In Washington State, driving without plates is a surefire way to get pulled over. But what if you just bought a car from a neighbor, or you need to move a vehicle with expired tabs to the shop?
You cannot just “write a note” and stick it in the window. You need official authorization.
There are two main types of temporary plates in Washington:
- Dealer Temporary Plate: Issued when you buy from a dealership (Valid for 60 Days).
- Vehicle Trip Permit: Purchased by you for private sales or moving cars (Valid for 3 Days).
This guide explains how to buy a printable $33.00 Trip Permit online and why you generally cannot get a “30-day” permit as an individual.
Dealer Purchases: 60-Day Washington Temporary Paper Plates (No Action Required)
If you buy from a licensed Washington dealer, the process is hands-off.
- What You Get: A cardboard temporary license plate.
- Validity: 60 Days.
- Action Required: None. The dealer prints it and places it on your car. They handle the title transfer and metal plate ordering.
- Expiration: If your metal plates do not arrive within 60 days, contact the dealer. Do not drive on an expired paper tag.
Private Sales: 3-Day Washington Trip Permit ($33, Max 3 Permits in 30 Days)
If you buy a car on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, the seller typically removes their license plates (though in WA, plates can transfer if the seller agrees). If the car has no plates, or the tabs are expired, you cannot legally drive it home without a permit.
The Solution: The 3-Day Trip Permit
- Cost: $33.00.
- Validity: 3 Consecutive Days.
- Usage: Allows you to drive an unlicensed vehicle legally (e.g., driving it home, to a mechanic, or to the DOL).
How to Buy It:
- Online: Log in to License eXpress (if you have an account).
- In-Person: Visit any Vehicle Licensing Office (VLO).
- Tip: Check our guide on Washington DOL appointments to find the difference between Driver and Vehicle offices.
- Display: You must PRINT the permit and tape it to the inside of the rear window (driver’s side).
Limit: You can only purchase 3 Trip Permits for a single vehicle within a 30-day period. You cannot use this as a permanent solution.
Non-Residents Leaving Washington: Trip Permit vs Dealer Transit Options
If you are a non-resident buying a car in Washington to take home, you have two options:
- Trip Permit ($33): Good for 3 days. Best if you are driving straight to the border (e.g., to Oregon or Idaho).
- Non-Resident Temp Plate: Some dealers can issue a specific transit permit, but often the 3-day permit is the easiest workaround.
Note: Before you leave, make sure you have the signed title. If you are moving to Washington, read our checklist for how to do an out-of-state title transfer in Washington to avoid tax surprises when you arrive.
Washington 60-Day Department Temporary Plates (Hardship/Documentation Cases)
There is a rare case where an individual can get a 60-Day Temporary Plate (similar to a dealer tag).
- Who Qualifies? You must prove that you cannot get permanent plates yet due to documentation issues (e.g., waiting for a lien release or a lost title).
- Where to Apply: You must go to a Vehicle Licensing Office in person.
- Requirement: You must prove you are actively trying to fix the title issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. This is a common myth. The limit is “3 permits in 30 days,” but each permit is only good for 3 days. If you need to drive for a month, you must register the vehicle.
No. Washington law requires the permit to be displayed in the window. If you buy it online, you must have access to a printer.
You could, but it costs $33. It’s cheaper to just update your address. Check our guide on how to change your address in Washington to ensure your next renewal notice actually reaches you.
Conclusion
If you bought from a dealer, you have 60 days to relax. If you bought from a private seller, spend the $33.00 for a 3-Day Trip Permit. It is much cheaper than the ticket for driving with expired tabs. And remember: you can buy and print it from home using License eXpress.
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