Title Check: what a Washington car title really says
No brand, salvage, rebuilt, flood and the other brands this state uses. Each word changes what the car is worth and what you can do with it.
The title is the document that says who owns the car and what serious things have happened to it. Brands and disclosures depend on the issuing jurisdiction’s rules; also review available records from previous states. A branded car can be the right buy at the right price; the problem is paying a no-brand price for one that has a brand.
Title brands and disclosure information in Washington
| Brand or condition | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No brand | An unbranded title does not establish that there were no accidents, flooding or repairs. Review available records and the car’s condition. | Check odometer and listing history, and get a pre-purchase inspection. |
| WA Rebuilt | It was reported destroyed or a total loss and meets the salvage definition: repairs (parts and labor) plus its salvage value made fixing it uneconomical (RCW 46.04.514). It applies to cars under 6 model years old, or 6 to 20 years old worth at least $12,220 before the damage (WAC 308-56A-460, effective August 20, 2026; DOL's salvage page still says $11,780). It was rebuilt and inspected by the Washington State Patrol. It shows as a banner across the title and has a marking on the driver's door pillar; removing it is a felony (RCW 46.12.560). | Can be a good buy if the repair was serious. Ask for the State Patrol inspection papers and the parts invoices (the rebuilder had to present them), and have an independent mechanic inspect the car. |
| Destroyed · Salvage (sin reconstruir / not rebuilt) | The owner or insurer surrendered the title marked "DESTROYED" within 15 days (RCW 46.12.600). It cannot be driven or parked on public roads until a new title is issued after it is rebuilt and inspected. | Not a car to drive; a project. Only at a project price. |
| Repaired - Wrecker/insurance bill of sale | It was destroyed in another jurisdiction, sold on a wrecker or insurance bill of sale instead of a title, then repaired and inspected in Washington (WAC 308-56A-530(4)). | Treat it like a rebuilt car: ask for the damage history, photos and repair invoices. |
| Returned to manufacturer · Nonconformity / Safety defect (corrected or uncorrected) | The maker bought it back or replaced it under the lemon law. The title says whether the defect or safety defect was corrected or not. Before reselling it, the maker or dealer must post a window notice and give you, in writing, an Attorney General form that explains the defect (RCW 19.118.061). | If it says "uncorrected", don't buy it. If it says "corrected", ask for the resale disclosure form and the repair records. |
| Former taxicab · Former for hire · Former exempt | Prior use as a taxi, for-hire vehicle or exempt public-agency vehicle (RCW 46.12.540 and WAC 308-56A-530). A lot of use in few years. | Price by real use, not by model year. |
| Contaminated · Decontaminated | A local health officer declared the car contaminated and barred its use (chapter 64.44 RCW, illegal drug lab contamination). Selling or advertising a car declared unfit is a gross misdemeanor unless it has a release for reuse (RCW 46.12.610). | "Contaminated": don't buy it. "Decontaminated": ask for the health officer's release document. |
| Odometer - Not actual · Exceeds mechanical limits | The dashboard mileage is not the real mileage or rolled past the odometer's limit (WAC 308-56A-530). | Value the car as unknown mileage and check the NMVTIS history. |
| Marcas de otros estados (Flood, Salvage, Junk, Hail, Saltwater…) | Washington carries forward other states' brands onto its title: flood, salvage, junk, hail, saltwater, totaled and others (WAC 308-56A-530(3)). Brands are never removed. | For most buyers: no, especially Flood or Saltwater. If you still consider it, a full electrical inspection. |
| Street rod · Custom · Kit · Assembled | It did not leave the factory this way. Its first title requires a State Patrol inspection (RCW 46.12.560(5)). | Different value and insurance. Confirm with your insurer first. |
The law protects you, if you use it
In Washington the brand is printed on the title and registration and is never removed (WAC 308-56A-530). Also: the buyer of a lemon-law buyback gets the Attorney General resale disclosure form in writing before the sale (RCW 19.118.061); selling a car declared contaminated is a crime (RCW 46.12.610); and the seller must give you the odometer statement (RCW 46.12.665). Check the title and the NMVTIS history before you pay.
How to review the title and available history
- DOL: check which title records are available and how to request them.
- NMVTIS: the federal title-history system. Consumer access is through approved providers; report prices and limitations depend on the service.
- NICB VINCheck: thefts and total losses reported by insurers.
- The paper: ask to see the physical title (or the printed electronic one) before handing over money. The VIN on the title must be the car's, and the name the seller's.
Odometer: the other brand
Where an odometer disclosure is required, review the mileage and any notation of unknown mileage or counter limits. Exemptions exist; check current requirements and compare the odometer with maintenance and inspection records.
How much it changes the price
This guide sets no fixed discount and recommends no individual vehicle price. Consider condition, documented repairs, insurance terms and market context, supported by an independent inspection.
From a guide to the individual vehicle
Sources
- WAC 308-56A-530 — Vehicle brands and comments
- WAC 308-56A-460 — Destroyed or wrecked vehicle, rebuilt, market value threshold
- RCW 46.04.514 — Salvage vehicle
- RCW 46.12.540 — Title contents, rebuilt brand
- RCW 46.12.560 — Inspection by state patrol
- RCW 46.12.600 — Destruction of vehicle, market value threshold
- RCW 46.12.610 — Contaminated vehicles
- RCW 19.118.061 — Resale of buyback vehicles, disclosure
- WA DOL — Salvaged vehicles
- Washington State Patrol — Out-of-state rebuilt/salvage guide (11-25)
- NMVTIS — National Motor Vehicle Title Information System
- NICB — VINCheck
- NHTSA — Odometer Fraud
- FTC — Buying a Used Car From a Dealer
This guide informs; it is not legal or financial advice, nor an offer, quote or appraisal. Every figure carries its source and date; check it is still current before you decide.