Is there any way to transfer my (WA) license plates to a new car, which I have just purchased, in WA state?

Question

I've grown somewhat attached to my old plates because they have a neat number-letter combo. However, I was told that in Washington state that the plates go with the car when you sell it, unless they are vanity plates. Is there a way around this?

Answer 1

Keep the plates!  You just can't use them on the new car.  I'm sure there is a way of registering them as a "vanity" plate with a few stacks of paper, but why not just come up with something original instead?  Besides...do you really want to make it easier for everyone to write down your plates?  

You know in China they have specialized gadgets for flipping, rotating and disguising your plates at the flick of a switch.  Maybe you can go that route!