WA License Plate Fees Increase July 1

OLYMPIA, WA — Washington drivers will pay more for new license plates and certain other services next month as the state Department of Licensing raises fees to help pay for the Move Ahead Washington transportation package approved by lawmakers earlier this year.

One of the biggest changes arriving on July 1 will be higher costs to receive new license plates issued after initial vehicle registrations, which will jump from $10 to $50. Replacement plates will see a slightly smaller increase, going from $10 to $30. For motorcycle owners, the fees will increase to $20 and $12 respectively.

Drivers will also pay more for temporary permits from car dealers, which will jump from $15 to $40, and the cap for dealers' administrative costs will rise from $150 to $200. Vehicle owners registering a vehicle in Washington that was previously registered in another state will also pay $50 for a stolen vehicle check, up from $15. That fee will increase again in 2026 to $75.

What's Changing In July

License Plate Fees

Original plates are those issued upon initial registration in Washington. Fees are per plate.

• Original plate: Increases from $10 to $50.
• Replacement plate: Increases from $10 to $30.
• Original motorcycle plate: Increases from $4 to $20.
• Replacement motorcycle plate: Increases from $4 to $12.

Dealer Temporary Permit

These are provided by auto dealers to buyers for use until permanent plates are received.

• Increases from $15 to $40.

Dealer Documentation Fee

This is an optional, negotiable fee charged by dealers for administrative costs. The amount below is the highest allowed.

• Increases from $150 to $200.

Stolen Vehicle Check

Affects vehicles previously registered in another state and registering for the first time in Washington. The vehicle is checked against national and state databases for any titling or other issues.

• Increases from $15 to $50 (then to $75 starting July 1, 2026)

Department of Licensing officials said the price changes were part of the Legislature's revenue requirements to help pay for the nearly $17 billion transportation package that will fund highway infrastructure projects, public transit and safety improvements over the next 16 years.

Lawmakers approved the ambitious plan in March, paid for through a mixture of sources, including $2 billion from the state's general budget. The package was funded without raising Washington's gas taxes, which rank among the nation's highest, and lawmakers abandoned a controversial plan to levy an export tax on fuel sold to neighboring states.