Vancouver, Wash. – Due to a statewide license plate shortage, the Clark County Auditor’s Office and nine licensing subagents may begin issuing temporary paper permits to passenger vehicle licensing customers.

The paper permits will be good for 60 days and can be displayed the same way temporary plates are displayed when purchasing a car from a dealer. When metal plates become available customers will be contacted and informed they can pick up their plates at the licensing office.

The shortage is currently impacting passenger plates, but the supply of truck, trailer and motorcycle plates may be impacted prior to the supply chain being fully restored.

Licensing subagents are private businesses overseen by the County Auditor’s Office. They provide vehicle and vessel licensing services in communities across Clark County.

Metal license plates are produced by Department of Corrections (DOC). DOC’s production slowed down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, DOC increased staffing and outsourced production to another state beginning on July 31.

The state Department of Licensing, which oversees vehicle and vessel licensing statewide, is communicating with the county as limited supplies become available. “While we haven’t heard for certain when metal plates will be in full supply, we hope our customers are patient while we work through this and will work with them to get them their metal plates as soon as they are available,” said Greg Kimsey, Clark County Auditor.

Information on licensing services in Clark County, including a list of subagents, is available online at: www.clarkautolicense.org.