How to Transfer a Car Title in Washington State

What You Need to Do to Transfer a Car Title in Washington

In Washington State, you transfer a car title through the Department of Licensing (DOL), not through a county office or the dealership. The process involves submitting the current title, a bill of sale, and proof of ownership to DOL, either in person at a licensing office or by mail. Most transfers take two to three weeks if you mail them in, or you can walk out the same day if you go to an office in person.

The specific documents and fees depend on whether you're buying from a private seller, trading in at a dealership, inheriting a vehicle, or receiving one as a gift. Washington does not have a sales tax on used vehicles, but you will owe a $10 title transfer fee and a $5 service fee, plus any registration renewal costs if your registration is expiring.

Key Takeaways

Submit the signed title, bill of sale, and proof of ownership to the Washington Department of Licensing in person or by mail.
The title transfer fee is $10, plus a $5 service fee, and you may owe registration renewal fees depending on your vehicle's expiration date.
If you buy from a private seller, you need their signature on the title and a bill of sale showing the purchase price; dealerships handle some paperwork for you.
You have 15 days from the purchase date to submit your transfer paperwork, though waiting longer does not prevent the transfer.
If the title is lost, out of state, or held by a lender, contact DOL before visiting an office to confirm what documents you will need instead.

Buying From a Private Seller in Washington

When you buy a car from a private person, you need the seller's signature on the back of the title in the "Seller's Signature" box. The seller must also sign a bill of sale, which is a straightforward document showing the buyer's name, seller's name, vehicle details, and the price paid. Washington does not have an official bill of sale form, so you can write one yourself or use a template from the DOL website.

Bring or mail the signed title, the bill of sale, and your proof of ownership (such as a driver's license or passport) to any DOL office. You will also need to show proof of a safety and emissions inspection if the vehicle is more than four years old, unless it is exempt (such as a vehicle over 25 years old). If you cannot go in person, mail the documents to the address on the DOL website for your region, along with a check or money order for the $15 transfer fee plus any registration costs.

Buying From a Dealership in Washington

Dealerships in Washington handle much of the paperwork for you, but you still need to understand what happens. The dealership will prepare the title transfer documents and often submit them to DOL on your behalf. However, you are responsible for reviewing and signing the title before the dealership submits it, and you should verify that all information is correct.

Ask the dealership whether they will submit the paperwork or whether you need to do it yourself. Some dealerships include this service in the sale price; others charge a documentation or processing fee. If the dealership is submitting the paperwork, confirm the timeline — most dealerships submit within a few days, but you should receive your new title within three weeks. If you are submitting it yourself, follow the same process as a private sale: bring the signed title, bill of sale, and proof of ownership to DOL.

Inheriting or Receiving a Vehicle as a Gift

If you inherit a vehicle, the title transfer process depends on whether the vehicle has a lien (a loan against it). If there is no lien, you will need the title, a bill of sale showing $0 as the purchase price, and proof of your relationship to the deceased (such as a death certificate and will, or a court order if there is no will). Contact DOL before submitting to confirm what documents they need in your specific situation.

If someone gives you a vehicle as a gift, the process is similar to a private sale, except the bill of sale shows $0 as the purchase price. You still need the donor's signature on the title and on the bill of sale. Some people worry that showing $0 will trigger extra scrutiny, but Washington does not tax used vehicle sales, so this is standard and expected. Bring the same documents to DOL as you would for any other transfer.

What to Do If the Title Is Lost, Out of State, or Held by a Lender

If the current owner lost the title, they can request a duplicate from DOL before selling the vehicle to you. This takes about two weeks. If the title is held by a lender (the vehicle is financed), the lender must sign the title or provide a lien release document before the title can be transferred to you. Ask the seller to contact their lender and request the lien release; most lenders can email or mail this to the seller within a few business days.

If the vehicle was previously registered in another state, you will need to obtain that state's title before transferring it in Washington. Contact the other state's motor vehicle department and request a certified copy of the title. This can take two to four weeks depending on the state. Once you have it, bring it to Washington DOL along with your other transfer documents. Do not attempt to transfer a title from another state without obtaining the actual title first — DOL will not process the transfer without it.

Where to Submit Your Paperwork and How Long It Takes

You can submit your title transfer in person at any Washington Department of Licensing office, or by mail to the regional DOL office that serves your county. The DOL website lists all office locations and their hours. If you go in person, bring the original title, bill of sale, proof of ownership, and payment (cash, check, or card depending on the office). Most offices process transfers the same day, and you will receive a temporary registration document on the spot.

If you mail your paperwork, include the original title, bill of sale, proof of ownership, and a check or money order for the $15 transfer fee plus any registration renewal fees. Mail to the address listed on the DOL website for your region. Processing by mail takes two to three weeks. You can track your process status on the DOL website using your driver's license number. Your new title will arrive by mail once processing is complete.

Registration and Inspection Requirements

When you transfer a title in Washington, you may also need to renew your vehicle registration if it is expiring within 30 days. Registration renewal costs vary based on the vehicle's age, weight, and type, but typically range from $30 to $50 for a standard passenger car. You can renew registration at the same time you transfer the title, or you can do it separately later.

If the vehicle is more than four years old, you will need proof of a safety and emissions inspection completed within the past 12 months. You can have this inspection done at any licensed inspection station in Washington before you submit your title transfer. Vehicles over 25 years old, electric vehicles, and some other types are exempt from emissions testing. Ask the inspection station or DOL whether your vehicle needs both tests or just the safety inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to transfer the title after I buy the car?

Washington law says you should transfer the title within 15 days of purchase, but there is no penalty for transferring it later. However, you should not delay — the longer you wait, the more time passes before you are officially the registered owner, which can complicate insurance claims or disputes with the seller.

What if the seller's signature on the title is missing or illegible?

If the signature is missing or clearly illegible, DOL will reject the transfer. Ask the seller to sign again in the correct box, or contact DOL to ask whether they can accept a notarized statement from the seller instead. Do not attempt to forge or alter a signature — this is fraud.

Do I need to notarize the bill of sale or title?

Washington does not require notarization for a bill of sale or title transfer between private parties. However, if the seller is not present when you submit the paperwork, or if there is any question about the signature, having the signature notarized can prevent delays. Some DOL offices have notaries on staff, or you can visit a bank or notary public before submitting.

Can I transfer the title if the vehicle has an outstanding loan?

No, not until the lien is released. The lender must sign the title or provide a lien release document. Once the loan is paid off, the lender will release the lien, and you can then transfer the title. If you are buying a vehicle with an outstanding loan, the seller should pay off the loan before the sale closes, or the lender should agree to release the lien once you provide proof of payment.

What happens if I submit the wrong documents or incomplete paperwork?

DOL will return your paperwork by mail with a letter explaining what is missing or incorrect. You can then resubmit with the correct documents. This adds one to two weeks to the process. To avoid this, double-check that the title is signed in the correct box, the bill of sale shows the correct vehicle information and purchase price, and you have included proof of ownership and payment.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.