Driver’s License

A Washington state drivers license should be obtained within 30 days of establishing residence. New residents must take a written test before receiving a Washington State drivers license. You may waive the driving test if you present a valid driver’s license from another state.

The fee is $7.00 plus a license fee of $14.00 for four years.

Vehicle Registration

Washington state vehicle plates must be on your car within 30 days of becoming a resident.The state requires an auto inspection for out-of-state vehicles, obtained from the Washington State Patrol.

Call the 24 hour auto-license information line at 206-296-4000 for details.

Voter Registration

Voter Information Hotline: 1-800-448-4881
King County Voter Registration and Absentee Ballots: 206-296-1560.

You may sign up to vote at any time, but you must be registered at least 30 days in advance of an election if you wish to vote at a polling place on election day. You may also register between 30 and 15 days before an election, but you must do so in person at a location designated by the county elections officer (usually the County Courthouse), and you will be required to vote by absentee ballot.

Pets

Animal Control Center: 206-386-4254
Human Society: 425-641-0080

Tax Information

Seattle Sales Tax: 8.6%

State DMV Web Sites

Most state motor vehicle departments have their own web sites. They can be excellent information tools for everything from smog emissions information to vehicle registration forms. Just use the pulldown menu below to jump to the DMV site for your chosen state.