Washington State relocation guide: car insurance, driver license (Korean license exchange), vehicle registration, taxes

Everything here was checked on official sources (state agencies, cities, utilities, school districts); each item shows its source and the date we checked it. Rules change — confirm with the agency before you apply.

Renting a home

Rent increase cap (rent stabilization law) and fees in lieu of a deposit

Per the Washington Attorney General's Office:

Rent stabilization law (HB 1217) — in effect since May 7, 2025 - Over any 12-month period, rent may not rise by more than 10% or 7% plus CPI, whichever is less. - The maximum increase from January 1 to December 31, 2026, is 9.683%. - Rent may not be raised at all during the first 12 months of a tenancy, whether month-to-month or fixed-term. - The landlord must give at least 90 days' written notice before raising rent. - If you get an increase above the cap, you can respond to the landlord directly or file a complaint with the AG's office.

Fee in lieu of security deposit (HB 2064) - A landlord may offer the option of paying a fee instead of a full security deposit. If so, the landlord must disclose the terms in writing; the AG provides the disclosure form in many languages, including Korean.

14-day notice: Washington law requires landlords to give at least 14 days' notice before starting an eviction proceeding. The AG provides a Korean translation of this notice.

Source: Washington State Office of the Attorney General (checked 2026-10-20)

Auto insurance

Washington minimum liability coverage: 25/50/10

Per the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC), Washington's mandatory liability law (administered by DOL) requires anyone who drives in the state to do one of the following: - Carry liability insurance with limits of at least: - $25,000 for injury or death to another person - $50,000 for injury or death to all other people - $10,000 for damage to another person's property - Apply to DOL for a certificate of deposit - Have a liability bond of at least $60,000 filed by a surety company authorized in Washington - Self-insure with 26 or more vehicles (contact DOL)

If an officer stops you, you must show proof of insurance or you will get a ticket. Since July 28, 2019, motorcycles are covered by the law too.

OIC notes that property damage liability typically won't cover damage to your own car; that is what collision and comprehensive coverage are for, and most lenders require them on a financed or leased car.

Source: Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) (checked 2026-10-20) · Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) (checked 2026-10-20)

PIP is optional, but you must reject it in writing

Per OIC's PIP page: - Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is optional coverage that pays, regardless of fault, for medical and hospital costs, lost wages, services you can't perform and funeral costs for you and your passengers. - By law, your insurer must offer PIP. If you don't want it, you must reject it in writing; otherwise it is added to your policy and you are charged for it. - Basic limits (per OIC): - Medical and hospital: up to $10,000 per person, for up to three years from the accident; can be increased to $35,000 - Funeral: up to $2,000 per person - Lost wages: up to $200 a week ($10,000 total) after 14 days in a row of disability, for up to one year; can be increased to $700 a week ($35,000 total) - Lost services: up to $200 a week ($5,000 total); can be increased to $14,600 total

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage pays if you are hit by an uninsured driver, a hit-and-run driver or an unidentified vehicle. OIC says to report hit-and-run or unidentified-vehicle accidents to police within 72 hours.

Source: Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) (checked 2026-10-20) · Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) (checked 2026-10-20)

Questions or complaints: OIC Consumer Advocacy

For questions about coverage or claims, call OIC Consumer Advocacy at 800-562-6900 (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday) or use the online "Ask an insurance expert" form. You can check insurer and agent licenses with OIC's Agent and company lookup.

Source: Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) (checked 2026-10-20)

Driver license

Washington license within 30 days of moving

Per the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL): - You have 30 days after moving to Washington to get a Washington driver license, and you need it before you can register a vehicle. - DOL considers you a resident if you have a Washington address, are registered to vote in Washington, receive state benefits, receive in-state tuition, or get any Washington license (fishing, hunting, etc.) at resident rates. - Driver licensing and vehicle licensing are in separate offices, so plan on two trips. - You must make an appointment at a driver licensing office. Bring proof of identity and payment, and give your Social Security number at the office. - You get a temporary license valid for 45 days; the permanent card is mailed in 7–10 days. If it hasn't arrived within 30 days, call 360-902-3900. - If you are just visiting, you may use your out-of-country license for up to 1 year.

From November 1, 2026: first-time Washington license applicants under 25 must pass a free online work zone and first responder safety course. Ask DOL whether this applies when exchanging a Korean license.

Source: Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) (checked 2026-10-20) · Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) (checked 2026-10-20)

Korean license holders 18+: no knowledge or drive test (Korea–Washington arrangement)

Washington DOL ("Do I need to take a test?"): - Holders of a valid license from South Korea need no tests if 18 or older — the same treatment as another U.S. state, Germany or British Columbia (Class 5). - Holders of licenses from countries not listed must complete all steps for a first license. - You still have a vision and medical screening when you apply.

Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (as of August 2026) lists Washington among U.S. states with a license reciprocity arrangement with Korea, and does not list it among the states that still require the written test (Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Nevada).

Korean Consulate General in Seattle: - Korean citizens 18 or older who live in Washington and hold a valid Korean license can get a Washington license without the written test, road test or driver education. - Steps: visit a DOL driver licensing office → vision test → photo → pay the fee → card arrives by mail (use the temporary license until then). - Exchange is for residents only: short-term visitors (ESTA, B-1/B-2) and anyone who cannot prove a Washington address cannot exchange.

Source: Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) (checked 2026-10-20) · 외교부 해외안전여행 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea) (checked 2026-10-20) · 주시애틀 대한민국 총영사관 (Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Seattle) (checked 2026-10-20)

Documents and the consulate translation

Documents per the Korean Consulate General in Seattle: 1. Your valid original Korean driver license 2. ID (passport) 3. A translation of your license — the consulate notes this was not part of the arrangement, but licensing office staff sometimes ask for it. Use a U.S. notary translation or a consulate-certified translation. 4. Proof of Washington residence — for example, a Social Security number, utility bills or a university admission letter. TV cable, internet, satellite, bank and insurance bills are not accepted. Without an SSN, bring as many proofs of Washington residence as you can.

Consulate translation: fill in the consulate's translation form, then the translator visits in person with the original license and a copy, the translation and the translator's passport. The fee is $4 (cash or money order) and it is processed on the spot. Contact: consular certification desk, 206-441-1011/4 ext. 111.

Fees and document rules may change at DOL's discretion; check dol.wa.gov.

Source: 주시애틀 대한민국 총영사관 (Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Seattle) (checked 2026-10-20)

Vehicle registration and plates

Register within 30 days of moving (license first)

Per Washington DOL: - You have 30 days after moving to get your driver license and register your vehicle. - You need your Washington driver license first. Vehicles are registered at a vehicle licensing office, separate from driver licensing. - Bring your current title, and write down your odometer reading before you go in. - If your bank holds the title, ask the vehicle licensing office for its fax number so the bank can fax a copy of the title. - Not all offices accept debit or credit cards; check first. - In person, you get plates right away; by mail it can take up to 3 weeks. - Contact a vehicle licensing office for steps, documents and fees.

Source: Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) (checked 2026-10-20)

Use tax on a car you bring in: the new-resident exemption

Per the Washington Department of Revenue (DOR): - Washington residents who buy a vehicle out of state and bring it in owe use tax on its value, because Washington sales tax was not paid. It is paid when the vehicle is licensed and registered, at the rate for the owner's place of residence. - New-resident exemption: a private motor vehicle acquired and used in another state more than 90 days before you moved, and licensed in Washington within 30 days of moving, may be exempt. Out-of-state registration is commonly used as documentation. - A personal vehicle bought in another state within 90 days of moving is not exempt. - If you can show you paid sales or use tax in another state, that amount can be credited against Washington use tax (not licensing fees or other charges). - Off-road vehicles, motor homes and trailers do not qualify for the exemption.

Source: Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) (checked 2026-10-20)

State taxes

No individual income tax now (9.9% on income over $1 million from 2028)

Per the Washington Department of Revenue (DOR): - Washington does not currently have an individual income tax, so there is no state income tax withholding or state income tax return. Federal income tax still applies. - Under Senate Bill 6346, passed by the 2026 Legislature, a new 9.9% income tax will apply from January 1, 2028, to individuals and married couples filing jointly with annual adjusted gross income over $1 million. The first returns are due in April 2029.

If you worked in another state or still have residency there, you may need to file in that state; check with a tax professional.

Source: Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) (checked 2026-10-20)

Sales tax: 6.5% state rate plus local tax

DOR says Washington sales tax has a state portion and a local portion. - The state rate is 6.5%. - Local rates vary by city and county, based on where the customer receives the goods or services (destination-based). - Use DOR's Tax Rate Lookup Tool or mobile app to find the exact rate for an address, including motor vehicle tax rates.

Source: Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) (checked 2026-10-20) · Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) (checked 2026-10-20)

WA Cares payroll premium 0.58% — nonimmigrant work visa holders automatically exempt from 2026

Per the official WA Cares Fund (Washington's long-term care benefit) site: - Washington workers automatically contribute 0.58% of wages to WA Cares (since July 2023), at the same rate regardless of salary, including part-time workers. - If you have a non-immigrant work visa, you are automatically exempt from WA Cares as of January 1, 2026. To keep participating, tell your employer(s) in writing. - Other groups, such as people who live outside Washington and active-duty service members, can apply for an exemption.

Check with your payroll department that your pay stub reflects the right deduction.

Source: WA Cares Fund (Washington State) (checked 2026-10-20) · WA Cares Fund (Washington State) (checked 2026-10-20)

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• Send a tip or correction — we check it against the official source first

General information, not legal, tax or insurance advice. For prices and quotes, ask a licensed professional.

Last checked: 2026-10-20

Cite this article as: JOBnaru™ — https://jobnaru.com/en/news/washington-relocation-guide