Washington · Checked Sep 2026

Washington DMV fees

Washington DOL sets license and vehicle fees. Vehicle fees are paid online, by mail or at county auditor and subagent offices. A 2025 law raised several vehicle fees for registrations due from January 1, 2026; where a DOL page still shows the old amount, we show the current law and say so.

Driver license and ID

First license (standard)6 or 8 years: $50 application, $10 a year, $1 technology fee. Driving tests are paid to the testing location: $111 or $131
Renewal (standard)6 or 8 years. $10 more if expired over 60 days: $61 or $81
Enhanced license (EDL), firstWashington's REAL ID; renewal $103 or $137. Upgrade: $7 a year left on your license: $153 or $187
Learner permit1 year, renewable twice: $35
Replacement or updated cardAddress changes themselves are free: $20
Knowledge and drive testsSet by each driver training school or testing location: Varies

Tabs (yearly registration)

License, filing and service fees$30 license fee, $6 filing, $11 service and $1 in small fees since January 1, 2026. DOL's page still shows the old $43.25 total: $48
Weight fee, car up to 4,000 lb$65 up to 6,000 lb, $82.50 up to 8,000 lb (raised January 1, 2026): $35
Electric vehicle fees30+ mile range: $100 + $50 EV fees and a $75 transportation electrification fee. Other hybrids $75: $225 a year
Sound Transit (RTA) excise taxOf the car's depreciated value, only inside the Sound Transit district (parts of King, Pierce and Snohomish counties): 1.1%
Local transportation feeIn some cities and counties: $15 to $50
Replacement tabs: $18.50

Buying or selling

Title transfer$15 title fee, $6.50 filing, $18 service. $40 title fee on dealer sales from October 1, 2026: $39.50
Quick Title (same day)Not for out-of-state, rebuilt or salvage vehicles: $89.50
Late title transfer$50 on day 16, then $2 a day: Up to $125
Report of Sale (seller)Within 5 business days of the sale: $18
Use tax on a private saleOn fair market value. The 0.5% motor vehicle tax was 0.3% until January 1, 2026: 6.5% + local + 0.5%
Trip permit3 days, bought at a vehicle licensing office: $36
Plate transfer to your next car: $10
Out-of-state title checkStolen-vehicle check on cars titled elsewhere. DOL's page still shows $50; $25 was added July 1, 2026: $75

Inspections

Emissions testWashington's program ended January 1, 2020: None

A typical gas car up to 4,000 lb outside the Sound Transit and local-fee areas pays about $83 a year: $48 in license, filing and service fees plus the $35 weight fee. Our arithmetic from the statutes; DOL's online estimator gives your exact amount.
Cards: online payments add 3%; offices add $2.25 or 3%. Paying online from a checking account is free.

Source:Washington DOL: driver licensing fees(opens official site)

Source:Washington DOL: vehicle tab fees(opens official site)

Source:Washington DOR: motor vehicle sales and use tax(opens official site)

Source:Washington Ecology: emission checks ended(opens official site)