Where to renew your tabs and what you need
You can renew your Washington vehicle tabs online through the Department of Licensing website, by mail, or in person at a licensing office. The online option is fastest — you can complete it in minutes and print your temporary tabs when ready. Mail takes about two weeks from the time the department receives your payment. In-person renewal at a licensing office is when ready but requires a trip during business hours.
You will need your vehicle's current registration number and the renewal notice the state mailed to you. If you have lost the notice, you can still renew online or by phone by providing your vehicle identification number (VIN) and driver's license number. Washington does not require a vehicle inspection to renew tabs, so you do not need to visit a mechanic or testing facility.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Department of Licensing website takes minutes and lets you print temporary tabs the same day.
- You can renew by mail or phone if you prefer not to go online, though mail takes about two weeks.
- Washington does not require a vehicle inspection to renew tabs, only proof of current insurance.
- Renewing before your tabs expire keeps you from getting a traffic stop or citation for expired registration.
- The renewal fee varies by vehicle weight and type; the department's website shows your exact cost before you pay.
Renewing online through the Department of Licensing
Go to dol.wa.gov and select the vehicle registration renewal option. Enter your vehicle's current registration number and the last four digits of your VIN, or use your driver's license number if you have lost your renewal notice. The system will pull up your vehicle record and show you the renewal fee based on your vehicle's weight and type.
You will be asked to confirm your current insurance information. Washington requires proof of liability insurance to renew tabs. If your insurance has lapsed or changed, update it before you renew, or the system will flag the registration. Once you pay by credit card or debit card, you can print a temporary registration document when ready. Your permanent tabs will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
Renewing by mail or phone
If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can send it back with a check or money order to the address printed on the form. Include your current insurance information if the form asks for it. Mail your payment at least three weeks before your tabs expire to avoid a gap in valid registration.
You can also renew by phone by calling the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900. Have your registration number, VIN, driver's license number, and insurance information ready. Phone renewal takes about ten minutes, and you will receive a confirmation number. You can then pay online using that number, or mail a check to the address the representative provides.
What happens if your tabs expire
Driving with expired tabs is a traffic violation in Washington. A police officer can stop you for expired registration, and you can receive a citation with a fine. The fine amount varies but typically starts at $124 for a first offense. More importantly, an expired registration can complicate insurance claims if you are in an accident, because your policy may not cover damage if your vehicle was not legally registered at the time.
If your tabs have already expired, you can still renew them online or by mail. The renewal process is the same, and you do not need to pay a penalty fee to the state. However, you should not drive the vehicle until your new tabs are valid. If you need to drive before your renewal is processed, print the temporary registration document from the online system and keep it in your vehicle.
Renewal fees and what affects the cost
Washington charges a base registration fee plus a weight-based fee. The weight fee depends on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which is listed on your vehicle's door jamb or in your owner's manual. A passenger car typically costs between $30 and $50 to renew, while a truck or SUV may cost more depending on weight. The Department of Licensing website shows your exact renewal cost before you pay, so you will know the amount before committing.
Some vehicles may have access to for reduced fees. Electric vehicles registered in Washington pay a lower registration fee than gas-powered vehicles of the same weight. Vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVWR pay a higher weight fee. If you have recently moved to Washington or purchased a vehicle out of state, your first registration in Washington is a new registration, not a renewal, and the fee structure is different.
Keeping your insurance current during renewal
Washington requires active liability insurance to renew your tabs. The Department of Licensing checks your insurance status electronically through the state's insurance verification system. If your insurance has lapsed or you switched insurers, update your policy before you renew your registration, or the renewal will be delayed.
If you are between insurance policies, contact your new insurer to confirm your coverage is active before you attempt to renew. Some insurers have a lag between when you purchase a policy and when it appears in the state system. If the online renewal is rejected due to insurance, call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to confirm what the system shows, and your insurer can contact the state directly to update your information.
Renewing a vehicle with a lien or loan
If your vehicle has a lien holder (a bank or finance company that holds the title), you can still renew your tabs. The lien holder does not have to sign off on the renewal. You renew the registration in your name, and the lien holder's interest is noted on the title, not the registration. Renew online or by mail using the same process as any other vehicle.
If you are paying off a loan and the lien holder has released their interest, make sure the title has been updated before you renew. If the title still shows the lien holder, the registration system may flag it. Contact your lender to request a release of lien document, then submit it to the Department of Licensing before you renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my tabs before they expire?
Yes. You can renew up to six months before your current tabs expire. Renewing early is useful if you want to avoid the rush near the expiration date or if you prefer to handle it during a less busy time. Your new tabs will be valid starting on the expiration date of your current tabs, so you will not have overlapping registration periods.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You do not need the physical notice to renew. Go to dol.wa.gov and use your vehicle's registration number and VIN, or your driver's license number. The system will pull up your vehicle record and let you proceed with renewal. If you have trouble accessing your record online, call 360-902-3900 and a representative can help you renew by phone.
How long does it take to receive new tabs in the mail?
Physical tabs typically arrive within one to two weeks of payment if you renew online or by mail. If you renew in person at a licensing office, you receive your tabs when ready. If you renew online, you can print a temporary registration document right away and use that while you wait for the permanent tabs to arrive.
Do I need to renew my tabs if I sell my vehicle?
No. When you sell your vehicle, the registration transfers to the new owner. You do not renew tabs for a vehicle you no longer own. The new owner will need to register the vehicle in their name. If you purchase a different vehicle, you will register that vehicle separately.
What if my vehicle is registered in another state but I now live in Washington?
You must register your vehicle in Washington within 30 days of establishing residency. This is a new registration, not a renewal, and you will need to visit a licensing office or mail in an process. You cannot renew an out-of-state registration through Washington's system. Contact the Department of Licensing for the specific documents you need to register an out-of-state vehicle in Washington.