How to buy a personal license plate in Washington

If you're looking for a way to add some personality to your car, a personalized license plate might be worth considering. Personalized license plates allow you to choose a more interesting and meaningful license plate design than the standard Washington license plate, as well as a personalized license plate message that you can use to convey a mood, advertise a business, or recognize a loved one.

A personalized license plate is a fun and unique way to add flair and personality to your vehicle. A custom license plate is easy to customize and doesn't cost a lot of money, so it can be the perfect addition to your vehicle.

Part 1 of 3: Choose Your Personal License Plates

Step 1: Go to the Licensing Department. Visit the Washington State Department of Licensing website.

Step 2: Go to the license plate page. Visit the license plate page at the Licensing Department.

Click on the button labeled "Get WA License Plates".

Step 3: Go to the special numbers page. Visit the Special Numbers page by clicking on the button labeled "Special Numbers".

Step 4. Go to the personalized numbers page.. Visit the personalized plates page by clicking on the button labeled "Personalized Plates".

Step 5: Choose a Plate Design. Choose from a special Washington state license plate design.

On the Customized License Plates page, click the "Custom Background Design" button to view all available license plate designs.

Choose your favorite license plate design from the list of available options. It's a good idea to think about which license plate you like best, as you'll have the design for a long time to come.

• FunctionsA: If you don't want a custom license plate design, you can get a custom license plate on standard Washington state license plates.

Step 6: Select a license plate message. Select a license plate message and see if it's available.

On the Personalized Plates page, click the Search for Personalized Plates link.

Enter the license plate message you want to receive in the personalized license plate search box to see if the license plate is available.

If the tablet is not available, keep trying new messages until you find one available. If your first license plate message is not available, try other message options.

• Functions: Washington DC has very specific license plate regulations and restrictions. Before trying to find an available message, you can review the rules by clicking the "Alphanumeric Combinations Allowed" button on the personalized numbers page.

• A warning: Any messages about license plates that could be construed as vulgar or offensive will be rejected when applying for a license plate.

Part 2 of 3. Apply for personal license plates

Step 1: download the app. Download the application form for a personal license plate.

On the Custom License Plates page, click the button that says "Custom Background, Custom App, or HAM Operator License Plate App." Print out the application.

• FunctionsA: To save time, you can fill out the application on your computer and then print it out.

Step 2: Fill out an application for a plate. Fill out the plate application form with all the required information.

At the top of the form, you will need to provide personal information such as your address and phone number, as well as some information about your vehicle, such as a vehicle identification number.

In the middle of the form, you will find an area with available license plate designs. Check the box next to the design you chose earlier.

At the bottom of the form you will find a field for writing your personal message. If you haven't checked if your license plate message of choice is available, use all three message areas so you have fallback messages in case your first or second option isn't available.

Under the license plate message, describe the meaning of the message so that the Licensing Department knows what your license plate means.

• A warningA: Your vehicle must be registered in the state of Washington for your application to be accepted.

Step 3: Make a payment. Attach payment to the application.

License plate and vehicle fees can be found on the personalized license plate page or by calling your local vehicle licensing office.

• FunctionsA: You can only pay for a personalized license plate by check or money order. Payment must be made to the Department of Revenue.

Step 4: Submit your application by mail. Submit an application for a personalized license plate to the Licensing Department by mail.

The application form and payment must be sent to:

Licensing Department

PO Box 9909

Olympia, WA 98507-8500

Part 3 of 3. Set up your personal license plates

Step 1: Install New Plates. Install new personalized license plates on your car.

In about eight weeks, your new license plates will arrive in the mail. Install them immediately on both the front and rear of your car.

After a year, you will have to renew your individual plates.

• FunctionsA: If you are not comfortable installing new personalized license plates, a mechanic can help you.

• A warning: Don't forget to stick the current registration stickers on the new license plates.

With your personalized license plates, your car is now unique. You will surely enjoy having something in your car that no one else has.