Maybe that changed.
November 22, 2005 - For Immediate Release
DOL announces new vehicle registration fees and requirement
OLYMPIA—Vehicle owners in Washington will notice changes on their next tab renewal notice. New laws created this year will affect the fee total for most vehicles and vehicle owners are now required to provide driver license information.
Several fees were created or increased by the state Legislature this year as part of a plan to fund 274 critical transportation projects over the next 16 years. These projects, located across the state, will improve highway safety and freight mobility. They also will reduce traffic congestion.
These will affect vehicles that are newly registered or are due for renewal on or after Jan. 1, 2006.
A new weight-based fee will be due for most motor vehicles subject to the state's basic $30 license tab fee. This new fee, collected in addition to the $30 basic licensing fee and all other taxes and fees due, will be charged as follows:
$10 for vehicles that weigh 4,000 pounds or less
$20 for vehicles that weigh between 4,001 and 6,000 pounds
$30 for vehicles that weigh between 6,001 and 8,000 pounds
$75 for motor homes regardless of actual weight
The gross weight (tonnage) fees paid by the owners of trucks and commercial vehicles in the 4,000-, 6,000- and 8,000-pound weight categories will increase by $10 to $30. The prior fee for vehicles in these weight categories was $30.
The fee for vehicles with a declared gross weight of 4,000 pounds will now be $40.
The fee for vehicles with a declared gross weight of 6,000 pounds will now be $50.
The fee for vehicles with a declared gross weight of 8,000 pounds will now be $60.
Comprehensive information about the 2005 transportation funding plan, including a breakdown of projects by county, is available at the Washington State Department of Transportation web site:
www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/Funding/2005/.
The Legislature also lowered the fees for many small trailers and increased replacement license plates fees.
The license fee for private-use, single-axle trailers with a scale weight of 2,000 pounds or less will be reduced from $30 to $15. The fee to replace a license plate has increased to $12 per plate, which includes a $2 reflectorization fee. Previously, the plate replacement fee was $3. 50 per plate.
Vehicle owners are now required to present an unexpired Washington state driver license for each registered owner when they register a vehicle for the first time or renew their license tabs.
This new law is intended to reduce sales tax evasion by ensuring individuals who have a car registered in Washington don't have a driver license issued by another state. An out-of-state driver license can be used to claim an exemption from state sales tax on purchases.
There is space provided on the renewal notice for vehicle owners to write in the Washington driver license number and expiration date for each registered owner. Vehicle owners who visit vehicle licensing offices should be prepared to show their Washington driver license during the visit.
There are exemptions for those who are not required by law to have a driver license or do not drive on public roads. Individuals who present a valid and compelling reason for not presenting their license also may have the requirement waived.
DOL is now providing vehicle owners with the ability to get a complete breakdown of the vehicle taxes and fees included in their fee total over the Internet. This new function is available at
www.dol.wa.gov.
SNOKING