The Department of Licensing (DOL) is authorized to issue specialized vehicle license plates to be used in lieu of standard license plates.  A sponsoring organization may pursue the creation of a specialized license plate either by providing an application packet to the DOL for approval prior to pursing legislation or by having legislation passed without submitting an application.

The overall cost of implementing a new special license plate is approximately $30,000 and must be paid back in two years by the sponsoring organization.  The sponsoring organization is required to pay a start-up cost of $6,300 at the time of application that is credited against the overall cost of implementation.  Once the total cost is recouped, the proceeds of the plate sales will be distributed to the sponsoring organization.

The DOL charges a fee of $40 for the original issuance of a set of special license plates, and a $30 fee is charged for the renewal of the set of plates.  The DOL is allowed to retain $12 of the amount paid for special license plate issuance and $2 from the amount paid to renew the plates for administrative expenses.

The Firefighter memorial special license plate is created.  Revenue from the sale of the special license plates is provided to the Washington State Council of Firefighters to be used to benefit firefighters and their families in need.