Washington State lets you renew your vehicle tabs online through the Department of Licensing website, without visiting an office or mailing anything in

You can renew your registration tabs online at dol.wa.gov using the vehicle registration renewal system. The process takes about 10 minutes, you pay by credit or debit card, and your new tabs arrive by mail within two weeks. You do not need an appointment, and you can renew at any time during the 60 days before your current tabs expire.

The online system works for most passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and light trucks registered in Washington. If your vehicle has a lien, a salvage title, or you are renewing for the first time after buying it, you may need to visit a licensing office or mail in your renewal instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to dol.wa.gov and use the vehicle registration renewal system to renew online with your current registration number and vehicle identification number.
  • You can renew starting 60 days before your tabs expire, and you pay the full renewal fee by credit or debit card at the time of renewal.
  • Your new tabs arrive by mail within two weeks; you can continue driving legally on your old tabs until the new ones arrive.
  • If your vehicle has a lien, a salvage title, or you have not yet registered it in Washington, the online system will not process your renewal and you will need to visit a licensing office instead.

What you need before you start the online renewal

Have your current vehicle registration card in front of you. You will need the registration number (a six-digit number printed on the card) and your vehicle identification number, or VIN. The VIN is on your registration card, your insurance card, and on the vehicle itself—usually on the dashboard at the base of the windshield on the driver's side, or on the driver's side door jamb.

You will also need a valid payment method: a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. Washington does not accept debit cards for online renewal, only credit cards. If you do not have a credit card, you can renew by mail or at a licensing office.

Make sure your mailing address on file with the Department of Licensing is correct. Your new tabs will be mailed to that address. If you have moved recently and have not updated your address, contact the Department of Licensing before you renew online, or your tabs will arrive at your old address.

Step-by-step: completing your renewal online

Go to dol.wa.gov and look for the vehicle registration renewal link on the homepage. Click it to enter the renewal system. Enter your registration number and VIN when prompted. The system will pull up your vehicle information and current registration details.

Review the information on screen to make sure it is correct: your vehicle type, your name, and your mailing address. If anything is wrong, stop and contact the Department of Licensing by phone at 360-902-3900 before continuing. Do not proceed with renewal if your address or vehicle information is incorrect.

Once you confirm the information is right, the system will calculate your renewal fee. This includes the registration fee, any local vehicle taxes, and a small online processing fee. The total amount will appear on screen before you enter your payment information. Review it and then enter your credit card details to complete the transaction.

After payment is processed, you will see a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. You will also receive a confirmation email. Keep both for your records. Your new tabs will be mailed to your address within two weeks.

When the online system will not work for your vehicle

If your vehicle has a lien—meaning a bank or lender holds the title—the online system will reject your renewal. You will need to visit a Department of Licensing office in person or mail in your renewal paperwork. The same applies if your vehicle has a salvage title, a reconstructed title, or a branded title of any kind.

If you are renewing for the first time after purchasing the vehicle and you have not yet received your first registration card from Washington, you cannot use the online system. You must visit a licensing office or mail in your process with your bill of sale and proof of ownership.

Commercial vehicles, vehicles registered under a business name rather than your personal name, and vehicles with special plates (such as disabled person plates or veteran plates) may also require in-person renewal. The online system will tell you if your vehicle does not may have access to; it will not process your renewal and will direct you to other options.

What happens after you renew online

Your new tabs will arrive by mail within two weeks of your online renewal. You can continue driving legally on your old tabs until the new ones arrive. There is no gap in your registration—the new tabs are valid starting on the date your old tabs expire.

When your new tabs arrive, remove the old ones from your license plate and stick the new ones in the same location. The tabs should be placed in the upper right corner of your rear license plate. Make sure they are fully adhered and visible from the road.

Keep your new registration card in your vehicle. You are required by law to have it with you when you drive. If you are stopped by police, you must show your registration card along with your driver's license and proof of insurance.

If your tabs do not arrive or you need to renew before they come

If two weeks have passed and your tabs have not arrived, contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900. Have your confirmation number from your online renewal ready. They can check the status of your mailed tabs and resend them if needed.

If your current tabs expire before your new ones arrive and you need to drive, you can print a temporary registration document from the Department of Licensing website. Go to dol.wa.gov, find the temporary registration option, and enter your registration number and VIN. Print the document and keep it in your vehicle until your new tabs arrive. This temporary document is valid for 30 days.

If you lose your new tabs after they arrive, or if they are damaged or unreadable, you can order replacement tabs through the Department of Licensing website or by visiting a licensing office. There is a small fee for replacements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs if my registration has already expired?

Yes. You can renew online even if your tabs are expired, as long as your vehicle is still registered in Washington and you have not received a notice that your registration was cancelled. However, driving with expired tabs is illegal. Renew as soon as you realize your tabs have expired.

Do I need to pass an emissions test before I renew online?

It depends on your vehicle's age and type. Vehicles in the Seattle-Tacoma-Olympia area and some other regions must pass an emissions test before renewal. The Department of Licensing website will tell you during the renewal process whether your vehicle needs one. If it does, you must get the test done and submit the results before you can complete your online renewal.

What if I move out of Washington after I renew online?

Contact the Department of Licensing to cancel your Washington registration. If your new tabs have already been mailed, you can refuse delivery or discard them. You will need to register your vehicle in your new state within the timeframe required by that state's motor vehicle department.

Can I renew someone else's vehicle tabs online?

No. Only the registered owner or a person with power of attorney can renew a vehicle's registration. If you are not the registered owner, the registered owner must complete the online renewal themselves or authorize you in writing to handle it on their behalf.

What if my credit card is declined during the online renewal?

The transaction will not complete and you will not be charged. Check with your credit card company to make sure the card is active and has available credit. Then try again. If the card is declined a second time, use a different credit card or renew by mail or at a licensing office instead.