What happens when your tabs expire and how to renew them
Your license tabs are the stickers on your vehicle's license plate that show your registration is current. In Washington State, tabs expire on the last day of the month printed on them — usually the month and year you registered or last renewed. When they expire, you are no longer legally allowed to drive the vehicle, and you can be stopped and cited by law enforcement.
Renewing your tabs means paying the registration fee to the Department of Licensing (DOL) and receiving new stickers to place over the old ones on your plate. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DOL office or an authorized subagent (often a local car dealer or licensing service). Most people renew online because it is the fastest option and you can do it from home.
Washington sends renewal notices by mail about a month before your tabs expire. The notice includes your renewal code, which you will need if you renew online. If you lose the notice, you can still renew — you just need your vehicle identification number (VIN) and driver's license number instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew your tabs online at dol.wa.gov, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at a DOL office or authorized subagent.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and you receive your new tabs by mail within one to two weeks.
- The cost of renewal depends on your vehicle type and weight; a standard passenger car costs less than a truck or SUV.
- If you renew before your current tabs expire, your new tabs are valid starting the day after the old ones expire, so you do not lose coverage.
- You must display the new tabs on your license plate within 30 days of receiving them, or you can be cited.
Renewing online through the Department of Licensing website
The fastest way to renew is through the DOL website at dol.wa.gov. Go to the vehicle registration section and select "Renew Vehicle Registration." You will need either your renewal code (from the notice mailed to you) or your VIN and driver's license number. The system will pull up your vehicle information and show you the renewal fee.
You pay online using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Once payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new tabs are printed and mailed to the address on file — usually within one to two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. You do not need to do anything else; just watch your mailbox and explore the new tabs to your plate when they arrive.
If your address has changed since your last registration, update it before you renew. You can do this on the same DOL website or by calling the DOL at 360-902-3900. If you do not update your address, the tabs will be mailed to your old address and you may not receive them in time.
Renewing by mail or at a DOL office
If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail in your renewal notice with a check or money order. Include the notice itself — do not send cash. Mail it to the address printed on the back of the notice. Processing by mail takes longer than online, usually two to three weeks or more depending on mail delivery time.
You can also renew in person at any DOL office. Bring your renewal notice and a payment method (cash, check, debit card, or credit card). Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Some DOL offices are busier than others; calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan your visit.
Authorized subagents — usually car dealers, title companies, or licensing service offices — can also renew your tabs in person. They charge a small service fee on top of the registration fee, but they are often more convenient if one is near you. Search for subagents near you on the DOL website.
Understanding registration fees and what affects the cost
The cost of renewing your tabs depends on your vehicle's type and weight. A standard passenger car costs less than a pickup truck or SUV. Washington also charges an additional fee based on your vehicle's value if it is newer. The DOL website will show you the exact fee before you pay if you renew online.
Some vehicles may have access to for reduced fees. If your vehicle is electric or a hybrid, you may pay less. If you own a vehicle registered as a commercial or for-hire vehicle, the fee is different. Disabled veterans may be exempt from paying registration fees entirely — if this applies to you, contact the DOL directly to learn what documents you need to provide.
The fee you pay covers your registration for one year from the expiration date of your current tabs. If you renew early — before your current tabs expire — your new tabs do not start until the day after the old ones expire. This means you do not lose any coverage or pay extra.
What to do if your tabs have already expired
If you realize your tabs have expired, stop driving the vehicle when ready. You can still renew, but you cannot legally operate the vehicle until the new tabs arrive and are displayed on your plate. Renew as soon as possible using any of the methods above — online is fastest.
If you are stopped by law enforcement while your tabs are expired, you can be cited. The fine varies but is typically $124 or more. Having proof that you have already renewed (a confirmation number from online renewal, or a receipt if you renewed in person) may help, but it does not may provide you will not be cited. The safest approach is to renew before expiration.
If your tabs expired more than a few months ago and you have not renewed, your vehicle registration may have been suspended. Contact the DOL before driving to confirm your status. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee.
Renewing if you have moved or changed your name
If you have moved since your last registration, update your address with the DOL before renewing your tabs. You can do this online at dol.wa.gov, by phone at 360-902-3900, or in person at a DOL office. Updating your address ensures your new tabs are mailed to the correct location.
If you have changed your name — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you will need to update your name with the DOL as well. This requires submitting a new process and supporting documents (such as a marriage certificate or court order). You cannot straightforward renew your tabs; you must update your registration first. Contact the DOL or visit an office to learn what documents you need.
If your vehicle's ownership has changed — for example, if you bought it from someone else — you cannot renew the previous owner's registration. You must register the vehicle in your name first. This is a separate process from tab renewal and requires a title transfer.
Keeping track of when your tabs expire
Your tabs expire on the last day of the month shown on the sticker. For example, if your tab says "06/25," it expires on June 30, 2025. Mark this date on your calendar or set a phone reminder for a month before expiration so you have time to renew before the important date.
The DOL mails renewal notices about 30 days before expiration, but mail can be delayed or lost. Do not rely only on receiving the notice. If you do not receive one, you can still renew online using your VIN and driver's license number, or call the DOL to confirm your expiration date.
Some people set up automatic renewal reminders through their phone's calendar or a note-taking app. Others keep their renewal notice in a visible place as a reminder. Whatever method works for you, the goal is to renew before the expiration date so you never drive with expired tabs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my tabs before they expire?
Yes. You can renew up to several months early. Your new tabs will not become valid until the day after your current tabs expire, so you do not lose any time or pay extra. Renewing early is a good way to avoid the rush if you know you will be busy closer to the expiration date.
How long does it take to receive my tabs after I renew online?
Usually one to two weeks, depending on mail delivery. During busy periods — such as right before the end of the month — processing may take longer. If you need your tabs urgently, renewing in person at a DOL office or subagent is faster because you receive them when ready.
What if I lose my renewal notice?
You do not need it to renew. You can renew online using your VIN and driver's license number, or call the DOL at 360-902-3900 to confirm your expiration date and renewal fee. You can also visit a DOL office or subagent in person.
Do I have to display my new tabs right away?
No. You must display them within 30 days of receiving them, but they do not become valid until the day after your old tabs expire. Place them on your license plate as soon as you receive them to avoid forgetting and being cited.
What happens if I drive with expired tabs?
You can be stopped and cited by law enforcement. The fine is typically $124 or more. If your registration has been suspended due to expired tabs, you may also face additional penalties. Renew as soon as you realize your tabs have expired.