I recently bought my first car used from a dealership and just got the front and back license plates in the mail, but only got the new tabs on one of the license plates, the other doesn't have any.

The registration states that the back plate needs to have tabs, but doesn't say anything about the front plate.

Do I need to get separate tabs for the front plate, or is it normal to only have tabs on the back in Washington? I want to make sure I'm not violating any bylaws, and couldn't find anything on the WA driver licensing website or via several Google searches to confirm either way.

Comments

69rxn t1_j45g0gd wrote on January 13, 2023 at 7:56 AM

#1,348,519

You only need the tab on the back plate. Still need to mount the front plate to the vehicle though.

katcomesback t1_j45g0qy wrote on January 13, 2023 at 7:56 AM

#1,348,520

just the back, when you get your tabs, they just give you one sticker

Polymita OP t1_j45g3yl wrote on January 13, 2023 at 7:57 AM

#1,348,528

Replying to 69rxn (#1,348,519)

Thank you! Yep, I just mounted them earlier this evening.

Polymita OP t1_j45g58h wrote on January 13, 2023 at 7:57 AM

#1,348,531

Replying to katcomesback (#1,348,520)

Got it, thanks!

steven-daniels t1_j45gfw5 wrote on January 13, 2023 at 8:01 AM

#1,348,550

You do not need tabs on the front plate.

lurkerfromstoneage t1_j45j680 wrote on January 13, 2023 at 8:36 AM

#1,348,657

Replying to katcomesback (#1,348,520)

Month+ year = 2…. 2 stickers. For the first one… then just the year after that upon renewal.

Why are people only displaying a single year sticker? To evade renewals….? Or 2 different years next to each other….. so stupid.

katcomesback t1_j45j9hn wrote on January 13, 2023 at 8:37 AM

#1,348,660

Replying to lurkerfromstoneage (#1,348,657)

I’ve only had cars a few years but always had it combined in one

lurkerfromstoneage t1_j45jbuq wrote on January 13, 2023 at 8:38 AM

#1,348,663

Replying to Polymita (#1,348,531)

The month always stays the same. The year sticker will be the only one to come at renewal. You need to renew before the end of your month sticker. And you can easily do this online. Mine came in like 3 days very quick! Other offices may vary in time it takes to process. Obviously both need to be displayed (on the back plate yep) and it’s clearly defined which goes where… yet people still don’t do it right, by choice or just plain dumb.

lurkerfromstoneage t1_j45jp42 wrote on January 13, 2023 at 8:43 AM

#1,348,677

Replying to katcomesback (#1,348,660)

Like just a regular personal vehicle? They always come with 2 when you first get new plates. Then you only get year. Everyone should have a month. There’s no “combination.”

katcomesback t1_j45jryi wrote on January 13, 2023 at 8:44 AM

#1,348,679

Replying to lurkerfromstoneage (#1,348,677)

oh i have the original month, I guess i never changed it so i never thought of it so it all is on the back

Mochachocolate62 t1_j45opu1 wrote on January 13, 2023 at 9:51 AM

#1,348,865

Plates on both ends, tab on the back plate.

LeftHandLuke01 t1_j46s2g4 wrote on January 13, 2023 at 3:47 PM

#1,351,068

I just ran into this yesterday while putting my new WA plates on my car. Plate with the tabs goes on the back, plate w/o goes on the front. Getting your license and registering your car are waaay easier here than in Idaho. Cheers