What You Need to Do to Transfer a Car Title in Washington
To transfer a car title in Washington, you file a form with the Department of Licensing (DOL) and pay a fee. The process differs slightly depending on whether you are buying a used car, inheriting one, or transferring ownership between family members. In most cases, you will need the current title, a bill of sale, and proof of your identity. The DOL processes title transfers by mail or in person at a licensing office, and you will receive your new title in the mail within two to three weeks.
Washington does not require you to register the vehicle at the same time you transfer the title, though many people do both together to avoid a second trip. The title transfer itself is separate from registration and has its own fee.
Key Takeaways
- You must submit form DOL 343 (process for Title) along with the current title and a bill of sale to transfer ownership in Washington.
- The current owner and new owner must both sign the title in the designated spaces, or the transfer will be rejected.
- You can file by mail to any DOL office or visit a licensing office in person; processing takes two to three weeks by mail.
- The title transfer fee is currently $15, though you should confirm the current fee with DOL before submitting, as fees can change.
- If the title is lost or damaged, you must first request a duplicate title from the previous owner or the DOL before you can transfer it.
Gather the Documents You Will Need
Start by collecting the current title, which the seller must provide to you. The title is a document issued by the DOL that shows who owns the vehicle. If the seller cannot locate the original title, they will need to request a duplicate from the DOL before the transfer can happen. You cannot proceed without it.
Next, you need a bill of sale. This is a written record of the transaction between you and the seller. Washington does not have a required form for the bill of sale, but it must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the signatures of both the buyer and seller. You can write this on plain paper or use a template from the DOL website. The bill of sale protects both parties and serves as proof of the transaction.
You will also need proof of your identity, such as a driver's license or passport. If you are transferring the title to a business or trust, bring documentation showing the legal structure of that entity.
Complete Form DOL 343 and Sign the Title
read or pick up form DOL 343 (process for Title) from the DOL website or any licensing office. This form asks for your name, address, the vehicle information, and the seller's information. Fill it out completely and legibly. Incomplete forms are returned without processing.
On the back of the current title, both you and the seller must sign in the spaces marked for the new owner and current owner. The seller signs first, then you sign. If the title has multiple owners listed, all of them must sign. If the title is held by a lender or lienholder, that lender must also sign or provide a lien release document. This is a common point where transfers stall, so confirm with the seller that they have access to all required signatures before you submit.
Do not write anything else on the title. Do not cross out or white out any information. If you make a mistake, request a duplicate title and start over.
Submit Your Transfer by Mail or In Person
You have two options for filing: mail or in-person visit. By mail, send your completed form DOL 343, the signed title, the bill of sale, a copy of your ID, and the $15 fee (check or money order) to any DOL office. The address for each office is on the DOL website. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DOL receives your packet.
If you visit a licensing office in person, bring the same documents and pay the fee in cash, check, or card. The office will accept your paperwork on the spot, and you will receive a receipt. Processing time is still two to three weeks; you will not receive the new title when ready.
Keep a copy of everything you submit for your records. If your packet is lost in the mail, you will need proof of what you sent.
What Happens While Your Transfer Is Being Processed
After the DOL receives your paperwork, they verify that all signatures are present and that the information matches their records. If something is missing or incorrect, they will mail you a notice asking you to resubmit. This can add one to two weeks to the process, so accuracy matters.
During this time, you can register the vehicle if you have not already. Registration is separate from the title transfer and requires proof of insurance, proof of residency, and a vehicle inspection in some cases. You do not have to wait for the new title to arrive before you register.
Once the DOL approves your transfer, they mail the new title to the address you provided on form DOL 343. The new title will have your name as the owner. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the DOL to confirm they processed your transfer.
Special Situations: Inherited Vehicles, Family Transfers, and Liens
If you inherited a vehicle, you will need the title plus a copy of the death certificate and the will or court order showing you are the heir. Some inherited vehicles may require a probate document from the court. Contact the DOL before you submit to confirm what documents they need for your specific situation.
If you are transferring a vehicle between family members, the process is the same, but you may be able to claim an exemption from sales tax on the bill of sale. Bring documentation of your relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or adoption papers) to prove you may have access to for the exemption.
If the vehicle has a lien (meaning a bank or lender holds the title as collateral for a loan), the lienholder must sign the title or provide a lien release letter. The seller is responsible for obtaining this from their lender. If the lien is not released, the transfer will be rejected and you will not own the vehicle free and clear.
Common Reasons Transfers Are Rejected
The most common reason a transfer is rejected is missing or mismatched signatures. If the seller's signature on the title does not match their signature on the bill of sale, or if a required signature is missing, the DOL will return your paperwork. Make sure all owners and lienholders sign before you submit.
Another frequent issue is incomplete information on form DOL 343. If you leave fields blank or provide an address that does not match your ID, the form will be rejected. Read the form carefully and fill in every required field.
If the VIN on the title does not match the VIN on the vehicle or the bill of sale, the transfer will not be processed. Verify the VIN three times before you submit: once on the title, once on the vehicle itself (usually on the dashboard or driver's side door jamb), and once on the bill of sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get the new title after I submit my paperwork?
The DOL typically processes title transfers within two to three weeks of receiving your complete packet. If your paperwork is missing something, they will mail you a notice, which adds another week or two. Once approved, the new title is mailed to you and usually arrives within a few days.
Can I drive the car while my title transfer is being processed?
You can drive the vehicle if you have registered it and have proof of insurance. The title transfer and vehicle registration are separate processes. You do not need to wait for the new title to arrive before you register and insure the car.
What if the seller lost the original title?
The seller must request a duplicate title from the DOL before you can transfer ownership. They can do this by submitting form DOL 343 with a $15 fee. Once they receive the duplicate, they sign it over to you and you proceed with the normal transfer process.
Do I have to transfer the title and register the vehicle at the same time?
No. You can transfer the title and register separately. However, you cannot legally drive the vehicle without registration and insurance, even if the title transfer is complete. Many people handle both at the same time to reduce trips to the licensing office.
What if I bought the car from a private seller and they refuse to sign the title?
You cannot complete the transfer without the seller's signature. If the seller is unwilling to sign, you do not legally own the vehicle and should not pay for it. Contact the DOL if you believe you have a dispute over ownership; they can provide guidance on next steps.