Washington
Title Fee
$15.00
Sales Tax Rate
6.5%
Other Tax Rate
Who must title a vehicle in Washington?
All registered motor vehicles, trailers, RVs, mopeds, motorcycles, wheelchair conveyances, ORVs, WATVs, campers, and vessels must be titled.
Exempt: Tow dollies, converter gears, golf carts, some farm vehicles, canoes, kayaks, vessels not propelled by motor/sail, vessels <16 ft with ≤10 hp motor (non-federal waters), USCG-documented vessels, snowmobiles.
Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?
Washington Department of Licensing (DOL), via any Vehicle Licensing Office.
Application: Vehicle Title Application (TD-420-001), Vessel Title Application (TD-420-289).
Fee: $15.00 application ($5.00 vessels), $15.00 title service, $5.50 title filing, $6.50 EMS, $3.00 arbitration (new vehicles), $50.00 stolen vehicle check (out-of-state/country). Quick Title: +$50.00.
What documents are needed as proof of ownership?
New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Statement/Certificate of Origin.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title.
Non-title states: Registration; bill of sale/release of interest if not the registered owner.
Government surplus: SF97-1; “Not Suitable for Highway Use” = off-road only.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs, CBP 7501, DOD docs, Canadian Registration (if Canada), English translation if not English.
How are special titles or brands handled?
Bonded Title: Bond = 1.5x value, valid 3 years, VIN inspection, letters to prior owners, Bonded Title Affidavit (TC-420-008).
Brands: Antique, Contaminated, Decontaminated, Ex-Taxi, Former Exempt, Nonconformity, Odometer, Rebuilt, Repaired, Returned to Manufacturer, Street Rod, WA Rebuilt, and more. Out-of-state brands carried forward.
Salvage: Required for total loss or not economical to repair; title surrendered within 15 days. No Salvage Certificate—must be rebuilt and pass State Patrol inspection before retitling.
Rebuilt: Must be 5 years old or newer or meet value threshold (6–20 years, $11,780+). State Patrol inspection required ($65.00 fee); submit all receipts, documentation, and inspection.
Junk: Junking certificate for vehicles meeting junk criteria; no title for out-of-state Junk/Parts Only/Flood, etc.
How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?
Duplicate: Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest (TD-420-040), $35.50 fee ($26.75 vessels); lienholder must apply if lien is active.
Amended: File title with Certificate of Fact (TD-420-043); $35.50 fee ($26.75 vessels); Quick Title: +$50.00.
Other notes:
Odometer disclosure required for all transfers (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN inspection required for destroyed/totaled vehicles, rebuilt, homemade, glider kit, kit/custom, or as requested ($65.00 fee).
Are electronic signatures accepted?
Yes, for dealers (signature capture software); Docusign/other e-signature with e-notarization allowed (not for odometer statements).
What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?
Sales/Use Tax: 6.5% + local tax (based on seller’s location); 0.3% motor vehicle sales/use tax on all retail sales/rentals/leases.Trade-in credit allowed.
Credit for taxes paid to another state/country.
Exemptions: Nonresidents (trip/use permit or out-of-state delivery), new residents (owned >90 days), gifts, inheritance, spouses, tribal members, certain commercial uses, clean alternative fuel vehicles, and more.
Excise Tax: 1.1% RTA excise tax in some counties; 0.5% annual vessel excise tax for boats ≥16 ft with motor/sail.
Property Tax: On unattached mobile/manufactured homes, state-assessed commercial vessels, some equipment.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Proof required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.
How are liens recorded and perfected?
Title application with lienholder as legal owner; $10.00 fee.
Add later: Application within 10 days; additional lienholders listed after first.
Transitional ownership record allowed if title not available at security interest creation.
How are liens released or assigned?
Lienholder must assign/release on title and send to DOL within 10 days; subordinate lienholder must apply for new title within 10 days.
Release of Interest (TD-420-050) if not released on title; notarized/certified unless secured party is a business.
How does repossession work in WA?
Lienholder may repossess if peaceful; submit notarized Repossession Affidavit (TD-420-042) + title app within 15 days.
Lienholder may assign title to purchaser; repo title not required before transfer.
Out-of-state repossessions: WA forms if repo in WA; must follow home state law if out-of-state.
Other notes:
Personal property liens: Chattel Lien Sale Affidavit (TD-420-072), certified copy of lien filing, certified mail to owners, court order if no record.
Landlord/self-storage: Landlord Lien Affidavit (TD-420-052), Self-Storage Lien Affidavit (TD-420-053), Mobile Home Park Affidavit (TD-420-727).
360.902.3770 or 711 TTY
Enforcement Agency:
Washington Department of LicensingAny Vehicle Licensing Office
360.902.3770 | WA DOL
Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:
Washington State Patrol, 106 11th Ave SW, Olympia, WA 98501
Key Regulations:
Insurance required: $25,000/$50,000/$10,000 minimum; higher for taxis, limos, commercial carriers.
Proof must be carried in vehicle.
Emissions required for 2009+ vehicles in some areas; safety inspection for rebuilt/commercial/some others.
Two plates for most vehicles; one for motorcycles, trailers, etc. Plates usually transferred to new vehicle.
Title records kept 6 years; registration records 6 years.