(1)How do I obtain replacement plate(s)
for my current Washington plate (s) ? You obtain replacement plate(s) by
applying to a Washington vehicle licensing office in person or by
mail.
(2)
When do I need to
replace my plate(s)? You need to replace your plate(s) if:
(a)Your plate(s) are lost, destroyed, or
mutilated. For an additional fee, you may replace them with the same number and
letter combination as long as the plate meets a current approved license plate
configuration and background; or
(b) Your plate(s) are stolen. You may not
request the same number and letter combination (see the note at the end of this
section); or
(c)The primary use of
your vehicle has changed requiring new plate(s) designated for the new use of
the vehicle. Example: A passenger car used to transport commodities,
merchandise, produce, freight or animals for commercial purposes may be
licensed as a commercial use truck; or
(d) You took ownership of a vehicle, unless
you met one of the exemptions in
RCW
46.16A.200, or the vehicle is registered as a
title purpose only or has one of the following nonstandard plates on it at the
time of transfer:
(i) Horseless carriage
plates;
(ii) Collector vehicle
plates; or
(iii) Restored
plates.
(3)Who can apply for replacement
plate(s)?
One of the registered owners or the owner's authorized
representative may apply for replacement plate(s).
(4)
What documentation do I need to
apply for replacement plate(s)?
(a)If
your plate(s) are lost, stolen (see note at end of this section), destroyed, or
mutilated, you need to submit an affidavit of loss or letter of request
describing the vehicle by Washington license plate or vehicle identification
number. The affidavit of loss or letter of request must be signed by at least
one of the registered owners. The registered owner's signature must be either
notarized by a notary public or certified by an authorized employee of a
Washington vehicle licensing office. A replacement plate fee will be charged.
For an additional fee, the same number and letter combination may be requested
as long as the plate meets a current approved license plate configuration and
background.
(b)If the primary use
of your vehicle has changed requiring new plate(s) designated for the new use
of the vehicle, the department will replace the plate(s) without the affidavit
of loss or letter of request. A new plate fee will be charged.
(5)
What if the department
issued incorrect plate(s) for my vehicle?
When incorrect plate(s) have been issued due to departmental
error, the department will replace the plate(s) without the affidavit of loss
or letter of request. No replacement plate fee will be charged in this
case.
(6)
If I replace
special license plate(s) on a currently registered vehicle, will I receive the
same license plate number and letter combination? Yes, for an additional
fee, if you are replacing license plates on a currently registered vehicle,
your license plates will be replaced with the same number and letter
combination as shown on the vehicle computer record as long as the plate meets
a current approved license plate configuration and background.