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Vehicle & Vessel Licensing FAQ

 THINGS WE CANNOT HELP WITH:

  • The Bainbridge Licensing Desk does not process or issue individual driver’s licenses – see below for the closest locations that can and do
  • The Chamber no longer issues pet licenses – these may be obtained from the Bainbridge Island Police Department or your local veterinarian
  • We are not a passport agency – for that you should contact the Bainbridge Municipal Courthouse (in Rolling Bay)
  • We DO NOT offer notary services, but are happy to recommend local locations that do

If you would like immediate in-depth assistance over the phone – The DOL offers a state-wide support line at 1-360-902-3770

Due to privacy considerations and in order to prioritize our daily in-person visitors (of which there are many), we do not answer detailed individual licensing questions by telephone.

 

CLOSEST DRIVERS LICENSE EXAMINING OFFICES:

1. Poulsbo –
Plaza 305 Shopping Mall (on Hwy 305 between Hostmark & Lincoln)
360-779-5535

Open only by appointment – book online at www.dol.wa.gov
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday 8:30 am – 2:30 pm

2. Bremerton –
4841 Auto Center Way, Suite 101
360-478-6975

Open only by appointment – book online at www.dol.wa.gov
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday 8:30 am – 2:30 pm

3. Seattle –
450 3rd Ave W Suite 100
206-464-6845

Open only by appointment – book online at www.dol.wa.gov
Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

NOTE: More information and practice versions of the written driving test are available on the DOL website.

 

FAQs

Q: How soon must I change my license plates after I move to Washington?

When you move to Washington, you have 30 days to title and register your vehicle. Please note that BEFORE you can register your vehicle you must first obtain a Washington drivers license (see above for places you can do that first step).

Q: Does my vehicle need to have an emissions test?

If your car is registered in Kitsap County, you currently do not have to have a vehicle emissions test.

Q: What happens if I lose the title to my vehicle?

To replace a title:

  • Complete an official Affidavit of Loss form. All registered owners must sign the form, and the signatures must be notarized. If there is a lien holder on the title, the lien holder must apply for the duplicate title. There are then 2 ways to submit that completed, notarized form.
  • by mail with a check or money order for $9 to:
    Department of Licensing, PO Box 9909
    Olympia, WA 98507-8500
  • in-person visit to any vehicle licensing office with cash, check, or credit card
  • Your duplicate title will be mailed to you in approximately 8-10 weeks.

Q: What should I know about buying a used vehicle in Washington State?

Read this informative guide for used vehicle purchasing in Washington from the State Department of Licensing.

Q: How do I transfer the title when buying from a private party in Washington State?

Please see the step-by-step instructions for private title transfers at the WA DOL website.

Q: What is Use Tax and when do I have to pay it?

In Washington, Use Tax is charged instead of Sales Tax in some circumstances.

Q: If I sell my car, when and why should I file a Report of Sale?

When making a private sale, transferring the title and filing a Report of Sale can protect you from liabilities.

Q: Does a vehicle that is only driven occasionally, like an antique car, need a vehicle license?

Washington State Trip Permits are a simple, inexpensive way to drive an unlicensed vehicle for short periods of time.

Q: How can I get special or custom license plates?

Washington offers two kinds of special license plates: special design plates and personalized plates. Both are available for a range of additional fees, depending on the design or personalization you require. Many special design plates support wonderful causes and organizations though those additional fees.

Q: Do I need to register a dinghy or tender?

A tender or dinghy is exempt from registration if:

  • It has less than a 10 horsepower engine
  • It is owned by the same owner as the main vessel (which has valid registration)
  • It displays the number of the main vessel followed by the suffix “1”
  • It is used only as direct transport between the main registered vessel and the shore

For more help with any of these processes, and for the many, many other questions around vehicle and vessel licensing in Washington State, we recommend coming in and speaking to our licensing team at the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce.

Please note that due to privacy considerations and in order to prioritize our daily in-person visitors (of which there are many), we do not answer individual licensing questions by telephone.

If you would like assistance over the phone – The DOL offers a state-wide support line at 360.902.3770