Moving to Washington: 30 Days for Your License and Plates, No Emissions Test, and a New-Resident Checklist

Moving to Washington comes with two hard deadlines from the Department of Licensing (DOL): a Washington driver license and Washington plates, both within 30 days [1][4]. The rest of the paperwork is easier. There’s no emissions test, and you can register to vote online or in person.

When you count as a resident

The 30-day clocks start when you become a resident. Washington law defines a resident as someone who shows an intent to live here on more than a temporary basis. Registering to vote here, getting certain state benefits, or claiming resident rates for a license or college tuition all count as evidence [3][5]. For vehicles, you’re presumed a resident if you meet two or more conditions, such as keeping a home here for personal use or using a Washington address for tax purposes [5].

Step 1: Your Washington driver license

You have 30 days after moving to get a Washington license, and you must surrender your out-of-state license [1][3].

• 18 or older with a valid license from another U.S. state: no tests, as long as your driving record is dated within the last 30 days [2].
• Expired out-of-state license: you’ll take the knowledge and drive tests [2].
• 16 or 17: there’s a separate process for teens with out-of-state licenses or permits [1].

Bring proof of identity, including your current license, and be ready to give your Social Security number and pay the fee [1]. You’ll leave with a 45-day temporary license, and your old card is hole-punched and returned. The permanent card comes by mail, usually within 7 to 10 days [1].

If you’ll fly or cross the border, ask about an enhanced driver license , which has extra requirements [1].

Step 2: Register your vehicle

You have 30 days after becoming a resident to register your vehicles, and you need your Washington driver license first [4][5]. Driver licensing and vehicle licensing are at separate offices, so plan on two stops [1][4].

• Bring your current title and write down the odometer reading [4].
• If a lender holds the title, call a vehicle licensing office for its fax number so the lender can fax a copy [4].
• Plates are handed over on the spot in person; by mail it can take up to 3 weeks [4].
• Fees vary, and not every office takes cards; call ahead [4].

Emissions: no test, but a Clean Car rule

Washington’s emission check program ended January 1, 2020. You don’t need an emissions test to register or renew [7].

Separately, Washington’s Clean Car Law requires most 2009 and newer passenger vehicles registered here to be certified to California emission standards [8]. For people moving in, the key exemption: a vehicle bought before you became a Washington resident is exempt, whatever its mileage [8]. The label under the hood (the VECI label) shows how your vehicle is certified [8].

Step 3: Register to vote

To register, you must be a U.S. citizen, a Washington resident and at least 18, and not disqualified by a court order or serving a sentence of total confinement for a felony [10].

• Online: through VoteWA, using a Washington driver license, permit or ID card, or the last four digits of your Social Security number [9].
• By mail: print, sign and send the form to your county elections office [9].
• In person: at any county elections office [9].

Online and mailed registrations must be received 8 days before an election. After that, you can still register in person until 8 p.m. on Election Day [9]. If you have a Washington enhanced driver license or enhanced ID, election officials register you or update your record automatically [9].

New-resident checklist

1. Order a driving record from your old state, dated within 30 days, before you visit DOL [2].
2. Get your Washington driver license within 30 days [1].
3. Register your vehicles at a vehicle licensing office within 30 days, with your title in hand [4].
4. Check your vehicle’s emission label if it’s a 2009 or newer model you bought after moving [8].
5. Register to vote, or update your address, at VoteWA [9].
6. Update your address with your bank, insurer and employer, and on any professional licenses.