What to do with Washington plates after moving to Kentucky

Complete the replacement record

Apply for vehicle registration within 15 days under Kentucky's registration rule. The state's new-resident overview also urges owners to complete title and registration within 10 days, so use day 10 as the practical target.

Obtain Kentucky insurance before operating or registering the vehicle. The registration transaction requires current original proof with an effective date within 45 days.

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.