REGISTRATION TAB RENEWAL

You can renew your registration tabs either by coming to our office in person, or renewing online. (Note: if you have parking tickets or Good to Go tickets, you will be unable to renew your tabs until those have been paid. 


Don’t want to wait in line to renew your registration tabs?


Do it online through the link below and pick up the same-day at Eastside Auto Licensing, or select the option to have mailed and we’ll get it in the mail to you same/next day!

Once you renew your tabs online, they will be ready within an hour (usually sooner!)


If you choose to pick up your tabs, we welcome you to use our Drive-Thru for the fastest, easiest service! 


Drive-Thru Hours:

M - F: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Sat: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Sun: Closed

 

 








Renew your registration tabs online at www.dol.wa.gov


Click on Renew Your Tabs, and then click Start Renewal. Follow the onscreen directions, clicking “continue” when each screen has been completed. All information you enter is used solely at the WA State Department of Licensing to renew your registration. When prompted, be sure to select Eastside Auto Licensing to process your transaction.


Eastside Auto Licensing will be happy to mail your completed registration tabs to you, or have them ready at our office for you to pick up. When you click the “I’m done” button on the final screen, they are available immediately.



Registration Renewal Notices



The registration tabs for your vehicle expire on the date listed on your registration. For instance, if the Registration Expiration Date is 03/15/2024, your vehicle’s registration tab expires at the end of the day on March 15, 2024.


The police department knows the exact day your tab expires when they scan your license plate. You can be ticketed for having an expired tab the day after your Registration Expiration Date. It is a common misconception that registration tabs are current until the end of the month. Check the date on your registration! To be sure you receive your renewal notices, sign up for “Get renewal reminders by email” at the official WA ST DOL website: www.dol.wa.gov.


The information you provide to subscribe to email registration notices at the DOL website is used solely for the purpose of identifying you as the registered owner of the vehicle.

 

Get renewal reminders

 

Do you want to get renewal reminders? You can renew up to 6 months before your tabs expire.

 

·         By email. Signup, update, or remove your email reminders.

·         By mail. Please keep your address updated to receive them.

Use your License eXpress account to see what addresses DOL has on file for each vehicle.


Renew your tabs

 

Your tab renewal options:

·         Renew with your License eXpress account (What is License eXpress?)

·         Go to a vehicle licensing office to renew your registration tabs in person.

·         By mail (If you received the DOL renewal letter via US Mail).

 

 

What might I need to do before or when I renew?

 

·         If you’ve recently moved, make sure you update your address. Use your License eXpress account to see what addresses DOL has on file.

·         See other possible requirements.

 

Donations and other options when you renew:

 

You’ll have the option to donate to:

 

     Or Purchase:

 

How long does it take to get my tabs?



·         By mail, within 5 business days. If you don’t get them within:

  • 15 days, contact the office you ordered them from.
  • 15 – 90 days, you may be able to get replacement tabs. See Replace lost or damaged tabs.

·         If you’re picking them up, they should be ready when you get to the office. You’ll need to show photo ID.

 

Can someone else pick up my tabs for me? 



Yes, but as the registered owner of the vehicle/vessel, it is your responsibility to make sure that person brings proof you have given them permission. Eastside Auto Licensing, as do all sub-agencies for DOL, does send this permission information to DOL. The person picking up your tabs must have the same last name as you, or have the same address on their Driver's License as you, or providen written authorization from you (dated and signed) via letter or email. A check for payment must have the registered owner’s preprinted name on the check, and signed by the registered owner.  

 

Are you part of the military or uniformed services?

 

If you’re stationed outside of Washington when your tabs expire, you may be able to get a new expiration date.

If your current tabs expired less than 12 months ago, we’ll give you a new full year registration period. Apply for a new registration period through a vehicle license office.

 

·         By mail — Send all items below to an office of your choice:

  • Your tab renewal notice,
  • Copy of your military orders, and
  • Check/money order payable to the Department of Licensing.

 

·         In person — Bring a copy of your military orders with you so we can verify your deployment dates, along with any form of accepted payment.

 

Renewal fees

If your vehicle tabs or boat decals expire within 6 months, get a cost estimate:

  • Use your License eXpress account to see a fee estimate.
  • Contact the Washington State Department of Licensing customer service at (360) 902-3770 

  

First registrations and titles


If you are registering for the first time in Washington State; buying a vehicle, boat, trailer; or need information about title fees, please email Eastside Auto Licensing for fees inquiry breakdown to [email protected].

 

Current vehicle fees and laws


To see a current list of vehicle fees and some vehicle related laws, go to:

 

 

Regional Transit Authority (RTA) tax

If you live in urban areas of King, Pierce or Snohomish counties, you may be required to pay Regional Transit Authority (RTA) tax. This tax is collected on behalf of Sound Transit to pay for their local transit-related projects.


Find out if you’re required to pay and get an estimate of how much: 
Estimate your Regional Transit Authority excise tax

When is the RTA tax collected?

  • When you renew your tabs.
  • When you purchase a new or used vehicle and register it in your name.


How is the RTA tax calculated?

The RTA tax is an excise tax of 1.1% on the MSRP depreciation of your vehicle. For the purposes of this tax, your vehicle’s value is set by the state legislature and isn’t based on the fair market value.

 

More information on the RTA can be found here from Sound Transit.