A slowdown in metal license plate production at the Washington Department of Corrections during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a statewide license plate shortage. The Clark County Auditor’s Office and licensing subagents may begin issuing temporary paper permits to passenger vehicles, according to a Clark County news release.
The paper permits would be good for 60 days and can be displayed the same way as a permit issued when buying a car from a dealership. The licensing departments will contact people once the metal plates become available again, according to the news release.
While the shortage is only for passenger cars, the county said truck, trailer and motorcycle plates could also run out before supply ramps back up.
The Department of Corrections has increased staff and outsourced some production out of state beginning July 31 to try to increase production, according to the county.
