Washington requires you to transfer the title within 15 days of buying or receiving a vehicle, and you do this through the Department of Licensing (DOL), not through a dealer or county office.
The Washington Department of Licensing handles all vehicle title transfers. You cannot transfer a title by mail or online — you must visit a DOL office in person or use an authorized subagent (a private business licensed to handle DOL transactions). The process takes about 15 minutes at the office, though processing the paperwork behind the scenes takes several weeks.
You need the signed title from the seller, proof of your identity, proof of Washington residency, and payment for the title fee. If the vehicle has a lien (a loan against it), the lender's name appears on the title, and you cannot complete the transfer until the lien is released — usually the seller's lender handles this when the loan is paid off, but you should confirm this before you hand over money.
Key Takeaways
- You must transfer the title in person at a Washington Department of Licensing office or through an authorized subagent within 15 days of purchase.
- The seller must sign the title in the correct box, and you must bring the signed title, your ID, proof of residency, and the title fee to the DOL office.
- If the vehicle has a lien, the lender must release it before you can transfer the title — confirm this is done before you buy the vehicle.
- The title fee in Washington varies by vehicle type and weight, so check the DOL website or call ahead to know the exact cost.
- If the seller cannot be present, they can sign a power of attorney form that allows you to transfer the title on their behalf.
What You Need to Bring to the DOL Office
Bring the signed title — this is the document the seller received when they bought the vehicle. The seller must sign in the "Transferor" section (the box labeled for the person selling). If they sign in the wrong box or do not sign at all, the DOL will reject the paperwork and you will have to go back.
You also need a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and proof that you live in Washington. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name must match on both documents.
Bring the title fee. Washington charges different amounts depending on whether the vehicle is a car, truck, motorcycle, or RV, and whether it is new or used. The DOL website lists the current fees, or you can call your local office to confirm the amount before you go. Bring a check or card — most offices accept both, but some subagents may accept only cash.
How to Handle a Lien on the Vehicle
A lien is a legal claim a lender holds on the vehicle until the loan is paid off. The lender's name appears on the title in the "Lienholder" box. You cannot transfer the title to yourself while a lien exists — the lender must release it first.
If you are buying a vehicle with an outstanding loan, the seller's lender releases the lien when the loan is paid off. This usually happens at the closing or shortly after. Ask the seller or their lender when the lien will be released and request written confirmation. Do not hand over the full purchase price until you have proof the lien is released or until you have arranged for the lender to be paid directly at closing.
Once the lien is released, the seller will receive a new title with the "Lienholder" box empty. That is the title you bring to the DOL. If the seller cannot locate the new title, they can request a duplicate from the DOL before you transfer it.
What Happens If the Seller Cannot Be Present
If the seller lives out of state or cannot come to the DOL office with you, they can sign a power of attorney form that authorizes you to transfer the title on their behalf. The form is called a "Vehicle Power of Attorney" and is available on the Washington DOL website.
The seller must sign the power of attorney in front of a notary public — this is a person authorized to witness signatures, usually found at banks, law offices, or UPS stores. The notary stamps and signs the form to confirm they watched the seller sign. You then bring the notarized power of attorney along with the signed title to the DOL office.
This route takes longer because the seller has to find a notary and mail or email you the signed form, but it avoids the need for both of you to be present at the same time.
Visiting a DOL Office Versus Using a Subagent
Washington has DOL offices in most counties, and you can walk in during business hours to transfer a title. Hours vary by location, and some offices are busier than others — calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.
A subagent is a private business (often a car dealership, insurance office, or title service) licensed by the DOL to handle title transfers. Subagents charge a fee on top of the state title fee — usually $10 to $30 — but they may have longer hours or be closer to your home. You can find subagents on the DOL website by entering your county.
Both routes produce the same result: your name on the title. The choice depends on which is more convenient and whether you want to pay the subagent fee to avoid a trip to the DOL office.
What Happens After You Submit the Paperwork
The DOL office or subagent will take your paperwork and give you a receipt. The title does not arrive when ready — processing takes two to four weeks. During this time, you can drive the vehicle, but you should not sell it or transfer it again until the new title arrives in your name.
You will receive the new title by mail at the address you provided. Check it carefully when it arrives: your name should be spelled correctly, the vehicle identification number (VIN) should match the vehicle, and there should be no lienholder listed (unless you financed the purchase and the lender's name should appear there).
If something is wrong on the title, contact the DOL when ready. Errors can complicate future sales or registrations. If the title does not arrive within four weeks, call the DOL office where you submitted the paperwork to check the status.
Transferring a Title When You Inherit a Vehicle
If you inherit a vehicle, the process is different from a purchase. You will need the deceased owner's title, a death certificate, and proof that you are the legal heir (usually a will or court order). Some vehicles may require a court process called probate before the title can be transferred.
Contact the Washington DOL directly to ask what documents you need — the requirements depend on whether the vehicle was left to you in a will, whether there is an estate being settled, and the value of the vehicle. The DOL can tell you whether you need a lawyer or whether you can handle it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the seller lost the title?
The seller can request a duplicate title from the Washington DOL by filling out an process and paying a fee. This takes about two weeks. You cannot transfer the title until the seller has the duplicate in hand and signs it. If the seller is uncooperative, you may not be able to complete the purchase — this is why you should always see the original title before you buy a vehicle.
Can I transfer the title if the vehicle has an outstanding loan I am taking over?
No. The lender must release the lien before the title can be transferred to you. If you are taking over the loan, the lender will release the lien to you (not the seller) once you have been approved and the loan is transferred. Confirm this with the lender before you buy the vehicle.
Do I need to register the vehicle at the same time as transferring the title?
No, but you should do both soon after purchase. Title transfer and vehicle registration are separate transactions at the DOL. You can transfer the title first and register the vehicle later, but you cannot legally drive it without registration. Most people do both at the same visit to save time.
What if I bought the vehicle from a private seller and they will not sign the title?
You cannot transfer the title without the seller's signature. If the seller refuses to sign, you do not own the vehicle legally and should not hand over payment. Walk away from the deal. If you have already paid and the seller refuses to sign, you may need a lawyer to recover your money or force the sale.
How much does a title transfer cost in Washington?
The fee depends on the vehicle type and weight. Cars typically cost less than trucks or RVs. Check the Washington DOL website for the current fee schedule, or call your local office. If you use a subagent, add their service fee on top of the state fee.