Navy · Everett, Washington

Naval Station Everett
DMV & Vehicle Registration Guide 2026

Everything active duty members need to know about vehicle registration, driver's license transfer, and your SCRA rights when PCSing to Everett, Washington.

SCRA Protection: The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) allows active duty members to keep their home-state vehicle registration while stationed in Washington. Consult the Naval Station Everett JAG office for your specific situation.
🏛️ Washington DMV — Primary Contact
WA Dept. of Licensing
📞 (360) 902-3900
🌐 https://www.dol.wa.gov
📍 PO Box 9020, Olympia, WA 98507
Military Note: Non-resident active duty exempt from WA vehicle excise tax.
📋 Documents Required
  • ✓
    PCS orders (copy)
  • ✓
    Current vehicle title (or lienholder info)
  • ✓
    Proof of insurance (current policy)
  • ✓
    Military ID (CAC card)
  • ✓
    Current out-of-state registration
  • ✓
    Driver's license (to exchange if establishing residency)
  • ✓
    Payment for fees (check DMV website for amounts)
📞 Key Contacts
WA Dept. of Licensing
📞 (360) 902-3900
🌐 State DMV — Vehicle & License Services
Naval Station Everett Legal Assistance Office (JAG)
📞 (425) 304-3000
🌐 Free SCRA guidance for active duty
Naval Station Everett Provost Marshal / Installation Traffic
📞 (425) 304-3000
🌐 On-post vehicle registration & decals
🚗 Step-by-Step Registration Process
1

Decide: maintain home-state or transfer registration

SCRA lets you keep your home-state plates while stationed in Washington. However, if you want Washington residency (e.g., no state income tax), you may benefit from transferring.

2

Get your on-post vehicle decal first

Before anything else, visit the Naval Station Everett Provost Marshal office to get your installation vehicle registration decal. You'll need this to enter the base.

3

Visit the DMV (or complete by mail)

Contact WA Dept. of Licensing at (360) 902-3900. Many states allow active duty to complete vehicle registration by mail using PCS orders. Check https://www.dol.wa.gov for the military exemption process.

4

Transfer your driver's license (if applicable)

If establishing Washington residency, exchange your license at the local DMV. Bring your military ID and PCS orders. Present these for any military fee exemptions.

5

Update your auto insurance

Notify your insurer of your new address. Moving to a different state often changes your premium. If using USAA or GEICO Military, this is a simple online update.

✅ PCS DMV Checklist
Decide: SCRA exemption or transfer to Washington
Get installation vehicle decal (Provost Marshal)
Gather PCS orders + vehicle title + insurance
Contact JAG for SCRA guidance
Schedule DMV appointment (or mail-in packet)
Update vehicle registration
Exchange driver's license (if residency transfer)
Update car insurance to new address
Notify lender of address change (if financed)
Update military/DEERS record with new address
Get emissions inspection (if required in Washington)
Update vehicle registration in finance records

Offline Access to Naval Station Everett Moving Guides

Add BaseReady to your home screen and access this guide — and all 146 base profiles — even without internet during your move.

Open App to Install
📍 Related Bases — Moving from Naval Station Everett to one of these?
Naval Station Mayport
Mayport, Florida · Navy
Naval Base Kitsap
Bremerton, Washington · Navy
NAS JRB Fort Worth
Fort Worth, Texas · Navy
USCG Sector Puget Sound
Seattle, Washington · Coast Guard
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to register my car in Washington if I'm active duty?
Under the SCRA, active duty members may keep their home-state registration while stationed in Washington. Non-resident active duty exempt from WA vehicle excise tax.
How long do I have to register my vehicle after arriving at Naval Station Everett?
If you choose to transfer registration to Washington, timelines vary. Contact the WA Dept. of Licensing at (360) 902-3900 for the current military grace period.
Can my spouse register a vehicle in Washington?
Military spouses may be covered under the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA). Consult the JAG office at Naval Station Everett for your specific situation.

Full Naval Station Everett Relocation Profile

BAH rates, housing data, cost of living, and more — all free.

View Full Profile →