How to transfer a car title in Washington
For private sellers and buyers in Washington. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Washington, the seller signs the title and a bill of sale (unless the price and date are on the title), removes the plates and reports the sale to DOL within 5 days. The buyer files the Vehicle Title Application at a vehicle licensing office within 15 days of the sale.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Washington?
Seller
- Sign a bill of sale with the buyer, unless the sale price and date are on the title.
- Remove your license plates.
- File a Report of Sale within 5 days.
Buyer
- Get the current title, signed by all owners.
- Complete the Vehicle Title Application and the bill of sale.
- Transfer the title into your name within 15 days.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Washington State Department of Licensing before you go: dol.wa.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Washington?
Step 1 · Seller
Find the title.
The car needs a valid title before you can sell it. A replacement takes 4 to 8 weeks; a Quick Title is faster but costs more.
Step 2 · Seller
Sign a bill of sale with the buyer.
You can skip it only if the sale price and date are written on the title.
420-065 · Vehicle/Vessel Bill of SaleStep 3 · Seller
Collect payment and sign over the title.
DOL recommends meeting at a vehicle licensing office to do this.
Step 4 · Seller
Remove your license plates.
Washington sellers must take the plates off the car.
Step 5 · Seller
File a Report of Sale within 5 days.
It protects you from towing charges and other liability caused by the new owner. File online, in person or by mail.
420-062 · Vehicle Report of Sale
The Washington DOL asks buyer and seller to sign a bill of sale, unless the sale price and date are written on the title. dol.wa.gov checked
Washington bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Washington?
Step 1 · Buyer
Get the current title signed by all owners.
DOL suggests calling 360-902-3770 to check that the title is valid and clear of liens.
Step 2 · Buyer
Complete the Vehicle Title Application, but wait to sign it.
Sign it in front of a licensing agent at the office, or in front of a notary if you sign before you go.
Vehicle Title ApplicationStep 3 · Buyer
Complete the bill of sale with the seller.
Enter the sale price. DOL uses it to work out the use tax.
420-065 · Vehicle/Vessel Bill of SaleStep 4 · Buyer
Submit your forms within 15 days.
At a vehicle licensing office (title in 6 to 8 weeks) or a Quick Title office (extra $50 fee).
After DOL processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name. See Processing in the At a glance box for how long that takes.
Washington guides
- You're reading this guideSell or buy a carSteps to sell a car in Washington · Steps to buy a car in Washington
- Washington bill of saleOfficial form 420-065
- Gifting a car in WashingtonGiving or getting a car with no money paid
- Replace a lost title in WashingtonReplacement title
- Car title after a death in WashingtonThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names
How much does a title transfer cost in Washington?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title transfer fee | Not confirmed yet | Buyer | dol.wa.gov Checked |
| Quick Title, optional (if it applies) | $50 | Buyer | dol.wa.gov Checked |
| Late transfer penalty, day 16 (if it applies) | $50 | Buyer | dol.wa.gov Checked |
| Late transfer penalty after day 16 (up to $125) (if it applies) | $2 per day | Buyer | dol.wa.gov Checked |
| Report of Sale | Being checked | Seller | dol.wa.gov Checked |
| Use tax | Not confirmed yet | Buyer | dol.wa.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | Not confirmed yet |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Washington State Department of Revenue.
Special cases
Common questions
How long do you have to transfer a car title in Washington?
15 days from the sale. DOL charges a $50 penalty on day 16, then $2 per day, up to $125.
dol.wa.govsource 2 checked
Do I need to report the sale to DOL?
Yes. The seller files a Report of Sale within 5 days. DOL says it protects you from towing charges and other liability caused by the new owner.
dol.wa.gov checked
Does the seller keep the license plates?
Yes. Washington sellers must take the plates off the car.
dol.wa.gov checked
Does the title application need a notary?
Sign the Vehicle Title Application in front of a licensing agent at the office, or in front of a notary if you sign it before you go.
dol.wa.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official Washington sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Washington State Department of Licensing, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.