WSR 25-22-091
PERMANENT RULES
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING
[Filed November 4, 2025, 11:28 a.m., effective December 5, 2025]
Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.
Purpose: These rule-making changes implement contingency extensions for the expiration dates of department-issued temporary license plates, in cases of license plate shortages. This rule making is required to implement ESSB 5801, passed during the 2025 legislative session.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 308-56A-140 Department temporary license plate.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 46.01.110 Rule-making authority, and 46.16A.305 Temporary license plates—Application form and contents—Display and duration—Application fee—Department may adopt rules.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 25-18-106 on September 3, 2025.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: November 4, 2025.
Ellis Starrett
Rules and Policy Manager
RDS-6638.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 23-15-119, filed 7/19/23, effective 8/19/23)
WAC 308-56A-140Department temporary license plate.
(1) What is a department temporary license plate?((A))
(a) The department temporary license plate is a system-generated license plate printed on durable paper material which may be issued in lieu of a registration certificate and license plates when:
(((a)))(i) The vehicle is not currently licensed in Washington; ((and
(b)))(ii) Appropriate vehicle documentation to title and license the vehicle is not immediately available but is likely to be available within 60 days; ((and
(c) The vehicle was purchased from someone other than a licensed Washington dealer or is scheduled for inspection by the Washington state patrol; and))(iii) License plates are not immediately available to include, but not be limited to, the issuance of personalized and specialty plates; or
(iv) Other reasons as determined by the department.
(((d)))(b) For the purposes of this section, a vehicle may be considered unlicensed if the current license expires within 60 days of application for the department temporary license plate, or the vehicle's license plates are missing or unreadable.
(2) How long is a department temporary license plate valid? The department temporary license plate is valid for no longer than 60 days from the date of application or as defined in section 7.
(3) ((Where do I apply for and obtain a department temporary license plate? You may apply for a department temporary license plate at any Washington vehicle licensing office.
(4)))Is there an additional fee((What fees are due)) when applying for a department temporary license plate?((All applicable taxes, title, license fees and inspection fees are due when the department temporary license plate is issued. Any fees for permanent license plates are due when the department temporary license plate is cleared))No, there is no additional fee. Titling and licensing fees and taxes are due upon the issuance or the clearing of the department temporary license plate based on the transaction (i.e., titling versus personalized plate issuance).
(((5)))(4)How do I display the temporary license plate? You must display the temporary license plate the same as described for a permanent license plate in RCW 46.16A.200 (5)(a), in the same location or locations where permanent license plates are displayed for vehicles. The temporary license plate must be secured ((so as)) to remain stable and readable during movement or in windy conditions.
(((6)))(5)If my vehicle is eligible for monthly gross weight, how many months of gross weight must I purchase with a department temporary license plate? If your vehicle is eligible for monthly gross weight, you ((must))may purchase ((a minimum of two months')) gross weight ((license to correspond with))up to the duration of the department temporary license plate. You may receive credit as described in WAC 308-96A-220(7) for gross weight license already purchased.
(((7) How do I clear the department temporary license plate and obtain a registration certificate and license plates for my vehicle? You may obtain a registration certificate and license plates for your vehicle at any vehicle licensing office by submitting:
(a) An application for certificate of ownership; and
(b) An odometer disclosure statement, if applicable; and
(c) License plate fees; and
(d) Other applicable documentation, fees, and taxes.
(8) What fees are due when clearing a department temporary license plate? In addition to other fees as prescribed by law, the title application fee and license plate fees are due when the department temporary license plate is cleared.
(9)))(6)How do I obtain a replacement department temporary license plate? You may obtain a replacement department temporary license plate by contacting any vehicle licensing office. You must provide the vehicle identification number or the department temporary license plate number. The replacement department temporary license plate will retain the same expiration date as the original.
(((10)))(7) When will the department temporary plate be issued for more than 60 days?
(a) In emergent situations as determined by the department, such as plate shortages, the department will issue temporary license plates with an expiration date contingent upon when the situation is anticipated to be resolved.
(b) The department will conduct a customer awareness campaign and communicate with law enforcement agencies when such a determination has been made and when the emergent situation is resolved.
(8)May another department temporary license plate be issued after the expiration of the first? Yes, when necessary, another department temporary license plate may be issued on a case-by-case basis upon departmental approval.
((An extension of a department temporary license plate cannot be granted for vehicles described in subsection (6) of this section when no more than two months' gross weight was purchased. Additional gross weight cannot be issued until the department temporary license plate is cleared.))