Moving to Washington

Washington has no individual income tax today.

• A new 9.9 percent income tax is set to start January 1, 2028, for individuals and married couples with adjusted gross income over $1 million.
• Opponents are working to stop it, so check its status before you plan around it.
• Sales tax carries more of the load.
• The Tax Foundation lists a 6.50 percent state rate and an average combined state and local rate of 9.51 percent, with a 0.75 percent effective property tax rate on owner-occupied homes.
• The MERIC first quarter 2026 series put the cost of living index at 114.6, ranked 44th, with housing at 123.1 and transportation at 131.2.

Electricity costs less than the national average.

• In the EIA 2024 data, the average Washington home used about 955 kWh a month, more than the U.S. average of about 863.
• The average bill was still about $114, against about $142 nationally, because the price per kWh was about 11.9 cents.
• If you move into King, Pierce, or Snohomish County, check whether your address is in the Sound Transit district.
• Inside it, you pay a 1.1 percent Regional Transit Authority tax on the vehicle every year when you renew tabs.

Get a Washington driver license within 30 days

You have 30 days after you move to Washington to get your driver license. Get the license first, because you need it to register a vehicle here. DOL treats you as a resident if you have a Washington address or are registered to vote here. Getting in-state tuition, state benefits, or a resident-rate fishing or hunting license also counts.

Make an appointment at a driver licensing office

You must have an appointment. Bring proof of identity, including your out-of-state license, and the license fee. At the office, you give your Social Security number. Depending on where your license is from, you may have to take tests. The office punches a hole in your old license and gives you a temporary license for 45 days. The permanent license comes by mail.

Register the vehicle within 30 days at a vehicle licensing office

You have 30 days after you move here to register your vehicle. Vehicle licensing offices are separate from driver licensing offices, so plan two trips. Bring your current title and write down the odometer reading before you go. Does a bank hold the title? Call a vehicle licensing office for its fax number. Give that number to the bank. You get plates at the office.

Check the use tax exemption for your vehicle

Washington charges use tax on a vehicle when sales tax was not paid here. New residents can be exempt. The personal vehicle must have been acquired and used in another state more than 90 days before the move. It must also be licensed here within 30 days of the move. A vehicle bought within 90 days of the move does not qualify. Your registration from the other state is the usual proof.

Carry at least 25/50/10 liability insurance

A vehicle registered in Washington needs at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person. It needs $50,000 for injury or death of two people in one accident. It also needs $10,000 for property damage. Be ready to show your insurance ID card any time you drive. Driving without insurance can bring a fine of $550 or more.

Register to vote 8 days before an election, or in person after that

Online and mail registrations must be received 8 days before an election. To register online, you need a Washington driver license, permit, or ID card, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. After that, register in person at a county elections office until 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you get an enhanced driver license, election officials register you automatically.