July 4, 2008 - 9:28 am

State license plate scam

Dori writes...

The state requirement that we have to replace our license plates every seven years strikes me as yet another money-grubbing scam by our friends in Olympia.

That's a sentiment shared by listener Patrick. He cc'd me the great e-mail he wrote to the DOL as he tried to "opt out" of this program. I don't know what's funnier - Patrick's original letter - or the robotic response he got from the DOL. Here's Patrick's letter:

Good morning Washington State Department of Licensing!

Hope your are having a good morning like me, just another day in which to excel... at least that is what my father always used to say. I imagine you are probably sitting there reading this thinking I'm going to complain about my last visit to the motor vehicle department in Marysville huh? Nope...I can't thank you enough for the great photo on my driver's license, in fact I had some 8'' X 10'' glossies made. It was worth every bit of the 3 hours and 45 minute wait! Nope...I just wanted to take a minute or two and thank you for your most recent post delivered to my home yesterday. I guess it's time for the new tabs on my vehicles and I must say how very impressed I am with the new and improved billing as it appears to give me numerous options on how I can pay you and other pertinent information. I especially appreciate the offer of supplying me with a brand new license plate for a small fee. It is tempting I must say...$24 "For road, street, and highway purposes". As much as that is a tempting offer. I need to turn it down. Things have been a little tough lately with my second child headed off to college and all, and to be quite honest, the one I received when I purchased the vehicle has a little sentimental value. It's in great condition, I wish you could be here to see it, in fact I had my kids (home from college) and my neighbor take a look at just how beautiful my existing plates are. My son (the eldest child) said 'Dad', (because that's what they call me at home). 'Dad' he said, 'That is one fine looking license plate you got there...all shiny and reflective!'�

'Yup', I said, 'You take care of them and they look good as new'�

'Wish my plate looked as good as that', replied my neighbor. And I want you to know I didn't prompt such a response either.

Tempting offer indeed...I can only imagine that the new ones must be something really special for $24 but you have to budget, budget, budget these days. And then we should consider using precious resources wisely and all...why waste more precious metals when the old plate is perfectly acceptable...and the last thing we want to do is anger the green machine folks with more refuse that would be created if I were to do away with the old plates. And another thing...I wouldn't have to bother the Department of Licensing to the tune of another $20 to keep the same plate number...they have enough to do without me bothering them. Call me old school but I say waste not, want not.

My Neighbor however thinks this is a contrived conspiracy to get more money from us. 'No way!' I said, Gee Dennis..you have to believe our elected official are watching out for us down there in Olympia. There is no way they would try and fool us with hidden taxes...no way, that just wouldn't be ethical at all...no one could be that corrupt!” I have to admit Dennis and my kids gave me that same look that other folks have given me when they think maybe I lost my marbles, but I want you folks to know, I'm on your side. Well, that's about all I have for you, keep up the good work and all, good luck with your license plate sale...maybe next year ok, or better yet, why don't you offer folks on a, 'As needed basis'.

Patrick

And here's the response Patrick got back from the DOL:

Hello Pat,

Back in 1997, law enforcement petitioned the legislature that the reflectorization in the paint on the plates wears off and it was determined at that time that we would all have to replace our license plates every 7 years. This is mandatory plate replacement and it is not an option- you won't be able to renew your registration unless you replace the license plates. They can look fine but they still have to be replaced. If you don't care about being issued a different license plate number, you will submit the total fees listed on the renewal notice itself or if you want to have a new set of license plates with the exact same license plate# you currently have, then you add an additional $20.00 to the total fees listed. It does take about 8 weeks or so to receive the new set of license plates with the same license plate# you currently have.

Thank you,

Vehicle Services

You gotta love your state government in action.