle sanitary disposal fee must be deposited in the RV account created in RCW 46.68.170.
(2) For the purposes of this section, "recreational vehicle" means a camper, motor home, or travel trailer.
[ 2010 c 161 s 534.]
Notes:
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.
Fee increase by department of transportation authorized: RCW 47.01.460.

catchline: Recreational vehicle sanitary disposal fee.


title: RCW 46.17.380

text:
(1) Before accepting an application for a registration for a recreational vehicle, the department, county auditor, or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director, shall require an applicant to pay an $8 fee in addition to any other fees and taxes required by law.
(2) The abandoned recreational disposal fee must be deposited into the abandoned recreational vehicle disposal account created in RCW 46.68.175.
(3) For the purposes of this section, "recreational vehicle" means a camper, motor home, or travel trailer.
[ 2025 c 417 s 109; 2018 c 287 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 417 ss 104, 105, 107-110, 201-206, 301-303, 604, and 903: See note following RCW 46.17.355.
Applicability—2025 c 417 ss 104, 105, and 107-110: See note following RCW 46.17.355.
Findings—Intent—2025 c 417: See note following RCW 82.38.030.
Applicability—2018 c 287 s 4: "Section 4 of this act applies to vehicle registrations that are due or become due on or after May 1, 2019." [ 2018 c 287 s 9.]
Findings—Implementation—Effective date—2018 c 287: See notes following RCW 46.55.400.

catchline: Abandoned recreational disposal fee.


title: RCW 46.17.400

text:
(1) Before accepting an application for one of the following permits or temporary license plates, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall require the applicant to pay the following permit or temporary license plate fee by permit or license type in addition to any other fee or tax required by law:
PERMIT OR LICENSE TYPE
FEE
AUTHORITY
DISTRIBUTION
(a) Dealer temporary license plate
$
40.00
RCW 46.16A.300
RCW 46.68.030
(b) Department temporary license plate
$
.50
RCW 46.16A.305
RCW 46.68.450
(c) Farm vehicle trip
$
6.25
RCW 46.16A.330
RCW 46.68.035
(d) Nonresident military
$
10.00
RCW 46.16A.340
RCW 46.68.070
(e) Nonresident temporary snowmobile
$
5.00
RCW 46.10.450
RCW 46.68.350
(f) Special fuel trip
$
30.00
RCW 82.38.100
RCW 46.68.460
(g) Temporary ORV use
$
7.00
RCW 46.09.430
RCW 46.68.045
(h) Vehicle trip
$
25.00
RCW 46.16A.320
RCW 46.68.455
(2) Permit or temporary license plate fees as provided in subsection (1) of this section are in addition to the filing fee required under RCW 46.17.005, except an additional filing fee may not be charged for:
(a) Dealer temporary license plates;
(b) Special fuel trip permits; and
(c) Vehicle trip permits.
(3) $5 of the $40 dealer temporary license plate fee provided in subsection (1)(a) of this section must be credited to the payment of vehicle license fees at the time application for registration is made. $25 of the $40 dealer temporary permit fee provided in subsection (1)(a) of this section must be deposited in the move ahead WA account created in RCW 46.68.510. The remainder must be deposited to the state patrol highway account created in RCW 46.68.030.
[ 2022 c 182 s 204; 2022 c 132 s 6; 2011 c 171 s 62; 2010 c 161 s 535.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2022 c 132 s 6 and by 2022 c 182 s 204, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Intent—Effective date—2022 c 182: See notes following RCW 70A.65.240.
Effective date—2022 c 132: See note following RCW 46.04.2701.
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Permit fees by permit or temporary license plate type.


title: RCW 46.17.410

text:
Before accepting an application for a transfer of an off-road vehicle registration as required under RCW 46.09.410, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall require the applicant to pay a five dollar off-road vehicle registration transfer fee. The five dollar off-road vehicle registration transfer fee must be distributed under RCW 46.68.020.
[ 2010 c 161 s 536.]
Notes:
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Off-road vehicle registration transfer fee.


title: RCW 46.17.420

text:
Before accepting an application for a transfer of a snowmobile registration as required under RCW 46.10.400, the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall require the applicant to pay a five dollar snowmobile registration transfer fee. The five dollar snowmobile registration transfer fee must be distributed under RCW 46.68.350.
[ 2010 c 161 s 537.]
Notes:
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Snowmobile registration transfer fee.


title: RCW 46.18.005

text:
The legislature has seen an increase in the demand from constituent groups seeking recognition and funding through the establishment of commemorative or special license plates. The high cost of implementing a new special license plate series coupled with the uncertainty of the state's ability to recoup its costs has led the legislature to delay the implementation of new special license plates. In order to address these issues, it is the intent of the legislature to create a mechanism that will allow for the evaluation of special license plate requests and establish a funding policy that will alleviate the financial burden currently placed on the state. Using these two strategies, the legislature will be better equipped to efficiently process special license plate legislation.
[ 2010 c 161 s 601; 2003 c 196 s 1. Formerly RCW 46.16.700.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: 2010 c 161 s 1226 directed that RCW 46.16.700 be recodified under the subchapter heading "review board" under chapter 46.18 RCW. However, recodification under the subchapter heading "general provisions" appears to be more appropriate.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.
Part headings not law—2003 c 196: "Part headings used in this act are not part of the law." [ 2003 c 196 s 601.]

catchline: Intent.


title: RCW 46.18.010

text:
Persons applying to the department for special license plates shall apply on forms obtained from the department and in accordance with RCW 46.16A.040. The applicant shall provide all information as is required by the department in order to determine the applicant's eligibility for the special license plates.
[ 2011 c 171 s 63; 1997 c 291 s 7; 1990 c 250 s 3. Formerly RCW 46.16.309.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
Effective dates—1990 c 250 ss 1-13: See note following RCW 10.05.060.

catchline: Application.


title: RCW 46.18.020

text:
The director shall adopt rules to implement this chapter, including the setting of fees.
[ 2011 c 171 s 64; 2010 c 161 s 631; 1990 c 250 s 10. Formerly RCW 46.16.335.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.
Effective dates—1990 c 250 ss 1-13: See note following RCW 10.05.060.

catchline: Rules.


title: RCW 46.18.050

text:
The department shall:
(1) Process special license plate applications and confirm that the sponsoring organization has submitted all required documentation. If an incomplete application is received, the department must return it to the sponsoring organization; and
(2) Compile the annual financial reports submitted by sponsoring organizations with active special license plate series.
[ 2011 c 171 s 65. Prior: 2010 1st sp.s. c 7 s 93; 2010 c 161 s 603; 2005 c 319 s 118; 2003 c 196 s 102. Formerly RCW 46.16.715.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.
Findings—Intent—Part headings—Effective dates—2005 c 319: See notes following RCW 43.17.020.
Part headings not law—2003 c 196: See note following RCW 46.18.005.

catchline: Department duties—Applications, financial reports.


title: RCW 46.18.060

text:
(1) The department must review and either approve or reject special license plate applications submitted by sponsoring organizations. Except for special license plates created under chapter 385, Laws of 2025, the department may not issue any new special license plates until January 1, 2029, and therefore no applications for any new special license plates may be accepted until January 1, 2029. The department must prominently display this special license plate moratorium on its website.
(2) Duties of the department include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) Review and approve the annual financial reports submitted by sponsoring organizations with active special license plate series and present those annual financial reports to the joint transportation committee;
(b) Report annually to the joint transportation committee on the special license plate applications that were considered by the department;
(c) Issue approval and rejection notification letters to sponsoring organizations, the executive committee of the joint transportation committee, and the legislative sponsors identified in each application. The letters must be issued within seven days of making a determination on the status of an application; and
(d) Review annually the number of plates sold for each special license plate series created after January 1, 2003. The department may submit a recommendation to discontinue a special plate series to the executive committee of the joint transportation committee.
[ 2025 c 385 s 1; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 25 s 40. Prior: 2016 c 36 s 4; 2016 c 16 s 4; 2016 c 15 s 4; prior: 2014 c 77 s 5; 2014 c 6 s 4; prior: 2013 c 306 s 703; 2013 c 286 s 5; 2012 c 65 s 6; prior: 2011 c 367 s 703; 2011 c 229 s 5; 2011 c 225 s 4; 2011 c 171 s 66; prior: 2010 1st sp.s. c 7 s 94; 2010 c 161 s 604; 2009 c 470 s 710; 2008 c 72 s 2; 2007 c 518 s 711; prior: 2005 c 319 s 119; 2005 c 210 s 7; 2003 c 196 s 103. Formerly RCW 46.16.725.]
Notes:
Short title—2025 c 385: "This act is known as Bill's bill act." [ 2025 c 385 s 26.]
Effective date—2016 c 36: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Effective date—2016 c 16: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Effective date—2016 c 15: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Effective date—2014 c 77: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Effective date—2014 c 6: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Effective date—2013 c 306: See note following RCW 47.64.170.
Effective date—2013 c 286: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Effective date—2012 c 65: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Effective date—2011 c 367 ss 703, 704, 716, and 719: "Sections 703, 704, 716, and 719 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect July 1, 2011." [ 2011 c 367 s 1103.]
Effective date—2011 c 229: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Effective date—2011 c 225: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.
Effective date—2009 c 470: See note following RCW 46.68.170.
Severability—Effective date—2007 c 518: See notes following RCW 46.68.170.
Findings—Intent—Part headings—Effective dates—2005 c 319: See notes following RCW 43.17.020.
Part headings not law—2003 c 196: See note following RCW 46.18.005.

catchline: Department duties continued.


title: RCW 46.18.100

text:
(1) For an organization to qualify for a special license plate under the special license plate approval program created in this chapter, the sponsoring organization must submit documentation to the department that verifies that the organization is:
(a)(i) A nonprofit organization, as defined in 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501(c)(3). The department may request a copy of an Internal Revenue Service ruling to verify an organization's nonprofit status; and
(ii) Located in Washington state and has registered as a charitable organization with the secretary of state's office as required by law; or
(b)(i) A professional sports franchise located in Washington state; and
(ii) Using the proceeds from a special license plate in conjunction with a nonprofit organization, as defined in 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501(c)(3), solely for the purposes outlined under RCW 46.68.420.
(2) For a governmental body to qualify for a special license plate under the special license plate approval program created in this chapter, a governmental body must be:
(a) A political subdivision including, but not limited to, any county, city, town, municipal corporation, or special purpose taxing district that has the express permission of the political subdivision's executive body to sponsor a special license plate;
(b) A federally recognized tribal government that has received the approval of the executive body of that government to sponsor a special license plate;
(c) A state agency that has received approval from the director of the agency or the department head; or
(d) A community or technical college that has the express permission of the college's board of trustees to sponsor a special license plate.
[ 2013 c 286 s 4; 2010 c 161 s 605; 2004 c 222 s 3; 2003 c 196 s 201. Formerly RCW 46.16.735.]
Notes:
Effective date—2013 c 286: See note following RCW 46.18.200.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.
Part headings not law—2003 c 196: See note following RCW 46.18.005.

catchline: Sponsoring organization requirements.


title: RCW 46.18.110

text:
(1) A sponsoring organization meeting the requirements of RCW 46.18.100, applying for the creation of a special license plate must, on an application supplied by the department, provide the minimum application requirements in subsection (2) of this section.
(2) The sponsoring organization shall:
(a) Submit prepayment of all start-up costs associated with the creation and implementation of the special license plate in an amount determined by the department. The department shall place this money into the special license plate applicant trust account created under RCW 46.68.380;
(b) Provide a proposed license plate design;
(c) Provide a marketing strategy outlining short and long-term marketing plans for each special license plate and a financial analysis outlining the anticipated revenue and the planned expenditures of the revenues derived from the sale of the special license plate;
(d) Provide a signature of a legislative sponsor and proposed legislation creating the special license plate;
(e) Provide proof of organizational qualifications as determined by the department as provided for in RCW 46.18.100;
(f) Provide signature sheets that include signatures from individuals who intend to purchase the special license plate and the number of plates each individual intends to purchase. The sheets must reflect a minimum of three thousand five hundred intended purchases of the special license plate.
(3) After an application is approved by the department, the application need not be reviewed again for a period of three years.
[ 2011 c 171 s 67. Prior: 2010 1st sp.s. c 7 s 95; 2010 c 161 s 606; 2005 c 210 s 8; 2003 c 196 s 301. Formerly RCW 46.16.745.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.
Part headings not law—2003 c 196: See note following RCW 46.18.005.

catchline: Application requirements.


title: RCW 46.18.120

text:
(1) Within thirty days of legislative enactment of a new special license plate series for a qualifying organization meeting the requirements of RCW 46.18.100(1), the department shall enter into a written agreement with the organization that sponsored the special license plate. The agreement must identify the services to be performed by the sponsoring organization. The agreement must be consistent with all applicable state law and include the following provision:
"No portion of any funds disbursed under the agreement may be used, directly or indirectly, for any of the following purposes:
(a) Attempting to influence: (i) The passage or defeat of legislation by the legislature of the state of Washington, by a county, city, town, or other political subdivision of the state of Washington, or by the Congress; or (ii) the adoption or rejection of a rule, standard, rate, or other legislative enactment of a state agency;
(b) Making contributions reportable under *chapter 42.17 RCW; or
(c) Providing a: (i) Gift; (ii) honoraria; or (iii) travel, lodging, meals, or entertainment to a public officer or employee."
(2) The sponsoring organization must submit an annual financial report by September 30th of each year to the department detailing actual revenues and expenditures of the revenues received from sales of the special license plate. Consistent with the agreement under subsection (1) of this section, the sponsoring organization must expend the revenues generated from the sale of the special license plate series for the benefit of the public, and it must be spent within this state. Disbursement of the revenue generated from the sale of the special license plate to the sponsoring organization is contingent upon the organization meeting all reporting and review requirements as required by the department.
(3) If the sponsoring organization ceases to exist or the purpose of the special license plate series ceases to exist, revenues generated from the sale of the special license plates must be deposited into the motor vehicle fund created in RCW 46.68.070.
(4) A sponsoring organization may not seek to redesign its special license plate series until the entire inventory is sold or purchased by the organization itself. All costs for the redesign of a special license plate series must be paid by the sponsoring organization.
[ 2010 c 161 s 608; 2003 c 196 s 303. Formerly RCW 46.16.765.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: Provisions in chapter 42.17 RCW relating to campaign disclosure and contribution were recodified in chapter 42.17A RCW by 2010 c 204, effective January 1, 2012. Chapter 42.17A RCW was recodified into Title 29B RCW by 2024 c 164, effective January 1, 2026.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.
Part headings not law—2003 c 196: See note following RCW 46.18.005.

catchline: Written agreement—Financial report.


title: RCW 46.18.130

text:
(1) Revenues generated from the sale of special license plates for those sponsoring organizations who used the application process in RCW 46.18.110 must be deposited into the motor vehicle fund created in RCW 46.68.070 until the department determines that the state's implementation costs have been fully reimbursed.
(2) When it is determined that the state has been fully reimbursed the department must notify the house of representatives and senate transportation committees, the sponsoring organization, and the state treasurer, and begin distributing the revenue as otherwise provided by law.
(3) If reimbursement does not occur within two years from the date the special license plate is first offered for sale to the public, the special license plate series must be placed in probationary status for a period of one year from that date. If the state is still not fully reimbursed for its implementation costs after the one-year probation, the special license plate series must be discontinued immediately. Special license plates issued before discontinuation are valid until replaced.
(4) The department shall:
(a) Provide the special license plate applicant with a written receipt for the payment; and
(b) Maintain a record of each special license plate applicant trust account deposit including, but not limited to, the name and address of each special license plate applicant whose funds are being deposited, the amount paid, and the date of the deposit.
(5) After the department receives written notice that the special license plate applicant's application has been approved by the legislature, the director shall request that the money be transferred to the motor vehicle fund created in RCW 46.68.070.
(6) After the department receives written notice that the special license plate applicant's application has been denied by the department or the legislature, the director shall provide a refund to the applicant within thirty days.
(7) After the department receives written notice that the special license plate applicant's application has been withdrawn by the special license plate applicant, the director shall provide a refund to the applicant within thirty days.
[ 2014 c 80 s 5; 2011 c 171 s 68. Prior: 2010 1st sp.s. c 7 s 96; 2010 c 161 s 607; 2004 c 222 s 4; 2003 c 196 s 302. Formerly RCW 46.16.755.]
Notes:
Application—2014 c 80: See note following RCW 46.16A.200.
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
Effective date—2010 1st sp.s. c 26; 2010 1st sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.03.027.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.
Part headings not law—2003 c 196: See note following RCW 46.18.005.

catchline: Disposition of revenues.


title: RCW 46.18.140

text:
(1) A special license plate series created by the legislature after January 1, 2011, that has not been reviewed and approved by the department is subject to the following requirements:
(a) The organization sponsoring the license plate series shall, within thirty days of enactment of the legislation creating the special license plate series, submit prepayment of all start-up costs associated with the creation and implementation of the special license plate in an amount determined by the department. The prepayment will be credited to the motor vehicle fund created in RCW 46.68.070. The creation and implementation of the special license plate series may not begin until payment is received by the department.
(b) If the sponsoring organization is not able to meet the prepayment requirements in (a) of this subsection and can demonstrate this fact to the satisfaction of the department, the revenues generated from the sale of the special license plates must be deposited in the motor vehicle fund created in RCW 46.68.070 until the department determines that the state's portion of the implementation costs have been fully reimbursed. When it has determined that the state has been fully reimbursed, the department must notify the treasurer to commence distribution of the revenue according to statutory provisions.
(c) The sponsoring organization must provide a proposed special license plate design to the department within thirty days of enactment of the legislation creating the special license plate series.
(2) The state must be reimbursed for its portion of the implementation costs within two years from the date the new special license plate series goes on sale to the public. If the reimbursement does not occur within the two-year time frame, the special license plate series must be placed in probationary status for a period of one year from that date. If the state is still not fully reimbursed for its implementation costs after the one-year probation, the special license plate series must be discontinued immediately. Those special license plates issued before discontinuation are valid until replaced.
(3) If the sponsoring organization ceases to exist or the purpose of the special license plate series ceases to exist, revenues generated from the sale of the special license plates must be deposited into the motor vehicle fund created in RCW 46.68.070.
(4) A sponsoring organization may not seek to redesign its special license plate series until the entire existing inventory is sold or purchased by the organization itself. All costs for the redesign of a special license plate series must be paid by the sponsoring organization.
[ 2014 c 80 s 6. Prior: 2010 1st sp.s. c 7 s 97; 2010 c 161 s 609; 2003 c 196 s 304. Formerly RCW 46.16.775.]
Notes:
Application—2014 c 80: See note following RCW 46.16A.200.
Effective date—2010 1st sp.s. c 26; 2010 1st sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.03.027.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.
Part headings not law—2003 c 196: See note following RCW 46.18.005.

catchline: Nonreviewed special license plates.


title: RCW 46.18.150

text:
The department shall offer special license plate design services to organizations that are sponsoring a new special license plate series and organizations seeking to redesign the appearance of an existing special license plate series that they sponsored. In providing this service, the department must work with the requesting organization in determining the specific qualities of the new special license plate design and must provide full design services to the organization. The department shall collect from the requesting organization a fee of two hundred dollars for providing special license plate design services. This fee includes one original special license plate design and up to five additional renditions of the original design. If the organization requests the department to provide further renditions, in addition to the five renditions provided for under the original fee, the department shall collect an additional fee of one hundred dollars per rendition. All revenue collected under this section must be deposited into the multimodal transportation account created in RCW 47.66.070.
[ 2010 c 161 s 610; 2005 c 210 s 6; 2003 c 361 s 502. Formerly RCW 46.16.690.]
Notes:
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.
Findings—2003 c 361: See note following RCW 82.38.030.
Effective dates—2003 c 361: See note following RCW 82.08.020.

catchline: Design services—Fees.


title: RCW 46.18.200

text:
(1) Special license plate series reviewed and approved by the department:
(a) May be issued in lieu of standard issue or personalized license plates for vehicles required to display one and two license plates unless otherwise specified;
(b) Must be issued under terms and conditions established by the department;
(c) Must not be issued for vehicles registered under chapter 46.87 RCW; and
(d) Must display a symbol or artwork approved by the department.
(2) The department approves and shall issue the following special license plates, subject to subsections (5) and (6) of this section:
LICENSE PLATE
DESCRIPTION, SYMBOL, OR ARTWORK
4-H
Displays the "4-H" logo.
Armed forces collection
Recognizes the contribution of veterans, active duty military personnel, reservists, and members of the national guard, and includes six separate designs, each containing a symbol representing a different branch of the armed forces to include army, navy, air force, marine corps, coast guard, and national guard.
Breast cancer awareness
Displays a pink ribbon symbolizing breast cancer awareness.
Donate life
Displays the donate life logo.
Endangered wildlife
Displays a symbol or artwork symbolizing endangered wildlife in Washington state.
Firefighter memorial
Displays a Maltese cross with the words "never forget."
Fred Hutch
Displays the Fred Hutch logo.
Gonzaga University alumni association
Recognizes the Gonzaga University alumni association.
Helping kids speak
Recognizes an organization that supports programs that provide no-cost speech pathology programs to children.
Historical throwback
Displays white lettering on a black background in a style similar to historical license plates issued in the early 20th century.
Keep kids safe
Recognizes efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Keep Washington evergreen
Recognizes Washington as the evergreen state and funds electric charging stations. Displays green lettering on a white background in a style similar to the license plates issued by the department in the 1970s, but includes the words evergreen state along the bottom of the plate.
Law enforcement memorial
Honors law enforcement officers in Washington killed in the line of duty.
LeMay-America's Car Museum
Displays the LeMay-America's car museum logo, name, or related image.
Mount St. Helens
Displays an image of Mount St. Helens.
Music matters
Displays the "Music Matters" logo.
Nautical Northwest
Displays a Northwest maritime scene.
Patches pal, or alternative name as designated by the department under RCW 46.04.383
Displays the likenesses of the J.P. Patches and Gertrude characters from the J.P. Patches show, or characters otherwise identified in accordance with RCW 46.04.383.
Professional firefighters and paramedics
Recognizes professional firefighters and paramedics who are members of the Washington state council of firefighters.
San Juan Islands
Displays a symbol or artwork recognizing the San Juan Islands.
Seattle Mariners
Displays the "Seattle Mariners" logo.
Seattle NHL hockey
Displays the logo of the Seattle NHL hockey team.
Seattle Reign FC
Displays the "Seattle Reign FC" logo.
Seattle Seahawks
Displays the "Seattle Seahawks" logo.
Seattle Sounders FC
Displays the "Seattle Sounders FC" logo.
Seattle Storm
Displays the "Seattle Storm" logo.
Seattle University
Recognizes Seattle University.
Share the road
Recognizes an organization that promotes bicycle safety and awareness education.
Ski & ride Washington
Recognizes the Washington snowsports industry.
Smokey Bear
Displays the name, image, and likeness of Smokey Bear and messages for wildfire prevention.
State flower
Recognizes the Washington state flower.
State sport
Recognizes the Washington state sport of pickleball.
United States Naval Academy
Displays a design related to the United States Naval Academy.
Volunteer firefighters
Recognizes volunteer firefighters.
Washington apples
Displays the Washington apple logo that recognizes the state's apple industry, the growers and shippers who produce and pack the world famous apples, and the tree fruit community.
Washington farmers and ranchers
Recognizes farmers and ranchers in Washington state.
Washington lighthouses
Recognizes an organization that supports selected Washington state lighthouses and provides environmental education programs.
Washington state aviation
Displays a Stearman biplane in the foreground with an image of Mount Rainier in the background.
Washington state honey bees and pollinators
Displays honey bees and pollinators.
Washington state parks
Recognizes Washington state parks as premier destinations of uncommon quality that preserve significant natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources.
Washington state wrestling
Promotes and supports college wrestling in the state of Washington.
Washington tennis
Builds awareness and year-round opportunities for tennis in Washington state. Displays a symbol or artwork recognizing tennis in Washington state.
Washington wine
Displays a landscape of Washington's wine regions.
Washington's fish collection
Recognizes Washington's fish.
Washington's national park fund
Builds awareness of Washington's national parks and supports priority park programs and projects in Washington's national parks, such as enhancing visitor experience, promoting volunteerism, engaging communities, and providing educational opportunities related to Washington's national parks.
Washington's wildlife collection
Recognizes Washington's wildlife.
We love our pets
Recognizes an organization that assists local member agencies of the federation of animal welfare and control agencies to promote and perform spay/neuter surgery on Washington state pets to reduce pet overpopulation.
Wild on Washington
Symbolizes wildlife viewing in Washington state.
Working forests
Displays an image embodying working forests.
(3) Applicants for initial and renewal professional firefighters and paramedics special license plates must show proof of eligibility by providing a certificate of current membership from the Washington state council of firefighters.
(4) Applicants for initial volunteer firefighters special license plates must (a) have been a volunteer firefighter for at least 10 years or be a volunteer firefighter for one or more years and (b) have documentation of service from the district of the appropriate fire service. If the volunteer firefighter leaves firefighting service before 10 years of service have been completed, the volunteer firefighter shall surrender the license plates to the department on the registration renewal date. If the volunteer firefighter stays in service for at least 10 years and then leaves, the license plate may be retained by the former volunteer firefighter and as long as the license plate is retained for use the person will continue to pay the future registration renewals. A qualifying volunteer firefighter may have no more than one set of license plates per vehicle, and a maximum of two sets per applicant, for their personal vehicles. If the volunteer firefighter is convicted of a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or a felony, the license plates must be surrendered upon conviction.
(5) The department shall not issue the Seattle NHL hockey special license plate until the department receives signature sheets satisfying the requirements identified in RCW 46.18.110(2)(f).
(6) Except for special license plates created under chapter 385, Laws of 2025 and as specified in this subsection, the department may not issue any new special license plates until January 1, 2029.
(a) Beginning November 1, 2025, the department must begin the phased issuance of any of the special license plates created under chapter 385, Laws of 2025 for which the department has received signature sheets that satisfy the requirements identified in RCW 46.18.110(2)(f) before March 1, 2025, the keep Washington evergreen special license plate, and the historical throwback special license plate.
(b) The department must then begin the phased issuance of any of the special license plates created under chapter 385, Laws of 2025 for which the department has received signature sheets after March 1, 2025, that satisfy the requirements identified in RCW 46.18.110(2)(f), with the order of implementation occurring based on the 3,500 signature submission date and the department's ability to implement additional special license plates.
[ 2025 c 385 s 5. Prior: 2022 c 239 s 2; 2022 c 117 s 2; prior: 2020 c 129 s 2; 2020 c 93 s 1; prior: 2019 c 384 s 1; 2019 c 177 s 1; 2018 c 67 s 5; prior: 2017 c 25 s 1; 2017 c 11 s 2; prior: 2016 c 36 s 1; 2016 c 30 s 1; 2016 c 16 s 1; 2016 c 15 s 1; prior: 2014 c 77 s 1; 2014 c 6 s 1; 2013 c 286 s 1; 2012 c 65 s 1; prior: 2011 c 229 s 1; 2011 c 225 s 1; 2011 c 171 s 69; 2010 c 161 s 611.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 385 ss 3-24: See note following RCW 44.04.300.
Short title—2025 c 385: See note following RCW 46.18.060.
Effective date—2022 c 239: See note following RCW 46.17.220.
Effective date—2022 c 117: See note following RCW 46.17.220.
Effective date—2020 c 129: See note following RCW 46.17.220.
Effective date—2020 c 93: "This act takes effect July 1, 2020." [ 2020 c 93 s 5.]
Effective date—2019 c 384: "This act takes effect October 1, 2019." [ 2019 c 384 s 4.]
Effective date—2019 c 177: "This act takes effect October 1, 2019." [ 2019 c 177 s 5.]
Effective date—2018 c 67 ss 3-8: See note following RCW 46.17.220.
Effective date—2017 c 25: "This act takes effect October 1, 2017." [ 2017 c 25 s 5.]
Finding—Intent—2017 c 11: "The legislature finds that the aviation industry and community airports are an integral part of Washington's economy. Washington state is home to public use airports serving an average of eighteen thousand five hundred pilots and over nine thousand aircraft annually. They support two hundred forty-eight thousand five hundred jobs and more than fifty billion dollars in economic activity. Aviators play a vital role in our state's response to emergencies and natural disasters. Therefore, the legislature intends with this act to create the Washington state aviation license plate to honor and support the aviation community." [ 2017 c 11 s 1.]
Effective date—2016 c 36: "This act takes effect January 1, 2017." [ 2016 c 36 s 6.]
Effective date—2016 c 30: "This act takes effect January 1, 2017." [ 2016 c 30 s 6.]
Effective date—2016 c 16: "This act takes effect January 1, 2017." [ 2016 c 16 s 6.]
Effective date—2016 c 15: "This act takes effect January 1, 2017." [ 2016 c 15 s 6.]
Effective date—2014 c 77: "This act takes effect January 1, 2015." [ 2014 c 77 s 7.]
Effective date—2014 c 6: "This act takes effect January 1, 2015." [ 2014 c 6 s 6.]
Effective date—2013 c 286: "This act takes effect January 1, 2014." [ 2013 c 286 s 8.]
Effective date—2012 c 65: "This act takes effect January 1, 2013." [ 2012 c 65 s 7.]
Effective date—2011 c 229: "This act takes effect January 1, 2012." [ 2011 c 229 s 6.]
Effective date—2011 c 225: "This act takes effect January 1, 2012." [ 2011 c 225 s 5.]
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Department-approved plate types.


title: RCW 46.18.205

text:
(1) A registered owner may apply to the department for special license plates showing the official amateur radio call letters assigned by the federal communications commission. The amateur radio operator must:
(a) Provide a copy of the current valid federal communications commission amateur radio license;
(b) Pay the amateur radio license plate fee required under RCW 46.17.220(2), in addition to any other fees and taxes due; and
(c) Be recorded as the registered owner of the vehicle on which the amateur radio license plates will be displayed.
(2) Amateur radio license plates must be issued only for motor vehicles owned by persons who have a valid official radio operator license issued by the federal communications commission.
(3) The department shall not issue or may refuse to issue amateur radio license plates that display the consecutive letters "WSP."
(4) A person who has been issued amateur radio operator license plates as provided in this section must:
(a) Notify the department within thirty days after the federal communications commission license assigned is canceled or expires, and return the amateur radio license plates; and
(b) Provide a copy of the renewed federal communications commission license to the department after it is renewed.
(5) Amateur radio license plates may be transferred from one motor vehicle to another motor vehicle owned by the amateur radio operator upon application to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director.
(6) Facilities of official amateur radio stations may be utilized to the fullest extent in the work of governmental agencies. The director shall furnish the state military department, the department of commerce, the Washington state patrol, and all county sheriffs a list of the names, addresses, and license plate or official amateur radio call letters of each person possessing the amateur radio license plates.
(7) Failure to return the amateur radio license plates as required under subsection (4) of this section is a traffic infraction.
[ 2025 c 58 s 2028; 2010 c 161 s 616.]
Notes:
Explanatory note—2025 c 58: See note following RCW 1.16.050.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Amateur radio license plates.


title: RCW 46.18.210

text:
(1) A registered owner may apply to the department for special armed forces license plates for vehicles representing the following:
(a) Air force;
(b) Army;
(c) Coast guard;
(d) Marine corps;
(e) National guard; or
(f) Navy.
(2) Armed forces license plates may be purchased by:
(a) Active duty military personnel;
(b) Families of veterans and service members;
(c) Members of the national guard;
(d) Reservists; or
(e) Veterans, as defined in RCW 41.04.007.
(3) A person who applies for special armed forces license plates shall provide:
(a) DD-214 or discharge papers if the applicant is a veteran;
(b) A military identification card or retired military identification card; or
(c) A declaration of fact attesting to the applicant's eligibility as required under this section.
(4) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Child" includes stepchild, adopted child, foster child, grandchild, or son or daughter-in-law.
(b) "Family" or "families" includes an individual's spouse, child, parent, sibling, aunt, uncle, or cousin.
(c) "Parent" includes stepparent, grandparent, or in-laws.
(d) "Sibling" includes brother, half brother, stepbrother, sister, half sister, stepsister, or brother or sister-in-law.
(5) Armed forces license plates are not free of charge to disabled veterans, former prisoners of war, or spouses or domestic partners of deceased former prisoners of war under RCW 46.18.235.
[ 2019 c 44 s 5; (2024 c 146 s 24 expired April 1, 2025); 2010 c 161 s 612.]
Notes:
Expiration date—2024 c 146 s 24: "Section 24 of this act expires April 1, 2025." [ 2024 c 146 s 39.]
Intent—2024 c 146: See note following RCW 73.04.005.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Armed forces license plates.


title: RCW 46.18.212

text:
(1) The department must make available, upon request by a purchaser of special armed forces license plates, at no additional cost, a decal indicating the purchaser's military status. The list of available decals must include, but is not limited to:
(a) Active duty;
(b) Disabled veteran;
(c) Reservist;
(d) Retiree;
(e) Veteran; or
(f) Other decals established in cooperation with the department of veterans affairs.
(2) Armed forces decals must be made available only for standard six-inch by twelve-inch license plates. The department may specify where the decal may be placed on the license plate.
(3) The department of veterans affairs must enter into an agreement with the department to reimburse the department for the costs associated with providing military status decals described in this section.
[ 2010 c 161 s 613.]
Notes:
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Armed forces decals.


title: RCW 46.18.220

text:
(1) A registered owner may apply to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director for a collector vehicle license plate for a motor vehicle or travel trailer that is at least 30 years old. The motor vehicle must be operated primarily as a collector vehicle and be in good running order. The applicant for the collector vehicle license plate shall:
(a) After January 15, 2026, provide proof of ownership and a valid registration certificate for a second vehicle that will be used for daily driving, commuting, or business purposes;
(b) After January 15, 2026, provide proof of a current vehicle liability insurance policy or collector vehicle insurance policy for the vehicle being registered, with liability limits of at least the amounts listed under RCW 46.29.090;
(c) Purchase a registration for the motor vehicle or travel trailer as required under chapters 46.16A and 46.17 RCW; and
(d) Pay the special license plate fee established under RCW 46.17.220(5), in addition to any other fees or taxes required by law.
(2) A person applying for a collector vehicle license plate may:
(a) Receive a collector vehicle license plate assigned by the department; or
(b) Provide an actual Washington state issued license plate designated for general use in the year of the vehicle's manufacture.
(3) Collector vehicle license plates:
(a) Are valid for the life of the motor vehicle or travel trailer;
(b) Are not required to be renewed; and
(c) Must be displayed on the rear of the motor vehicle or travel trailer.
(4) A collector vehicle registered under this section may only be used for participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, and occasional pleasure driving.
(5) Collector vehicle license plates under subsection (2)(b) of this section may be transferred from one vehicle to another vehicle described in subsection (1) of this section upon application to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director.
(6) A person driving a motor vehicle with a collector vehicle license plate must maintain collector vehicle insurance with respect to the vehicle and comply with all requirements of chapter 46.30 RCW.
(7) Any person who knowingly provides a false or facsimile license plate under subsection (2)(b) of this section is subject to a traffic infraction and fine in an amount equal to the monetary penalty for a violation of RCW 46.16A.200(7)(b). Additionally, the person must pay for the cost of a collector vehicle license plate as listed in RCW 46.17.220(5), unless already paid.
(8) A collector vehicle that is a motor vehicle may tow a trailer if the trailer is being used for participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, and parades.
(9) Any person who does not meet the requirements of subsections (1) through (8) of this section must surrender the current license plate or plates to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director. A person whose collector vehicle registration has been canceled may operate the vehicle once the applicable requirements of chapters 46.16A and 46.17 RCW have been satisfied.
(10) The department is authorized to make exceptions to the requirements under subsection (1)(a) of this section if the owner demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that the owner has alternative means for addressing the owner's regular transportation needs.
(11) The requirements of subsections (1)(b) and (6) of this section apply only when the collector vehicle is operated on a public highway pursuant to RCW 46.30.020.
(12) The department shall adopt rules to define collector vehicle insurance for the purposes of this section.
[ 2025 c 332 s 4; 2024 c 131 s 1; 2015 c 200 s 3. Prior: 2011 c 243 s 1; 2011 c 171 s 70; 2010 c 161 s 617.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 332: See note following RCW 46.18.255.
Effective date—2015 c 200: See note following RCW 46.16A.428.
Effective date—2011 c 243 s 1: "Section 1 of this act takes effect August 1, 2011." [ 2011 c 243 s 3.]
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Collector vehicle license plates.


title: RCW 46.18.2201

text:
The department must provide a method by which law enforcement officers may readily access vehicle information for collector vehicles by using the collector vehicle license plate number. In the event duplicate license plate numbers have been issued to more than one collector vehicle, the department must provide a method for law enforcement officers to identify the correct vehicle.
[ 2011 c 243 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 c 243 s 2: "Section 2 of this act takes effect January 1, 2012." [ 2011 c 243 s 4.]

catchline: Collector vehicle license plates—Vehicle information and identification.


title: RCW 46.18.225

text:
A state university, regional university, or state college as defined in RCW 28B.10.016 may apply to the department, in a form approved by the department and request the department to issue a series of collegiate license plates, for display on motor vehicles required to display one or two license plates, excluding vehicles registered under chapter 46.87 RCW, upon terms and conditions established by the department, depicting the name and mascot or symbol of the college or university, as submitted and approved for use by the requesting institution.
[ 2011 c 332 s 4; 2010 c 161 s 615; 1994 c 194 s 3. Formerly RCW 46.16.324.]
Notes:
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Collegiate license plates.