Moving from MI to WA, when do I need to get new plates for our vehicles? (Spokane: lease, buy)

[mrslovettstailor]

My husband and I are moving to Port Angeles in the beginning of June. My birthday is in January and his in March and we both have just had to purchase new tags for our vehicles, will we be able to keep our present Michigan plates until we need to renew them? Or is there a time limit from the time we move there? Our lease starts June 1st but we will not be there till until June 9th.

[sean98125]

WA State Licensing: Moving? Get WA plates

You have 30 days after you move to get Washington plates.

[mrslovettstailor]

Damn that sucks. DMV wouldn't let us buy tags for anything under a year, we even tried to get 6 months tags and they said no way. That was a huge waste of money

[AlohaHuey]

Note it is an EXPENSIVE ticket if you do not comply. You also probably will need an emissions test.

It'll be around 100 bucks for new plates. Cheaper than the ticket you would receive and you won't have to worry...besides, the WA plates are rather nice.

[mrslovettstailor]

DO you know if you have to pay for the emissions test? And if there is a place to look up what vehicles meet the standards? I will of course bite the bullet and get the proper plates and stuff just sucks DMV had to be so uncooperative, darn people.

[mrslovettstailor]

I just tried looking up info. on the emissions standards and all I could find is it was talking about cars made after 2009? What about cars before that? I have a 1999 and my husband has a classic.

[scirocco22]

Unless they've changed something recently, I don't believe you'll need to have your vehicles emission tested at all if living in Port Angeles. It is for the more densely populated areas ...parts or most of King, Pierce, Snohomish, Clark, and Spokane counties.




ETA: I believe some states allow a refund on the unused portion of the registration under certain circumstances if moving and registering the vehicle in another state so you may want to check with the Michigan DMV to see if you qualify.

[Dendrite]

Originally Posted by scirocco22

Unless they've changed something recently, I don't believe you'll need to have your vehicles emission tested at all if living in Port Angeles.

Correct. Clallam Co. does not require an emission test. The only Co.'s in WA that require testing are: Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish and Spokane.

In order to change your plates at the PA DMV/Clallam Co. Auditors Office, you will have to bring the car titles and for some types of vehicles (pick up trucks, etc.) you also have to bring proof of weight (GVW). Olympic Scales on Tumwater Rd. in PA is a convenient place to get your GVW done (if applicable).

[mrslovettstailor]

Thanks all That would be great if I don't have to have the test done, not sure if my Caravan would pass or not. I appreciate all the info!

[xcalgal]

I live in Kitsap county and bought a 1996 car and did not have to do an emissions test.