Washington State Temporary License Plates
Washington issues temporary license plates and trip permits that allow vehicles to be operated legally before permanent registration is completed. Whether you purchased a vehicle from a dealership, bought a car from a private seller, or are waiting for specialty plates to arrive, Washington provides temporary registration options that allow you to drive legally while paperwork is being processed.
The state primarily uses two forms of temporary authorization: the 60-day temporary license plate and the 3-day vehicle trip permit. Although both allow a vehicle to be operated before permanent registration is finalized, they serve different purposes and have different eligibility requirements.
What Is a 60-Day Washington Temporary License Plate?
A 60-day temporary license plate is a temporary registration credential issued when permanent registration cannot be completed immediately or when permanent plates are not yet available. The plate serves as legal proof that the vehicle has begun the registration process and may be operated on public roads while registration is finalized.
Washington commonly issues temporary plates when:
- Registration documents are still being processed
- Title documentation is delayed
- Personalized plates have been ordered
- Specialty plates are being manufactured
- Additional ownership documentation is required
- Registration is pending approval by the Department of Licensing
The temporary plate is typically printed on durable cardboard material and displays identifying information such as the vehicle information, permit number, and expiration date. Unlike permanent plates, temporary plates are only intended to provide short-term operating authority until standard registration is completed.
How Washington Temporary Plates Changed in 2023
Washington significantly updated its temporary plate system beginning September 1, 2023. Prior to this change, many dealerships issued paper permits that were displayed inside the rear window of the vehicle.
Under the updated law, licensed vehicle dealers must issue physical cardboard temporary license plates that are mounted directly on the vehicle. The new system was designed to improve visibility for law enforcement officers, tolling agencies, traffic cameras, and parking enforcement systems.
The new temporary plates are generated through the Washington DOL e-permit system and include:
- Vehicle identification information
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Purchaser information
- Permit expiration date
- Registration tracking information
The change eliminated many of the visibility issues associated with paper permits that were difficult to read through tinted windows or poor weather conditions.
How Do You Get a Temporary Plate From a Washington Dealer?
Most buyers do not need to apply separately for a temporary plate when purchasing from a licensed Washington dealership. The dealership handles the process electronically through the Department of Licensing and provides temporary registration before the vehicle leaves the lot.
As part of the sale process, the dealer:
- Processes the registration paperwork
- Enters vehicle information into the DOL system
- Generates the temporary permit
- Prints the temporary plates
- Mounts the plates on the vehicle
Once issued, the temporary plates remain valid for 60 days. During that time, the dealer and DOL complete the title and registration process, and permanent plates are issued or mailed when available.
If permanent plates have not arrived before the expiration date, vehicle owners should contact the dealership immediately. Dealers can review registration status and determine whether additional action is required to complete processing.
How Do You Get a Temporary Plate After a Private-Party Purchase?
Private-party vehicle purchases follow a different process because private sellers cannot issue temporary plates.
After purchasing a vehicle from a private seller, buyers are responsible for completing the title transfer and registration process themselves. Depending on the circumstances, a buyer may need to visit a vehicle licensing office or obtain a trip permit before operating the vehicle on public roads.
Buyers should bring:
- The signed certificate of title
- A bill of sale showing the purchase price and date
- Proof of Washington auto insurance
- Government-issued identification
Registration fees, title fees, taxes, and other applicable charges are generally collected at the time registration is processed.
Because private sales do not involve a dealership acting as an intermediary, buyers should plan ahead to ensure they have legal authority to operate the vehicle immediately after purchase.
What Is a 3-Day Vehicle Trip Permit?
A Washington vehicle trip permit is a short-term permit that allows an unregistered vehicle to be driven legally for a limited period of time. Unlike the 60-day temporary plate, a trip permit is intended for specific transportation needs rather than ongoing use while registration is being processed.
Trip permits are frequently used when:
- Purchasing a vehicle from a private seller
- Moving a vehicle to a repair facility
- Transporting a vehicle to a licensing office
- Relocating an out-of-state vehicle
- Moving an unregistered vehicle between locations
The permit is valid for three consecutive days and costs $33.
Drivers can purchase a permit online through License Express or through participating licensing offices. Because the permit can be printed at home, many buyers obtain it before picking up a vehicle from a private seller.
How Do You Display a Temporary Plate in Washington?
Washington requires temporary registration credentials to be displayed properly so they can be clearly viewed by law enforcement and traffic enforcement systems.
For 60-day temporary cardboard plates:
- Mount the plate in the designated license plate location
- Ensure it remains visible at all times
- Keep it securely attached while driving
- Do not place it inside the vehicle window
For 3-day trip permits:
- Display the permit in the lower-left corner of the rear window
- Ensure it remains clearly visible from outside the vehicle
- Avoid covering any portion of the permit
Improperly displayed permits may be treated the same as failing to display registration.
What Happens if a Temporary Plate Expires?
Temporary plates and permits are only valid for the period shown on the credential. Once the expiration date passes, the vehicle no longer has valid temporary registration authority.
Driving with an expired temporary plate can result in:
- Traffic citations
- Registration violations
- Additional penalties
- Delays in completing registration
Vehicle owners should begin following up on registration issues well before the expiration date. If delays are caused by title processing, dealership paperwork, lender documentation, or other administrative issues, contacting the dealer or licensing office early may help prevent registration problems.
What Documents Are Required to Complete Registration?
Before the temporary authorization expires, owners must complete the permanent registration process.
Documents commonly required include:
- Vehicle title
- Odometer disclosure statement for qualifying vehicles
- Proof of insurance
- Government-issued identification
- Payment of remaining taxes and fees
Once registration is finalized, permanent Washington license plates and registration credentials are issued. Depending on the situation, permanent plates may be provided immediately or mailed to the registered owner.
Washington Temporary Plate Resources
Drivers can obtain official information about temporary plates, vehicle trip permits, title transfers, and registration requirements through the Washington Department of Licensing. License Express also allows eligible drivers to purchase trip permits, access registration services, and review vehicle information online.
washingtonlicenseplate.com is a privately owned website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by any state or government agency. For official information, visit dol.wa.gov.