WAC 308-96A-021
Replacement plates -- Requirements. (1)
How do I obtain replacement plate(s) for my current Washington
plate(s)?
You obtain replacement plate(s) by applying:
(a) Either in person; or
(b) By mail, to a Washington vehicle licensing office; or
(c) On-line through the department of licensing web page
in conjunction with your registration renewal and seven-year
replacement requirement.
(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/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/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) Your vehicle license plates have reached the
replacement cycle date established by this section by
authority in RCW 46.16.233. For an additional fee, you may
request the same number/letter combination as long as the
plate meets a current approved license plate configuration and
background.
(3) Who can apply for replacement plate(s)?
One of the registered owners must 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/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) What is the replacement cycle date for my license
plate? The replacement cycle date for your license plate is
seven years from the date the license plate(s) were issued.
Notification will be included on the renewal notice when it is
necessary to replace the license plates for a vehicle.
(7) When I am required to replace special license
plate(s) on a currently registered vehicle, will I receive the
same license plate number/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/letter combination as shown on
the vehicle computer record as long as the plate meets a
current approved license plate configuration and background.
(8) What license plates are required to be replaced?
Vehicles that have license plates seven years or older that
include:
(a) Standard issue;
(b) Collegiate;
(c) HAM/MARS;
(d) Personalized;
(e) Ride share;
(f) Disabled person;
(g) Disabled veterans;
(h) Pearl Harbor survivors;
(i) Purple heart;
(j) Stadium;
(k) Square dancer;
(l) Honorary Consular;
(m) Former prisoner of war;
(n) Commercial plates issued to vehicles with a declared
gross weight 26,000 pounds or under;
(o) Special plate series created after January 1, 2003.
(9) What license plates are exempt from the replacement
requirements?
(a) Prorated vehicles over 16,000 pounds licensed under
chapter 46.87 RCW;
(b) Commercial vehicles with declared gross weight over
26,000 pounds under RCW 46.16.233;
(c) Collector vehicle, horseless carriage vehicle and
restored plates;
(d) Plates issued to government agencies with exempt use
class; and
(e) Medal of Honor license plates.
Note:
If the license plate has been reported as stolen or if the department record indicates the vehicle has been stolen, the
same number/letter combination will not be issued.