About those license tabs…

Published 3:19 pm Thursday, October 2, 2008

While I-695 intended to cut the amount for passenger vehicle

license registration or “tabs” to a flat rate

of $30, there is still a fair amount of confusion over when the law takes

effect and what impact it will have. In response this confusion, the state

Department of Licensing (DOL) released the following explanation

concerning the implementation of the new law.

• The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2000.

• January 2000 vehicle renewal notices, normally sent this month,

will be sent late due to programming changes. When mailed, these

notices will reflect the amount due if paid after Jan. 1. If you pay before Jan.

1, DOL will charge you under the current law, not the rate set by I-695,

and you will not be entitled to a refund.

• No one will pay just $30. Various fees specifically imposed on

vehicles by the legislature have not been repealed by I-695 and will

continue to be collected. For example, there is a $3 filing fee for renewals; a $15

local fee for residents of King County; and a $30 fee on personalized,

collegiate and stadium plates.

• You can renew in January 2000 if your tabs are due in November

or December 1999, but you run the risk of being cited for driving an

unlicensed vehicle. You can obtain a trip permit for the intervening

period, which is good for three consecutive days and costs $15. Per state law,

no more than three trip permits can be used in a consecutive 30-day period.

• Paid registrations for vehicles which come due in November or

December will not be refunded after Jan. 1.

For more information or clarification on vehicle licensing and how

it will change in the next 60 days, call the Snoqualmie Valley office of

the Department of Licensing at (425) 888-4004.