Frequently Asked Questions

Washington State Armed Forces License Plates

Since January 3, 2006, the Washington Department of Licensing has issued license plates to eligible veterans/military/family member** with six separate designs, each containing a symbol representing a different branch of the armed forces to include Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and WA National Guard. Purchasers also receive a decal indicating their military status, to include:

• Veteran
• Retired
• Active Duty
• Reserves
• Disabled Veteran
• Army Guard
• Air Guard
• Army Retired (for Army National Guard Retirees)
• Air Retired (for Air National Guard Retirees)
• Fallen Hero (This decal would be available for an eligible family member of a military member killed in action)
• Family
• Gold Star

The special license plates may be used in place of regular or personalized license plates for motor vehicles, including motorcycles, required to display one and two motor vehicle license plates.

The original cost to purchase an Armed Forces plate(s) is $40.00 plus any applicable licensing fees.  When the vehicle registration becomes due, you will need to pay an additional $30.00 to keep the Armed Forces plate(s) on your vehicle, even if you have not had the plate(s) for a full year.  $28 from the purchase and renewal of each plate will be directed to the Veterans Stewardship Account and is tax deductible.

The Veterans Stewardship Account will be used for activities that benefit veterans, such as maintaining the future state veteran’s cemetery in eastern Washington and providing programs and services for homeless veterans.

**You are eligible to purchase a plate at any
Vehicle Licensing Office if you:

• Served at any time in the U.S.Military
• Are currently on active duty
• Served in the Guard or Reserves
• Currently in the Guard or Reserves
• Are a Family Member of those listed above.(News Release)
  Effective June 12, 2008 Family members of those who have served are eligible to purchase the Armed Forces License Plates at any Vehicle licensing Office.