STATE VEHICLE REGISTRATION
If a military member claims their home of record in Washington State, his/her vehicle must be titled and licensed in Washington State. A person claiming home of record outside Washington may license and insure the vehicle in their home state or in Washington. It is advised that you compare prices when dealing with licensing and insurance. Vehicles arriving in the United States from a foreign port or place must be cleared through U.S. Customs.
If you currently have your vehicle registered and insured in another state, you may use that until it expires. Once it does, you must either register your vehicle in Washington State or your home of record. Spouses who have vehicles registered in their name must register their vehicles in Washington State.
Vehicles coming into Washington from a foreign jurisdiction (state or country) must be inspected by the Washington State Patrol. The inspection fee of $15.00 will be collected with the registration fees at time of licensing.
If titling in Washington, the current title and registration for the vehicle is required. If a lien holder holds the title, licensing may be achieved with current registration or a photocopy of the current title.
VEHICLE EMISSIONS CHECK: The emissions test is part of Washington's Motor Vehicle Emission Check and the Federal Clean Air Act. Regardless of which state your vehicle is registered in, you will be required to have a Washington emissions test to obtain a base decal. New vehicles are exempt for the first two years; and newly purchased used vehicles (of any model year) are exempt when they are purchsed from a Washington State dealer. There is a $12 cash fee for the emissions test.
ACTIVE DUTY ONLY: If you are requesting to register your vehicle in Washington State and you are not a resident of this state, you must ask for a Form L and show your military ID in order to be exempt from the state excise tax. If you have overseas plates and they are still valid, the State of Washington requires you to get state plates within 30-45 days of your arrival. If they are already expired, this must be taken care of as soon as possible.
ON BASE VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Vehicle registration must be accomplished within 72 hours of your arrival on McChord. Unit Orderly rooms will register your vehicles. You must bring the following documentation: Military ID, valid driver's license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and proof of emissions testing.
Note From MilitaryAvenue.com
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