Titles

New Vehicles
Purchased In-State
In-state dealers do all licensing for vehicles purchased through them.

Purchased Out-of-State
The following documentation is required:
  • Documentation of the purchase price, either on a bill of sale or invoice from the out-of-state dealer
  • Federal Odometer statement
  • Manufacturers' Statement of Origin (MSO)
  • Name and address of lienholder
  • Notarized signatures of every registered name to be shown on the title. Signatures can be on a title application or added in person at a licensing agency
  • Washington State primary residence address and mailing address, if required
Used Vehicles
Used Vehicles With a Washington State Title
You are required to transfer the title within 15 days of purchase or you will be charged a penalty of up to $100. The following documentation is required:
  • Documentation of purchase price
  • Federal Odometer Statement if the vehicle is 9 years old or newer
  • Name and address of lienholder
  • Notarized signatures of every registered name to be shown on the new title
  • Washington State primary residence address and mailing address, if required
  • Washington State title or affidavit in lieu of title with proper signatures
Used Vehicles With Out-of-State Plates & Documentation
The following documentation is required:
  • A weight slip, if the weight is not shown on the title, is helpful but not required
  • Documentation of purchase price; must be within the range of current blue book value
  • Federal Odometer Statement (FOS) if the vehicle is 9 years old or newer
  • Name and mailing address of lienholder
  • Notarized signatures of every registered name to be shown on the new title
  • Title with proper signatures
  • Washington State primary residence address and mailing address, if required
Leased Vehicles
Leased vehicles are normally titled by the lessor. If you have a problem with the title of a leased vehicle, please contact the Washington State Department of Licensing at 360-902-3770.

New Washington State Resident
If you are a new resident to the State of Washington you are required to license and title your vehicle within 30 days of becoming a Washington resident. The following documentation is required:
  • Federal Odometer Statement (FOS) if the vehicle is 10 years old or newer
  • Out-of-state title. If you have a lien holder who is holding your title you will need a photocopy of the title verifying the name and address of your lien holder and the current registration
  • Washington State primary residence address and mailing address, if required
  • Weight slip for all vehicles unless the shipping weight is on the title or registration. Weight slips can be obtained at San Juan and Orcas Island transfer stations.
Names on the Washington State licensing record will reflect what is on the out-of-state title/registration.