Other Washington Vehicle Registrations

Washington's vehicle licensing system covers more than just passenger cars and light trucks. The same DOL that handles a standard passenger vehicle also covers trailers of every weight class, motorcycles, RVs and motor homes, off-road vehicles, antique vehicles, collector vehicles, and a handful of specialty categories. Each has its own application track, fee structure, and rules.

Trailers

Every trailer driven on Washington roads must be titled and registered, regardless of weight. The state issues two main trailer plate types:

• Permanent trailer plate: for trailers up to 2,000 lbs scale weight that are not used commercially. One-time fee of $36; no annual renewal.
• Annual trailer plate: for heavier trailers and any trailer used commercially. Fee scales with weight, ranging from $30 for small trailers to $200+ for the heaviest classes.
• Boat trailers: registered the same as utility trailers; the boat itself is registered separately.

Travel trailers, fifth wheels, and pop-up campers register as RVs (see below) rather than utility trailers.

Motorcycles

Washington motorcyclists need a motorcycle endorsement on their driver license. New riders earn the endorsement by passing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic RiderCourse (which the DOL accepts in lieu of the road skills test) or by passing both the motorcycle knowledge test and skills test at a DOL-approved testing site. Annual registration is $30 plus weight fees, with motorcycle plates issued on a permanent basis (no replacement at every renewal). Washington does not require an annual safety inspection for motorcycles.

Recreational vehicles

Self-propelled motor homes are registered as motor homes and pay registration fees scaled to gross weight, beginning around $30 plus weight for a Class B and rising to several hundred dollars for Class A diesel pushers. Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups) register as travel trailers in the appropriate weight class. RVs registered inside the Sound Transit district pay the same 0.3% MVET surcharge as passenger vehicles.

Antique vehicle license

A vehicle 30 years or older from the model year may register with an antique vehicle license. Washington antique plates carry a one-time fee of $35 and last as long as the owner holds the vehicle — no annual renewal required. Antique-plated vehicles can be driven only:

• To and from car shows, parades, and exhibitions.
• To and from a service appointment.
• For occasional pleasure driving on the same day as one of the above purposes.

Antique-plated vehicles cannot be used for routine commuting or daily transportation.

Collector vehicle plates

Washington also offers a collector vehicle license plate for vehicles 30+ years old that the owner wants to drive more often than the antique-plate rules allow. Collector plates carry a $35 base fee plus normal weight-based registration. The vehicle is restricted from regular commuting but can be driven for pleasure, club events, and occasional errands without the antique plate's stricter limits.

Off-road vehicles

Washington off-road vehicles (ATVs, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, side-by-sides) are registered with one of two permit types:

• Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) tab — required for use on state-managed off-road trails. Fee: $18 per year.
• Wheeled All-Terrain Vehicle (WATV) plate — required for ATVs operated on certain authorized public roads in counties that have opted in. Annual fee: $12.

Snowmobiles register separately under a $50 annual fee. Off-road vehicles are not allowed on state highways or interstate freeways.

Personalized and specialty plates

Washington offers hundreds of specialty plates: military service, university affiliations, environmental designs (orca, salmon, mountain), Seattle Seahawks and Mariners, and charitable causes. Most carry an additional annual fee of $30-$40, with a portion routed to the related cause. Personalized plates (custom letters and numbers) add $58 originally and $30 per year to the base registration. The DOL's online plate designer lets registrants check availability before paying.

For the underlying titling process every category of vehicle uses, see Washington title transfer; for renewal cycles, see registration renewal.