Vehicle and Vessel Licensing
Records and Licensing Services is moving!
King County Records and Licensing Services is moving to a new location in Pioneer Square, King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson St., in preparation for the opening of a new Customer Service Center in early 2023.
All services continue to be provided online, by phone, or by U.S. mail for now. If you have documents to record (marriage licenses, real estate deeds, mortgages, etc.), need to apply for a marriage license, or need to pay real estate excise taxes, plan ahead. There may be service delays as our Recorder's Office staff work out of temporary space during the transition to the new permanent location. Licensing Services (vehicle and vessel licensing, taxi/for-hire/TNC licensing, and process server licensing) may also see minor service delays.
Tips to manage during this time are available here.
Service Changes
The King County Licensing Office is closed to walk-in service. Please see the "How Do I..." section below for services available online. Licensing staff are also available by phone at 206-477-4000.
License subagents, which are independent small businesses, set their own policies for walk-in service. Please call ahead before visiting a subagent office.
Need to license your car, truck, or boat? Or renew registration and tabs? King County partners with the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) to issue and renew vehicle and vessel licenses. Through this partnership, King County also contracts with local businesses, called subagents, to offer convenient locations to conduct in-person licensing. Need even more convenient options? Visit dol.wa.gov to see the services that are offered online.
The exact amount of your vehicle title and registration fees depend on several factors:
- Vehicle type
- Vehicle weight
- Where you live
- License plate type
How Do I...
- Renew tabs
- Fees, taxes, and donations
- Note: emissions tests are no longer required in Washington before renewing tabs
