Vehicle Tab Renewal Options
- Clark County locations and offices: Same-day service
- Internet tab renewals: One-day processing, plus mailing time.
http://www.internettabs.wa.gov - Mail-in tab renewals: Please allow four to ten business days for processing.
Registration and Licensing Fees and Taxes
These fees are paid by the purchaser of the vehicle. They vary based on the type of vehicle being registered (car, truck, tractor, trailer, boat, etc.).
The Washington Department of Licensing website has a list of fees and surcharges that can be used to estimate your registration costs. Additional surcharges not listed on the State's website may apply for special circumstances. The fees listed do not include any surcharges that may be added at the auto licensing sub-agencies by the subagents (sub-agencies are any auto licensing agency in the county except for the main licensing office at 1408 Franklin Street, Vancouver). The best way to determine the cost of registration is to bring your vehicle's documentation to an Auto Licensing office.
Sales / Use Tax
Sales tax or use tax is paid by the purchaser of a vehicle. Sales tax is generally paid at the time of purchase when a vehicle is purchased from a Washington dealership. Use tax is generally paid at the time of registration when a vehicle is purchased from a private party or an out of state dealership. The tax rate depends on the circumstances of the purchase. Tax on a purchase from a Washington dealer is based on the dealer's location. Purchase from a private party or an out of state dealer is taxed based on the address of primary use registered by the purchaser.
The tax rates for the jurisdictions in Clark County are as follows:
| Location | Powered Vehicles | Non-Powered Vehicles |
| Unincorporated Public Transit Benefit Area (PTBA - not in a city) | 8.5% | 8.2% |
| Unincorporated Area (not in a city and not in PTBA) | 8.0% | 7.7% |
| Battle Ground | 8.5% | 8.2% |
| Camas | 8.5% | 8.2% |
| La Center | 8.5% | 8.2% |
| Ridgefield | 8.5% | 8.2% |
| Vancouver | 8.5% | 8.2% |
| Washougal | 8.5% | 8.2% |
| Yacolt | 8.5% | 8.2% |
The additional 0.3% in state tax on powered vehicles was added on July 1, 2003 in accordance with House Bill 2231 to help pay for state transportation projects and services. The rates above include the added state tax.
Payment of Fees and Taxes
Cash, or check with appropriate identification, are the only acceptable methods of payment at an auto licensing office. Credit cards may be used for renewals done on the Department of Licensing website.
