Types of Washington State License Plates

Washington issues license plates through the Department of Licensing (DOL) in numerous categories. Each type has its own design, eligibility rules, fee structure, and application process. Here is a complete overview.

What Is the Standard Washington License Plate?

The standard Washington plate is issued to all private passenger vehicles that do not qualify for or select a specialized plate. The current design features Mount Rainier on a blue sky background with the state name across the top. The plate uses the ABC1234 format (three letters, four digits).

Standard plates are renewed annually with your vehicle registration. The registration tab sticker must be placed in the lower-left corner of the rear plate.

What Are Personalized (Vanity) Plates in Washington?

A personalized plate lets you choose a custom combination of up to 7 characters, letters, numbers, and one space, instead of a randomly assigned sequence. Personalized plates are available on the standard design and on most specialty plate designs.

The initial fee is $52 and the annual renewal fee is also $52 (effective November 1, 2025 per RCW 46.17.210, updated by 2025 Legislature). These fees are in addition to your standard registration fees.

What Are Washington Specialty Plates?

Specialty plates replace the standard Mount Rainier design with an alternative associated with a university, military branch, cause, or organization. Washington offers over 100 specialty designs. A portion of each specialty plate fee goes to the affiliated fund.

Who Qualifies for a Disabled Person Plate?

Washington issues special license plates and parking placards for individuals with qualifying permanent or temporary disabilities. The plates display the International Symbol of Access and provide parking privileges in accessible spaces.

Applications require certification from a licensed healthcare provider stating the nature and expected duration of the disability. Temporary placards are issued for short-term disabilities. Both plates and placards are applied for at a vehicle licensing office.

What Military Plates Are Available in Washington?

Washington honors military service with dedicated plates for active members, veterans, and qualifying family. Some categories, including Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, Prisoner of War, and Gold Star Family, are issued at no specialty plate fee. Others are issued at the standard specialty plate fee.

Documentation of military service or status is required. Applications are made at a vehicle licensing office.

Do Motorcycles Need a Separate License Plate?

Yes. Motorcycles require their own separate registration and license plate. Motorcycle plates are smaller than standard passenger vehicle plates (6 inches by 4 inches). Only a rear plate is required for motorcycles. Personalized and specialty designs are available for motorcycle plates. The initial plate fee for motorcycles is $20.

What Are Dealer and Government Plates?

Licensed vehicle dealers use dealer plates for moving vehicles between locations and for customer test drives. These are managed through the DOL e-permit system and are not available to the general public.

State, county, and municipal government vehicles are issued government plates that identify them as public agency vehicles. Some vehicles and organizations may qualify for exempt status under Washington law.

What Are Collector Vehicle Plates?

Vehicles 40 years old or older that are used primarily for exhibitions, parades, and club activities may qualify for collector vehicle (horseless carriage) registration. As of January 15, 2026, applicants must meet new eligibility standards. Collector plates carry a different fee structure and restrict how the vehicle may be used.

NOTE: The full catalog of available specialty and personalized plate designs is at dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/platechoices.html. Fees are subject to change by the Washington Legislature.

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