WA SB5444

Imposes a moratorium on new special license plate applications until January 1, 2029, except for plates created under this act, while requiring the Department of Licensing to convene a work group to review and recommend improvements to the special license plate process by January 1, 2028

Creates 17 new special license plate types including Keep Washington Evergreen, State Sport (pickleball), Donate Life, Firefighter Memorial, Seattle Reign FC, Working Forests, and others, with phased issuance beginning November 1, 2025

Sets special license plate fees at $40 initial and $30 renewal for most plates, with the department retaining up to $12 for initial issue and $2 for renewal to cover administrative costs

Increases personalized license plate renewal fees from $42 to $52, matching the initial fee amount

Redirects special license plate revenue from several Seattle sports teams (Mariners, Seahawks, Sounders FC) away from the Washington State Leadership Board's sports mentoring program to the teams' own charitable foundations, and repeals the statutory sports mentoring program