The state Department of Licensing is making some big changes in auto license plates in Washington. Currently, license plates have six characters (three numbers followed by three letters). But DOL is changing to a system (similar to one used in California) that features seven characters -- a number, a letter, two more numbers and ending with three letters. (Something like this: 1A11AAA). Here is a story about the upcoming change. DOL says the change will start once it runs out of its stock of six-character plates. People should start seeing the new license plates in November or early December. Inmates at the State Penitentiary in Walla Walla continue to make our state’s license plates.