-
When can I personalize a UW background plate?
Starting October 1, 2007.
-
What are the restrictions for personalizing a UW plate?
Personalized UW license plates can have 1—7 characters (letters, numbers, hyphens, or spaces). The “W” does not count as one of the 7 characters. Motorcycle and small trailer plates may have up to 6 characters. License plates cannot contain unusual characters (#, %, &, @, +, !,etc.). While the font size on the standard issued UW plates will remain the same, the font size will be slightly narrower on personalized UW plates no matter how many character spaces you use. This was done to accommodate the possible 7 characters. When completing the request form, you MUST tell DOL if you would like a space or dash. The DOL computer system does not hold dashes or spaces even though they do count as characters.
Personalized UW license plates will only be made with the “W” design. You cannot personalize an older style UW plate.
Plates suggesting vulgar, racial, ethnic, or indecent messages will not be issued.
-
How can I find out if the message I want is available to put on a UW plate?
To see if the plate configuration you want is available, look up personalized plates. Click here (https://fortress.wa.gov/dol/dolprod/vsdpersonalplateonline/)
Please keep this in mind when searching for possible messages to apply to your “W” style UW plate:
- Messages that are now used on personalized plates and show as already issued in the database cannot be used on personalized UW plates, even if the "W" will appear before them on University of Washington plates.
- When searching the DOL database for possible personalized UW plate choices, you must first search for the word without a "W" in front of the word and if that is accepted, then search for the word with a "W" in front of it to make sure that word does not appear on a vanity plate. (i.e. "hat" and "what") ONLY those words that pass this test without a “not available” reading will be possible. If the message reads "invalid plate pattern" it is likely available.
- The DOL does not read "dashes" or "spaces" so the word must be searched without these (i.e. Husky-1 is considered the same as Husky1)
-
How much does it cost to personalize a UW background plate?
- If you already have a personalized plate: $ 47.75 plus a service fee may apply to have the vanity reading transferred to a UW plate
- If you do not have a personalized or UW plate: $ 87.75
- If you have a UW plate and want to personalize it: $ 87.75 Unfortunately, there is no refund or credit if you've already purchased a special plate with a system assigned number.
-
How much will I pay each year to keep my personalized UW plate when I renew my tabs?
In addition to your registration tab fees, each year you must pay the personalized plate and UW plate renewal fees.
Example: If you have the personalized plate 'LUVDAWG' on the UW background, you pay:
- Annual registration tab fees.
- $30 personalized plate renewal fee.
- $30 UW plate renewal fee ($28 of this returns to the UW as your tax deductible contribution to the General Scholarship Fund.)
-
If I already have a personalized plate, can I put that message on a UW plate?
Yes. If you already have a personalized plate you can pay the appropriate fees and add your message to a UW License Plate.
-
Where can I purchase a personalized UW plate?
If you already have standard personalized plates:
Visit your local vehicle licensing office to add a special background design.
If you do not have a personalized plate:
- Check to make sure the personalized plate you want is available and that the combination of characters is acceptable.
- Complete a Personalized License Plate Application Form.
- To submit your application and licensing fees. You may:
- Take your application and a check or money order to:
King County Licensing Section
500 4th Ave, #401
Seattle, WA 98104
OR
- Mail your application with a check or money order to:
Department of Licensing
Vehicle Licensing
PO Box 9043
Olympia, WA 98507-9909