License Plates

Drive with Cougar Pride


What's on your plate? Make it Crimson to go!

More than 23,000 active WSU plates are on the roads in Washington today, more than double any other university in the state of Washington! With $28 from each Cougar plate going to support student scholarships at WSU, the Cougar plates alone raised over $640,000 in scholarship support for WSU students last year. That’s a feel-good purchase to be proud of—and one that looks great to boot. If you have already adorned your vehicle(s) with the new crimson plate, we thank you. And for those who do not yet have a Cougar plate on your vehicle, we invite you to join the team and drive with Cougar Pride.


Report your License Plate to the WSU Foundation and receive a tax-deductible receipt

$28 of the annual license plate fee each year is a tax-deductible donation to WSU's General Scholarship Fund.  To receive a gift receipt from WSU for your plate donation, use our quick online form,  You will need information from your vehicle registration certificate to complete the form.


What if I already have a WSU plate?

Individuals who currently have WSU special or WSU personalized plates can get their same number/message on the new all-crimson plates through the DOL. You must visit your local DOL office to replace your current WSU plate with the new all-crimson plate. The DOL will charge a replacement fee to retain your current message or number. Contact your local DOL office for exact costs and fees. 


How do I get the all-crimson Cougar plate?

1. Visit your local Department of Licensing office.  Click here to find an office near you.

2. Visit the Department of Licensing website and download an application. You can fax or mail in the completed application or simply take the application to a DOL office near you. 

3. When purchasing a new or used car, ask your car dealer for the new all-crimson Cougar plate

4. Personalized WSU plates are also available. You must complete the online form and mail it to the DOL Office in Olympia, or visit the King County Licensing Division.

What does the new plate cost?

Costs and fees vary. Contact your local DOL office for specific cost information.

WSU License Plate

FAQs

What if I already have a WSU plate? 
Individuals who currently have WSU special or WSU personalized plates can get their same number/message on the new all-crimson plates through the DOL. You must visit your local DOL office to replace your current WSU plate with the new all-crimson plate. The DOL will charge a replacement fee to retain your current message or number. Contact your local DOL office for exact costs and fees.

Do I have to be an alumnus/a of WSU to purchase a Cougar plate? 
No.  Anybody and everybody can purchase Cougar plates. If you like to support scholarships and show your Cougar Pride, then owning a Cougar plate is a right way to go.

Do I have to wait until my tab renewal to purchase a Cougar plate? 
No.  You can purchase a Cougar plate at any point during the year.  Like right now!  Click on the link above to download an application or visit your local DOL office.

How do I purchase Cougar plates? 
When you decide you want to show your Cougar pride with a WSU Cougar license plate, all you need to do is complete the application and mail, fax, or take it into a DOL office.  It's that easy.  Once you have a Cougar plate you simply follow the standard renewal process.

How much of the special plate registration fee is directed to Washington State University? 
$28 of your special plate fee goes directly to the WSU Scholarship fund to provide scholarships for deserving students at Washington State University. 

When will I receive my Cougar plates? 
The plates are mailed to the registered owner within two business days of purchase.

What will my new plate number be? 
Your new registration will show your new license plate number, which is assigned by the DOL computer system.  Plates are assigned in numerical order when a transaction is finalized.

Can I keep my plate when I sell my car? 
Yes!  These plates may be transferred to your new car or similar.  The state simply requires that the registered owner of the new car and plates remains the same.