Registering and titling a vehicle in Washington: new residents, purchases and renewals

How to transfer a title and register a vehicle in Washington after buying from a dealer or private seller or moving from another state, when you need new plates, and how to renew or replace your tabs.

Guide · Washington · Vehicle registration · Titles · updated October 29, 2026

Vehicle titles, registration, plates and tabs in Washington are handled by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). You do not get them at a driver licensing office. You get them at a vehicle licensing office. These are subagent offices that register vehicles, issue titles, renew and replace tabs, replace plates, sell trip permits and take reports of sale. The DOL says vehicle licensing offices are walk-in only and do not offer appointments. For questions about a title or tabs, the DOL's vehicle line is 360-902-3770.

Buying from a dealer

If you buy from a dealer, the dealer fills out and files the paperwork for you. You must show the dealer your unexpired Washington driver license so it can register the vehicle in your name, unless state law exempts you from needing one. The DOL also explains how to file a complaint if a dealer you paid in full has not given you the title within 45 days of delivery.

Buying from a private seller

After you buy a vehicle, or receive one as a gift, you have 15 days to transfer ownership into your name. After that, the DOL charges penalties: $50 on the 16th day, then $2 a day, up to $125. The DOL recommends meeting the seller at a vehicle licensing office to do the paperwork and pay. Its steps are:

1. Research the vehicle. Check for recalls with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration using the VIN and plate number. The DOL also mentions buying a history report through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System and getting an independent inspection.
2. Get a trip permit if you need one. If you will drive the vehicle without plates and are not meeting at an office, you must buy a trip permit in person beforehand. The DOL lists it at $36, valid for 3 days.
3. Collect the paperwork. You need the four documents listed after these steps.
4. Submit your forms. You can take them to a vehicle licensing office and get your title in 6–8 weeks. A Quick Title office gives it to you immediately, for an extra fee. You can also mail the forms; call a vehicle licensing office first for the right forms, amount and address.

The four documents for step 3:

• The current title, signed by all owners. Call 360-902-3770 to check that it is valid and free of liens.
• A Vehicle Title Application. Do not sign it until you are in front of a licensing agent who can notarize it, or sign it in front of a notary.
• The odometer disclosure on the title, for model year 2011 or newer.
• A Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale, completed by you and the seller. The sale price on it is used to calculate the use tax. Enter zero for a gift or inheritance.

Quick titles are not available in some cases, including:

• Snowmobiles
• Vehicles reported stolen
• Vehicles destroyed by an insurer or wrecker
• Vehicles with a "WA Rebuilt" brand
• Out-of-state vehicles

Plates after a purchase

Because the vehicle changed owners, you must get new license plates. You do not need new plates, as long as they are Washington plates, if you got the vehicle in one of these ways:

• From your spouse or domestic partner
• As a gift or inheritance from a family member
• From a qualifying family trust
• By removing a deceased spouse or partner from the title

You can get regular mountain-background plates at a vehicle licensing office, or order personalized or special design plates. You can also transfer plates you already own, and fees still apply. To transfer plates, the new vehicle must be titled and registered in your name in Washington, and you must verify your address. You can do it in person or by mail. Order your tabs at the same visit.

Moving to Washington with a vehicle

The DOL says you have 30 days after moving to Washington to get your driver license and register your vehicle. You must get the Washington driver license first. The driver and vehicle offices are separate, so plan for two trips. The Washington driver license and ID card guide covers the license step.

For the vehicle:

• Bring your current title to any vehicle licensing office.
• Write down your odometer mileage before you go.
• If your bank holds the title, call a vehicle licensing office for its fax number, so the bank can fax a copy.
• To do it by mail, call an office for the forms and fees.

At the office you get your plates right away. By mail, they can take up to 3 weeks. The DOL notes that not all vehicle offices accept debit or credit cards, so check first.

Renewing your tabs

Washington tabs expire every year. You can renew:

• Online through License Express, or without logging in
• By mail, if you received a renewal notice
• In person at a vehicle licensing office

You cannot renew until you pay any unpaid tickets or toll fees. The DOL has online calculators for tab fees and for the Regional Transit Authority excise tax. New tabs should arrive by mail within 5 business days. If they have not arrived within 15 days, contact the office you ordered them from. You can sign up for email reminders.

To replace lost or stolen tabs, submit an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest. All registered owners must sign it in front of a notary or a licensing agent. Mail or bring it with a check or money order. The DOL lists the fee as $18.50 for a passenger vehicle, truck or trailer.

Selling a vehicle

As the seller, you must:

• Remove your license plates.
• File a Report of Sale within 5 days of the sale. This protects you from liability for what the new owner does with the vehicle, such as towing charges.

You can file the Report of Sale online, or mail or bring the paper form to a vehicle licensing office with the $18 fee. You and the buyer also sign a bill of sale, unless the price and date are on the title.

For a list of offices, see the Washington office list, and for what to bring to a driver licensing office, see the Washington DOL visit guide.