What you need to do to get a Washington vehicle title
A vehicle title in Washington is the legal document that proves you own a car, truck, or motorcycle. To get one, you submit paperwork to the Department of Licensing (DOL) along with proof of ownership and payment. The process differs depending on whether you're buying from a dealer, a private seller, or inheriting the vehicle — and whether the vehicle already has a title or is new to Washington.
Washington does not issue temporary titles, so you cannot legally drive the vehicle until the title arrives in the mail. The DOL typically processes title applications within 10 to 15 business days, though this can vary during busy periods. You can submit your process in person at a DOL office, by mail, or through an authorized third-party agent like a car dealership or licensing service.
Key Takeaways
- You must submit the correct process form (Form 130 for most vehicles, Form 131 for vessels) along with proof of ownership and a check or money order to the Department of Licensing.
- Private sales require a bill of sale signed by both buyer and seller, while dealer sales use the dealer's paperwork as proof of ownership.
- The title fee in Washington varies by vehicle type and value, ranging from roughly $15 to $250, and must accompany your process.
- You can explore in person at any DOL office, by mail to the address on the process form, or through an authorized agent who handles titles for a fee.
- The DOL will mail your title to the address you provide; there is no option to pick it up in person.
Which form to use and where to find it
The form you need depends on what you're titling. For cars, trucks, motorcycles, and most other vehicles, use Form 130: process for Title. If you're titling a vessel (boat), use Form 131: process for Vessel Title. Both forms are available on the Washington Department of Licensing website under the "Forms" section, or you can pick up a printed copy at any DOL office.
Fill out the form completely with your name, address, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the vehicle's description. If you're buying from a private seller, you'll also need to list the seller's name and address. Sign and date the form — unsigned applications are rejected and returned.
Proof of ownership: what the DOL will accept
The DOL needs to see that you legally own the vehicle. What counts as proof depends on where the vehicle came from.
For a private sale: You need a bill of sale signed by both you and the seller. Washington does not have a required bill of sale form, but the document must include the vehicle's VIN, the sale price, the date of sale, and the signatures of both parties. You can write this on plain paper or use a template from the DOL website.
For a dealer purchase: The dealer provides the paperwork — usually a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) for new vehicles or a reassignment form for used vehicles. The dealer signs this and gives it to you; you submit it with your title process.
For an inherited vehicle: You need a copy of the death certificate and either the will or a court order showing you inherited the vehicle. If the deceased person's name is on the title, you may also need to submit that title along with the inheritance documents.
For a vehicle with no title on file: If the vehicle was never titled in Washington or the previous title is lost, you'll need an affidavit of ownership (Form 14-015) signed by you and a witness who can confirm you own the vehicle.
Title fees and payment methods
Washington charges a title fee based on the vehicle's value and type. The fee is not a flat amount — it varies. For most passenger vehicles, the fee ranges from around $15 to $250 depending on the vehicle's age and assessed value. Motorcycles, trailers, and vessels have different fee schedules. You can find the exact fee for your vehicle on the DOL website by entering the vehicle type and year, or by calling the DOL at 360-902-3900.
Pay by check or money order made out to "Department of Licensing." Do not send cash. If you're explore in person at a DOL office, you may also be able to pay by card, but policies vary by location — call ahead to confirm. Include the payment with your process whether you're mailing it or submitting it in person.
How to submit your process
You have three ways to submit a title process in Washington.
In person at a DOL office: Bring the completed Form 130, proof of ownership, your payment, and your driver's license or ID. You can walk in during business hours at any DOL office. The office staff will review your documents on the spot and tell you if anything is missing. Processing still takes 10 to 15 business days after submission.
By mail: Send the completed form, proof of ownership, and payment to the address listed on the process form (typically the DOL's Olympia office). Include a copy of your driver's license or ID. Mail takes longer overall because of transit time, so allow an extra week. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
Through an authorized agent: Car dealerships, title services, and some licensing offices are authorized to submit title applications on your behalf. They charge a fee (usually $10 to $50) for this service. The agent collects your documents and payment and submits them to the DOL. This is often the fastest route if you're buying from a dealer, since they handle it as part of the sale.
What happens after you submit
Once the DOL receives your process, they review it for completeness and accuracy. If something is missing or incorrect, they'll mail you a notice asking you to resubmit or provide additional documents. This can add 5 to 10 days to the process. If everything is in order, they process the process and mail your title to the address you provided.
The title arrives as a single document in a standard envelope. There is no tracking number, so you cannot check the status online. If you haven't received your title within 20 business days of submission, contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 to confirm it was received and processed.
Once you have the title, keep it in a safe place. You'll need it if you sell the vehicle, refinance a loan, or transfer ownership. If the title is lost or damaged, you can request a duplicate by submitting Form 130 again with a $5 fee.
Special situations: rebuilt titles and out-of-state vehicles
If you're titling a vehicle that was previously declared a total loss or salvage, Washington requires a rebuilt title. You cannot straightforward explore for a regular title. Instead, you need to submit Form 130 along with proof that the vehicle has been repaired and inspected by an authorized mechanic. The DOL will issue a rebuilt title, which is marked differently and may affect the vehicle's resale value.
If you're moving to Washington with a vehicle titled in another state, you do not need to transfer the title when ready. However, once you establish residency and register the vehicle in Washington, you must obtain a Washington title within a certain timeframe (typically 30 days of registration). Contact your local DOL office for the specific important date in your county.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive the vehicle before the title arrives?
No. Washington does not issue temporary titles or temporary permits for vehicles. You cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads until you receive the title in the mail. If you need to move the vehicle before the title arrives, you must arrange for a tow or transport.
What if I bought the vehicle but the seller never signed the bill of sale?
Contact the seller and ask them to sign a bill of sale retroactively. If the seller is unavailable or unwilling, you can submit an affidavit of ownership (Form 14-015) signed by you and a witness who can confirm the sale took place. The DOL will review this, though it may delay processing.
Do I need to get the vehicle inspected before I explore for a title?
Not for a standard title. However, if the vehicle is a rebuilt vehicle (previously salvaged), you must have it inspected by an authorized mechanic and submit proof of inspection with your process.
How long does it take to get a title if I explore in person versus by mail?
Processing time is the same — 10 to 15 business days from the date the DOL receives your process. explore in person is faster overall because you avoid mail transit time, and the office staff can catch errors when ready. By mail, you add several days for delivery both ways.
What if I'm buying a vehicle from a dealer — do I still need to fill out Form 130?
The dealer typically fills out and submits Form 130 for you as part of the sale. However, you should confirm this before leaving the dealership. Ask the dealer when you can expect to receive your title, and get a receipt showing your process was submitted.