How to Transfer a Car Title in Washington State: A Step-by-Step Guide
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A vehicle title is the document that proves ownership, and learning how to transfer it to a new owner is essential when buying or selling a car.
If you're buying a vehicle from a dealership, they'll handle this process for you. But if you're buying or selling privately, you'll need to understand how title transfer works. Fortunately, transferring a title in Washington State is a fairly simple process, but it's important to get every step right to avoid excess fines and fees.
Introduction to Title Transfers in Washington State
In Washington State, you can transfer a title as a gift, as a sales transaction between a legal owner and a private buyer, or as an inheritance.
In all cases, it's important to note the purchase price ($0 if it's a gift or inheritance) so that you can pay and show proof of sales tax to avoid penalties. After transferring titles, make sure to update your insurance to remain compliant with requirements for auto insurance in Washington State.
Overview of Vehicle Ownership in Washington State
Transferring a car title in Washington State is vital to proving ownership, but the process may be slightly different depending on a few key factors.
Registered Owner vs. Legal Owner
While the registered owner of a vehicle is usually the legal owner, that's not always the case. The registered owner is the person listed on the official government records as the owner, but the legal owner is who actually holds the legal title.
The most common instance in which these two are different is when you're leasing a car or purchased it with financing. Although you're the registered owner, your lender actually holds the title. Therefore, you may not sell the car until you've paid out the lender in full.
Lien Holders
A lien holder is another name for the lender or any other party that holds a legal interest in a financed vehicle. While it's usually a lender, it can also be a third party or an individual with a share of ownership. If you vehicle has a lien on it, you may not legally sell it to another private party.
Preparing for a Title Transfer in Washington
If you're buying or selling a used car, it's smart to get all of your ducks in a row before transferring an auto title in Washington State. The first step is to gather all of the documentation you need.
This includes the Odometer Disclosure Form on the physical title, Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale, and a Notarized Vehicle Title Application. Note that you cannot download an Odometer Disclosure Form — it's a section on the title. If you don't have the physical title, you can get a separate form at your local vehicle licensing office. You don't need to fill out an Odometer Disclosure Form if the vehicle model is 2010 or older.
Steps for Transferring Title in Washington State
Once you have all of the documents in order and are ready to move forward with the transaction, here's what to do:
- Seller fills out the Odometer Disclosure Form on the title, if necessary.
- Both buyer and seller complete the Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale form, entering the sale price as zero if it's a gift.
- Both buyer and seller sign the Vehicle Title Application in the presence of a notary public or a licensing agent at a vehicle licensing office.
- Submit the following to a vehicle licensing office:
- Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale
- Vehicle Certificate of Ownership (Title) Application form
- Current vehicle title
- Payment of fees and taxes
- Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest, if necessary
- Affidavit of Inheritance/Litigation, if necessary
- Odometer Disclosure Statement, if necessary
- Get new license plates (unless you're removing a deceased spouse or domestic partner from the title or you inherited the vehicle).
After you've completed the title transfer, remember that car insurance in Washington State is mandatory. You'll need to ensure that the vehicle is added or removed from your policy to get the most up-to-date coverages and premiums.
Title Transfer Fees and Costs
Transfer fees in Washington State depend on the vehicle type and whether or not you use the state's Quick Title service. The standard costs are:
- Truck, car, ORV, or ATV: $42 plus sales tax
- Trailer: $35.50 plus sales tax
- Vessel: $26.50 plus sales tax
The typical timeline to receive the new title is 6 to 8 weeks. However, if you pay an extra $50 at a Quick Title office, you can get the title immediately in person or within a few business days by mail.
Deadline and Compliance for Title Transfer
After you buy a vehicle or receive one as a gift, you must transfer the title to your name within 15 days of the transaction, otherwise you'll pay penalties. On the 16th day, it's a $50 penalty, and then $2 per day after that up to a maximum of $125. So, if you're the new legal owner, transfer the title quickly to avoid extra fees.
Compare Car Insurance Rates Today!
Whether you're buying a new car, selling an old one, or receiving one as a gift, it's vital to understand how the title transfer process works in Washington State to avoid fines and penalties. Likewise, you'll need to update your auto insurance policy to remain compliant with Washington State's insurance laws. Use EverQuote's comparison tools to find the best coverage for the best price.