What to do with Washington plates after moving to Arizona

Complete the replacement record

Arizona says an incoming vehicle must be registered as soon as you become a resident.

Put Arizona-acceptable coverage in place before registration and keep the prior policy active until the old registration is safely closed.

Invalidate or return old Washington plates

After the destination registration is active, remove or invalidate the Washington month and year tabs and bend regular plates so they cannot be mistaken for valid plates. Recycle them where accepted or mail or take them to a vehicle licensing office. Washington requires listed personalized, disabled, collector, and other special plates to be returned rather than recycled.