Sound Transit’s motor vehicle excise tax (MVET) is collected by the Washington State Department of Licensing as part of vehicle license renewals in the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) District.
Frequently asked questions
How is this transit tax determined and calculated?
The Department of Licensing uses the first published base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of a vehicle for Sound Transit tax purposes, except for commercial trucks and trailers. The Sound Transit tax on these types of vehicles is calculated based on the latest purchase price and year. The tax is also determined by applying a depreciation formula for the vehicle’s current age. To determine the tax calculation, please visit the Department of Licensing's Web site.
If my property is determined to be inside the Sound Transit District and I have not paid the tax for prior years, do I need to pay for the missed years?
No. Sound Transit does not back-bill for previous-year taxes. However, from this point on the Sound Transit tax must be paid.
What vehicles are exempt from the Sound Transit tax?
Visit the Department of Licensing's Web site for the list of exempt vehicles.
If I moved during the period the RTA tax was collected, how can I ensure I receive the refund check?
To make sure you receive a refund, check with the Department of Licensing to ensure they have your current address. This may be done on their Website or by visiting a local licensing office. You will need either your plate number or VIN number to make this change. Also, you should file a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service.
Who can I contact for more information?
You may contact the following for more information:
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9037
Olympia, WA 98507
Telephone: 1-360-902-3833
Fax: 1-360-664-0831
Sound Transit
401 South Jackson Street
Seattle, WA 98104
Telephone: Toll-free 1-877-755-4550
Fax: 206-398-5223
E-mail: Main@soundtransit.org
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9037
Olympia, WA 98507
Telephone: 1-360-902-3833
Fax: 1-360-664-0831
Sound Transit
401 South Jackson Street
Seattle, WA 98104
Telephone: Toll-free 1-877-755-4550
Fax: 206-398-5223
E-mail: Main@soundtransit.org
Who pays for Regional Transit?
Sound Transit is authorized by the state to impose voter-approved taxes to plan, build and operate the regional mass transit system. These taxes include a sales and use tax and a 0.3 percent MVET “car tab” tax. These taxes, collected by the DOL, are levied only in the RTA District. The tax equals $30 annually for each $10,000 of vehicle value.
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Does the RTA MVET apply to me?The tax applies to vehicles registered to residents within the RTA District. The first thing you can do to find out if you live within the district is look at the high level district map. See a map of the RTA District >>>
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If you live too close to the boundary and the map doesn’t tell you whether you are inside or outside, there are other easy ways to find out. Search online for your address using the Sound Transit District Address Locator interactive search and mapping site here>>> Contact Sound Transit or the Department of Licensing by phone or mail. See the contact list at the end of this page. |
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What do I need to do if I believe I live outside the district and have paid the MVET?
If you want to confirm whether you live outside the boundary, please check out our address locator Sound Transit District Address Locator or contact Sound Transit by mail or phone, 1-877-755-4550. However, no action is required, refunds will be sent automatically to those affected. Refunds will be mailed within one to two months.
What is the Sound Transit District boundary and how was it determined?
The Sound Transit District includes the most congested urban areas of King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. The district boundary lines generally follow the urban growth boundaries created by each county in accordance with the state Growth Management Act.
In 2002, the Sound Transit boundary was adjusted in some locations in consideration of voter precinct boundaries, city limit lines, and geography. See a map of the RTA District >>>
When I renewed my vehicle license at the Department of Licensing I was assessed an additional charge for the RTA tax. I have never paid this in the past, so why am I charged now?
The Department of Licensing generally collects this tax based on zip code boundaries, but if you live in a zip code that is only partially inside the Sound Transit District, the state uses additional address information to determine if you live inside the RTA. This information is constantly being refined and updated. This is especially true if you live in a newly developed area.
For more assistance, please see the contact list at the end of this FAQ
