Resident Military

Washington residents who are members of the armed forces are exempt from paying sales or use tax on motor vehicles and trailers (including travel trailers) if they acquired the vehicle while stationed outside of Washington state. To qualify, you must purchase and take delivery of the vehicle outside of Washington, as well as provide a copy of your orders, bill of sale, and Leave and Earnings Statement (LES).

This exemption does not apply in the following circumstances:

• A person who is called to active duty or training purposes for less than 6 months

• If the vehicle is acquired less than 30 days prior to discharge or release from active duty before returning to Washington

Nonresident Military (NRM)

NRM Regional Transit Authority (RTA) excise tax exemptions apply to the following personnel:

• Active-duty members of the United States Armed Forces

• U.S. Public Health Officers

• National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Personnel (NOAA)

• Coast Guard members living in Washington but assigned to duty in Oregon

To Qualify for the RTA excise tax exemption, the following is required of military members:

• Certify that your home of record is in a state or country other than Washington

• Be the registered owner or co-registered owner of the vehicle for which the RTA tax exemption is sought

• Make a copy of your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) showing the customers home of record and present to a licensing office

• A completed Non-Resident Military Affidavit for Exemption of Excise Tax form TD-420-044(pdf)