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Bel-Red Auto License Frequently Asked Questions
Bel-Red Auto License and subagent questions: What is a 'service fee?' Renewal questions: Who can renew my vehicle and/or vessel registration in a licensing office? Emission testing questions: How do I know if I need an emission test? Registration questions: What if I use a post office box or a different mailing address? How can I provide my primary residence address to the Department of Licensing? Are there any exceptions to the primary residence address requirement? Why did the Department of Licensing change the address requirements for vehicle records? What if I provide an address that isn’t my primary residence address to DOL? My vehicle is currently registered in my name in another state. How do I register it in Washington?
I just sold my
Washington registered vehicle. What do I do now? Tax questions:
I heard the
Seattle Monorail Project Proposition 1 was
defeated. Will I still have to pay the
Monorail Motor Vehicle Excise Tax? Personalized plate questions: What is the process for getting personalized plates? Permit questions: If my vehicle doesn't have current licensing, I understand I can get a permit. What are the different types available, and when can they be used?
Bel-Red Auto License is a subagent for the Department of Licensing (DOL). We are not supported by state funds, nor are we state employees. We are a privately owned company providing vehicle/vessel licensing and titling services for the DOL. Our office is supported only by the service fee, which is $4.00 for a non-title transaction, and $10.00 for a title transaction. Why should I do my license or title transaction at a subagent office and pay a service fee? Your license plates, tabs, and registration certificate will be provided immediately, over our counter. This way you won't need to worry about important items being lost in the mail, or tabs not arriving before your expiration date. Also, by doing business with a local office, you are initiating a relationship with people in your community. You can call and talk to a real person, ask questions, and get advice. Our office is small enough to care, and remember you when you have a problem or tough question. We will help you personally and be there when you need us. How do I get to Bel-Red Auto License? We're on the North side of Crossroads Shopping Center near the movie theater. Bel-Red Auto License is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are also open 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturdays that are at or near month end, as listed below: Saturday,
February 02
Saturday, May 31 Saturday, November 01 We are closed on the holidays listed below:
New Year's Day - Tuesday, January 1
Christmas Day - Thursday,
December 25 What forms of payment do you accept? The Department of Licensing allows us to accept checks, (from the vehicle owner), or cash for payment, at this time. We cannot accept credit or debit cards. We have an ATM machine in our lobby for your convenience. Who can renew my vehicle and/or vessel registration in a licensing office? Vehicle and vessel registered owners are responsible for renewing vehicles and vessels registered in their name. You can renew the vehicle and/or vessel in person, or designate someone to renew in person for you. If you designate a relative to renew for you, they will be asked to provide one of the following: - Proof of their relationship to you, or If the designee is not a relative, you will need to supply them with: - Written authorization from you, and Where do I go to renew my driver's license? Do you do it? Bel-Red Auto License does not renew driver's licenses. We renew licensing for all vehicles and vessels. However, we are close to the Bellevue driver licensing office which is located at: 525 156th Ave SE Tues-Fri 8:30-5:00 (425) 649-4281 How do I know if I need an emission test? If you live in one of the emission testing zip codes the Department of Ecology requires emission testing on gasoline and diesel vehicles that are 5 to 25 years old in the following situations: - When ownership is transferred, a Washington emission test done within the last year is required, unless the transfer is between immediate family members or co-owners. This applies to vehicles with Washington or out-of-state titles, and is unaffected by whether the license tabs are current or not.
- When it's time to renew your Washington license tabs, it will be indicated on your renewal notice if you need an emission test. Emission tests are required according to the following table:
- When you bring your vehicle in from another state, it will need an emission test according to the following table:
I just had my emission test done in another state before I brought my vehicle to Washington. Can I use it? The Department of Licensing cannot accept emission tests from other states. Your vehicle needs to be tested by a Washington State Department of Ecology emission test station. If your vehicle is not in the state at the time an emission test is due, talk to us about what can be done. We have a form that can be completed in lieu of having the vehicle tested. See our Forms page for more information. How do I get to an emission testing station? There are two emission testing stations near Bel-Red Auto License: Bellevue in the Eastgate area Redmond off of Redmond Way, near the end of Highway 520 How much does an emission test cost? An emission test costs $15.00, and can be paid by cash, check, credit or debit card. I understand the Department of Licensing requires me to report my “primary residence address.” What does that mean?
The Primary Residence Address
rule requires all Washington state vehicle
owners to provide their primary Washington state
residence address to the Department of Licensing
for use on their vehicle’s record. If the
vehicle is registered to a business, it requires
the street address of the primary place of
business. This was started January 25, 2005.
What if I use a post office box or a different mailing address?
Even though you are required to provide your primary residence address, you can also use a separate mailing address, which will be used when renewal notices and other vehicle related correspondence are sent to you.
How can I provide my primary residence address to the Department of Licensing?
When registering your vehicle in person, you will be asked to sign a form that states the address on record is your primary residence address. You can also change your address online. You will be able to confirm the same information online.
Are there any exceptions to the primary residence address requirement? Yes, they are for: -Those overseas military addresses, and -Those who do not have postal service mail delivery available to them at their primary residence address.
Why did the Department of Licensing change the address requirements for vehicle records?
The rule will help assure that people who live in taxing districts that rely on vehicle-based taxes are paying their fair share. There are currently two districts in the state that do this, and could be more in the future.
What if I provide an address that isn’t my primary residence address to DOL?
Intentionally providing false or misleading information to DOL could be prosecuted as perjury.
My vehicle is currently registered in my name in another state. How do I register it in Washington? You will need the following: - The current out-of-state title. If a lien holder holds the title, you will need to supply a fax or photocopy of the title being held by them, or a letter from the foreign Department of Motor Vehicles. If your title has been lost, you must apply for a duplicate certificate from the state of issuance. This is a requirement of federal law. Call Bel-Red Auto License for help with where to apply. (We can also give you options about what can be done while you are waiting for your duplicate title.) - Certification that your vehicle has passed a Washington emissions test, if required (see emission test FAQ above). - A registered owner present with personal identification. - An odometer reading on your vehicle, if it is less than ten years old. - An empty scale weight slip for trucks, propane powered vehicles and trailers, (except travel trailers) if not shown on the previous title or registration. I just purchased a vehicle from a private party with a Washington title (certificate of ownership). How do I register it in my name? You will need the following: - A certificate of ownership (title) that has been signed by all parties listed on the front, or - An Affidavit in Lieu of Title/ Release of Interest form with notarized or certified signatures from all parties listed as owners - Certification that your vehicle has passed a Washington emissions test, if required (see emission test FAQ above). - Either a bill of sale stating the sale price, or the sale price written on the front of the title. If the sale price was more than $2000 below the fair market value for the vehicle, you may need additional documentation. Call us for ideas about what will be most suitable in your situation (see fair market value FAQ below). - An odometer statement is required for vehicles less than ten years old. Both one buyer and one seller must sign this form. It can be completed on the back of the title or on a separate, federally approved odometer form available at our office. - Proper ID for all individuals wishing to be shown on the new title. All people who are going on to the new title need to be present. If this is not possible, please call Bel-Red Auto License about what will be most suitable in your situation. - If a lender needs to be indicated on the new title, we will need their name and address. Please note: There is a penalty for not transferring your title within 15 days of purchase. The penalty is $25 on the sixteenth day; it increases by $2 per day, to a maximum of $100. I just purchased a vehicle from a private party with an out-of-state title (certificate of ownership). How do I register it in my name? You will need the following: - The out-of-state certificate of ownership (title) that has been signed by all parties listed on it. If the title has been lost, a duplicate will have to be applied for to the licensing department of that state. Contact Bel-Red Auto License for help with this situation. - Certification that your vehicle has passed a Washington emissions test, if required (see emission test FAQ). - Either a bill of sale stating the sale price, or the sale price written on the title. If the sale price was more than $2000 below the fair market value for the vehicle, you may need additional documentation. Call us for ideas about what will be most suitable in your situation (see the fair market value FAQ). - An odometer statement is required for vehicles less than ten years old. One buyer and one seller must sign the odometer statement. It can be completed on the back of the title or on a separate, federally approved odometer form available from Bel-Red Auto License. - Proper ID for all individuals wishing to be shown on the new title. All people who are going on to the new title need to be present. If this is not possible, please call us about what will be most suitable in your situation. I just sold my Washington registered vehicle. What do I do now? The registered owner of a vehicle should file a Report of Sale any time they sell or transfer their interest in a vehicle. A Report of Sale is a document that protects the seller from certain civil and criminal liabilities if it is completed within five days of the date of sale or transfer of the vehicle. It can be filed with Bel-Red Auto License or online. If filed at our office, you will receive a receipt to keep for your records that is signed by a licensing clerk. If filed online, you can save or print a copy at the end of the filing process. The Department of Licensing offers the ability to renew your Washington vehicle license tabs online. You may pay with a credit card. You may choose to have the new license tabs available for pick up at Bel-Red Auto License within five minutes of completing your transaction online. Make sure to bring your ID, and come right up to our Internet pickup window. You don't have to take a number or wait in line. You may also choose to have your license tabs mailed from our office. Choosing Bel-Red Auto License to mail your tabs gives you faster service and easier, less expensive replacement options if the tabs get lost in the mail. Make sure you have enough time before your tabs expire if you choose this option. If you would like to renew online, click here. If you have more questions about whether this option is right for you, please feel free to contact Bel-Red Auto License. RTA stands for Regional Transit Authority. The RTA tax is a 0.3% motor vehicle excise tax and a 0.4% sales tax approved by voters in our area in the November, 1996 general election. It is meant to fund regional transit improvements such as bus service, light rail and commuter rail. The Department of Licensing collects this motor vehicle excise tax on vehicles being registered within the RTA boundaries. For more details on the RTA tax and RTA boundaries, please read this article on the Sound Transit website. I heard the Seattle Monorail Project Proposition 1 was defeated. Will I still have to pay the Monorail Motor Vehicle Excise Tax? Proposition 1 was defeated
in the November, 2005 general election. This
means that the Seattle Monorail Project (SMP) was
dissolved. The Monorail Motor Vehicle Excise Tax
(MVET) was not discontinued immediately. The SMP incurred debt
that had to be paid off and the MVET was
collected until July 1 2006. For more
information, go to the
Seattle Monorail Project’s FAQ at: What is 'fair market value' and why was I told the price of the vehicle I recently purchased has to be within a certain amount of it? According to the Department of Licensing, Washington law RCW 82.12.010 requires use tax to be collected on the average fair market value of a vehicle or vessel. Fair market value reflects the value of a vehicle according to the retail selling price, of 'similar vehicles and vessels of like quality or character.' Actual selling price may or may not represent the average fair market value in the case of an individual selling a used vehicle or vessel. For example, a 2000 model year Cadillac that sold for $50 does not mean that most 2000 model year Cadillacs are only worth $50. What is the process for getting personalized plates? Personalized license plates may be purchased and used on most vehicle types currently licensed in Washington State. Personalized license plates may be issued with one to seven characters (letters, numbers, hyphens or spaces). Motorcycle and small trailer plates may be issued with up to six characters. The initial plate fee for a passenger vehicle is $47.75. The initial plate fee for motorcycles, trailers and campers is $45.75. Once a personalized plate is issued, a $30 renewal fee will be charged in addition to all other licensing fees each time you renew your vehicle. These fees are in addition to all other titling and renewal fees that are due in the normal course of titling and licensing a vehicle. To download the personalized plate form, go to our Forms page. What can I put on my personalized plate? There are certain combinations of letters and numbers the Department of Licensing will not allow. These include combinations that interfere with current or future formats for regular issue license plates, or combinations that the Department of Licensing considers offensive. For complete details, see the instructions included with the Personalized Plate Application Form on our Forms page. Can I move my personalized plate to another vehicle? A personalized license plate is assigned to the registered owner of the vehicle. It may be transferred to another vehicle registered to the same person(s). The transfer may be processed through your local license agent for a fee plus the abated amount of the annual fee and other applicable fees, if any. If you sell the vehicle on which the personalized plate is displayed, you MUST transfer it to another vehicle, owned by you, within 30 days. If you do not, the plate can be cancelled and issued to someone else. Can I let someone else have my personalized plate? If you allow it, a personalized plate can be moved to a vehicle that is not in your name. To do this, you will need to sign a Release of Interest Form. You will need to indicate the personalized plate number, sign the form and have it notarized by a notary public or certified by a license clerk in a vehicle license office such as Bel-Red Auto License. Where does the money go that I pay for personalized plates? Sales of personalized plates fund the management of the Wildlife Diversity Program. For more information about this program, which is administered by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, visit their web site at http://wdfw.wa.gov/. My personalized plates were stolen. What happens now? If you have reported to law enforcement that your personalized license plate was stolen a comment will be placed on their stolen property list. It will remain until the plate is recovered or for a period of 5 years. This list is available to all law enforcement agencies. You may repurchase the plate, but it is highly recommended that you select an alternate personalized plate to avoid the possibility of being detained and/or questioned by law enforcement. If my vehicle doesn't have current licensing, I understand I can get a permit. What are the different types available, and when can they be used? There are three types of permits available: This is good for three consecutive days of your choosing. It costs $23.50, cash or check, and is good 24 hours a day on the dates you select. We will also need your ID. The Trip Permit has many uses, such as: - Taking out a rarely-used car, motorcycle or trailer These are just some examples of how a Trip Permit can be used. The Trip Permit also has some limitations, such as: - More than three Trip Permits may not be used on the same vehicle in a one-month period Make sure to check with Bel-Red Auto License if you have any questions about when a Trip Permit is appropriate for you. This is good for two days of your choice. The days do not have to be consecutive, but must be selected at the time the permit is issued. It costs $4.00, cash only, and we will need your ID and the vehicle's year, make, model and VIN/serial number. The Transit Permit is valid only in certain, limited situations, such as: - Taking a vehicle with expired tabs to emission testing The Transit Permit is not for general driving, such as going to work or the grocery store. It is only valid for the purpose listed on it at the time it is issued. A Transit Permit will not be considered valid on any day in which the location for which it is designated is closed. Make sure to check with Bel-Red Auto License to see if a Transit Permit is appropriate for your situation. This permit is used when documents needed to register a vehicle are missing. As the name implies, it is good for 60 days, but its cost varies depending on the vehicle for which it is used. Times when a 60-Day Temporary Permit might be used include: - Attempting to register an out-of-state vehicle for which you do not have all the necessary paperwork, such as the title. - Attempting to reregister your vehicle after it has been classified as totaled by your insurance company, and you're waiting for your Washington State Patrol inspection appointment To get a 60-Day Temporary Permit, you must pay a full year of licensing fees because the assumption is that you intend to complete the registration process and use the vehicle in the State of Washington. You will then be given a cardboard permit to display in place of regular license plates while you are getting the documents you are missing. At this time, you will be given a list of what documents will be needed to complete your registration, and we will give all documents back to you. We cannot store them in our office. You will be given a temporary registration form. Once you have gotten the rest of your paperwork, you can come back to Bel-Red Auto License to complete your application for registration and get your license plates and a regular registration form. It will cost $23.00 in most cases. The 60-Day Temporary Permit has some limitations to consider: - You must wait from two to four weeks after getting a 60 Day Temporary Permit before you can come back to complete your application for registration. If you are missing something that won't take long to get, it might be easier to just get a Transit or Trip Permit, depending on you situation. - It cannot be extended if you do not have all the documents you need by the end of 60 days. The vehicle must be parked until you have what you need. Make sure to check with Bel-Red Auto License to see if a 60-Day Temporary Permit is appropriate for your situation. |
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