Tab Renewal Requirements
Vehicle registrations must be renewed annually to remain current and allow the owner to drive the vehicle on the public roadways in Washington State (including Pacific Ocean beaches).
There is no grace period on vehicle registrations or gross weight licenses, however, if the final day of a registration year falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, there is an extension through the end of the next business day.
If the vehicle has been expired for a full year OR ownership changes with expired tabs, the new registration will be for a full year from the time of purchase.
Who May Renew
Vehicle owners need to renew the registrations for their own vehicles. In order to protect the owner of record, the license agent needs to verify the identity of the renewal customer before processing the applications.
Renewal by non-owner must provide proof of relationship in the form of:
- Same last name and/or address;
- Both applicant's name and owner's name on check;
- Marriage or birth certificate; or
- Notarized/certified statement of fact by the applicant.
Anyone other than a family member must provide:
- written authorization from the owner; and
- have a check from the owner or pay in cash.
Possession of a renewal notice and a check from the register owner will require no further written authorization to renew the registration.
You may renew your tabs online and pay with a MasterCard, Visa, or American Express credit or debit card, click on the license plate below.
Reference Link:
Washington State Department of Licensing