Heads Up, Washington Drivers: Your Vehicle Registration Notice is Changing
The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) is modernizing its renewal process, and for many drivers, that means the traditional vehicle registration letter is a thing of the past. Starting in August 2025, Washington residents will no longer receive a full-sized paper renewal notice in the mail unless there are specific issues with their account.
The shift is part of the DOL's effort to streamline processes, reduce costs, and offer more convenient digital options for vehicle owners. Instead of a letter, drivers can expect to receive their renewal reminders in one of two ways:
A Postcard: If you haven't opted in for email notifications or have not conducted a recent transaction online, you will receive a small postcard. This postcard will contain the essential information you need to renew, including your vehicle details and the fee amount. You can use this postcard to renew in person or by mail with a check.
An Email Notification: For drivers who have an email address on file with the DOL, the default notification will now be a paperless email. This email will come from
noreply@notifications.dol.wa.govand will include a link or scannable QR code that takes you directly to the online renewal portal. This method offers instant delivery and a quick path to renewing your tabs.
The DOL emphasizes that the new system is designed to provide the same crucial information in a more efficient format. Full-sized letters will only be sent in cases where there is a safety recall on the vehicle or a traffic violation that needs to be resolved before the registration can be renewed.
What This Means for You
This change places a greater responsibility on drivers to be aware of their registration expiration date. While a postcard or email will serve as a reminder, it's a good practice to know your expiration date and keep your contact information up-to-date with the DOL to ensure you receive your notice.
To ensure you are prepared for the new process, the DOL recommends the following steps:
Sign Up for Email Reminders: The easiest way to receive your renewal notice is by signing up for email reminders through your "My Account/License eXpress" account on the DOL website. You can also sign up for email reminders without logging in.
Keep Your Information Current: Regularly check and update your address and email on file with the DOL. This will ensure your notices are sent to the correct location.
Know Your Expiration Date: Your tabs expire on the date printed on your current registration and license plate. There is no grace period.
While the new system is designed to be more efficient, you can still renew your tabs in person at a vehicle licensing office. However, with the new email and postcard system, the DOL hopes to encourage more people to take advantage of the convenient online renewal process.