Washington title and registration, step by step

Which forms, which fees and which deadlines. For a car bought in the state and for one you bring from another.

In Washington the title is issued by Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). Washington issues paper titles. If there is a loan, the lender can hold an electronic record while the lien lasts; when it is released, DOL prints the paper title and mails it to the owner. To sell, the seller signs the release of interest on the title and the buyer takes it to a licensing office; the new title arrives in 6 to 8 weeks.

Where it happens. At a vehicle licensing office, which in Washington are county or DOL subagent offices. They are walk-in only. A Quick Title office gives you the title the same day for an extra $50, but it is not available for cars with "WA Rebuilt" on the title, insurance- or wrecker-destroyed cars, or cars reported stolen. You can also apply by mail, especially if you bought out of state. Confirm the deadline and the event that starts it for your transaction: a purchase, receipt of the signed title or a move into the state can have different rules. Late-fee information in the state sources: $50 on the 16th day, plus $2 per day after the 16th day, up to $125; past 45 days it is also a misdemeanor, a separate offense for each day (RCW 46.12.650(8)).

Case 1: you bought a car in Washington (private seller)

What the seller hands you

• The title with the transfer section completed: your name and address, sale price, date, odometer reading and the seller's signature (both owners if two names are joined by "and").
• If there was a loan: a lien release from the bank, or the lien already removed from the title.
• A bill of sale with VIN, price and signatures. You need it for the sales tax.

What you bring to the office

• The state forms (below), completed.
• The signed title and the bill of sale.
• Applicable insurance or financial-responsibility documents: Minimum liability 25/50/10: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for injuries and $10,000 for property damage (RCW 46.29.090). The insurer must offer you PIP, but you can reject it in writing (RCW 48.22.085).
• Valid photo ID.
• Payment: title, registration, plate and sales tax if not paid yet.

Case 2: you bring a car from another state

• Everything above, plus: A regular out-of-state car does not need a physical VIN inspection. The Washington State Patrol does inspect it ($65) if it was a total loss or salvage (here or in another state), was rebuilt, is titled for the first time as assembled, kit, street rod or custom, or has an altered or missing VIN (RCW 46.12.560).
• The original out-of-state title (or the bank's letter if it holds it for the loan).
• Tax: 6.5% state, plus an extra 0.5% on motor vehicle sales (since January 1, 2026), plus the local rate at your address. In a private sale you pay use tax when you transfer the title at the licensing office. It is based on the car's fair market value; DOL accepts the purchase price if the car's average retail value is under $7,500, or if the price is not more than 20% below that average retail value (WAC 458-20-17802). At a dealer, the trade-in value is subtracted before tax, as long as it is property of like kind and is stated separately on the contract (RCW 82.08.010(1)).

Forms

• TD-420-001 — Vehicle Title Application
• 420065 — Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale (Spanish version available)
• TD-420-062 — Vehicle Report of Sale (seller)
• TD-420-040 — Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest (lost title or release by an owner or lender)

Fees — confirm current amounts (DOL)

Amounts come from the linked state sources and can change. This guide distinguishes source checkpoints from narrow claim reviews; confirm the total for your transaction before you go. A dash means an amount has not been confirmed here.

Sales tax

6.5% state, plus an extra 0.5% on motor vehicle sales (since January 1, 2026), plus the local rate at your address. In a private sale you pay use tax when you transfer the title at the licensing office. It is based on the car's fair market value; DOL accepts the purchase price if the car's average retail value is under $7,500, or if the price is not more than 20% below that average retail value (WAC 458-20-17802). At a dealer, the trade-in value is subtracted before tax, as long as it is property of like kind and is stated separately on the contract (RCW 82.08.010(1)).

If you sell: protect yourself

Listed seller-notice or transfer document: TD-420-062 (Vehicle Report of Sale) or online; $18 fee by mail; RCW 46.12.650(2) says 5 business days, the DOL sell page says 5 days — file within 5 calendar days to stay inside both. Check its conditions and the state process below. The seller removes the plates: they can move them to another vehicle of the same type ($10) or turn them in at a licensing office. The buyer cannot use them and gets new plates at transfer. If you don't go to the office together and will drive the car without plates, buy a 3-day trip permit first. Keep copies of the title, filed notices and handover date to answer later registration, toll or ownership questions.

Mistakes that cost

• Missing the deadline. Check the deadline and consequence for your transaction; filing periods and penalties do not all start from the same event.
• Title with cross-outs or correction fluid. Ask the issuing agency which correction or replacement document it accepts before using it.
• Buying with an "open" title (signed by a previous owner, not the person selling to you). Confirm the ownership chain and the documents the agency requires before paying.
• Showing up without in-state insurance. Confirm the insurance or financial-responsibility documents required for your situation.