What you need to get a Washington vehicle title

Washington State issues vehicle titles through the Department of Licensing (DOL). To get a title, you'll submit an process form, proof of ownership, and identification to your local DOL office or by mail. The process takes roughly two to four weeks if you submit everything correctly the first time.

You need a title if you own a vehicle registered in Washington, whether you bought it new, used, or inherited it. If you're buying a used vehicle from a private seller, the seller must sign the back of their title and give it to you before you can explore for one in your name.

Washington does not issue temporary titles, so there's a gap between when you own the vehicle and when the title arrives. During that time, your registration serves as proof of ownership for driving purposes.

Key Takeaways

  • The Department of Licensing processes all Washington vehicle titles, and you can submit your process in person at any DOL office or by mail to the Olympia headquarters.
  • You must provide the signed title from the previous owner, a completed process for Title form, and a government-issued photo ID.
  • If you're buying from a private seller, make sure they sign and date the back of the title before you leave—unsigned titles are rejected.
  • The title typically arrives four to six weeks after the DOL receives your complete process, so plan ahead if you need it for a sale or loan.

Documents you'll need to submit

Start with the process for Title (Form DOL 14-001), which you can read from the Washington Department of Licensing website or pick up at any DOL office. Fill it out completely, including the vehicle identification number (VIN), current odometer reading, and your name and address.

Next, you need the signed title from the previous owner. If you bought the vehicle, the seller must sign the back of their title and write the date. If the title is lost or damaged, the previous owner can request a duplicate from DOL before signing it over to you. If you inherited the vehicle, you'll need the title plus a death certificate and proof that you're the legal heir.

Bring a government-issued photo ID—a Washington driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you're explore by mail, include a photocopy of the front and back of your ID. You'll also need to pay the title fee, which is currently $20 for a standard title in Washington (fees can change, so check the DOL website before submitting).

If the vehicle has a lien on it (meaning a bank or lender owns it until you pay off the loan), the lienholder's name will appear on the title. You can still explore for a title in your name, but the lien will transfer to your new title until the loan is paid off.

Where and how to submit your process

You have two options: submit in person at a Department of Licensing office or mail your process to the DOL headquarters in Olympia. Washington has DOL offices in most counties, and you can find the nearest one on the DOL website by entering your city or zip code.

If you go in person, bring the original signed title, the completed process form, your photo ID, and payment. The staff will check your documents on the spot and tell you if anything is missing. Processing takes about two to four weeks from the date they receive your process.

To submit by mail, send the signed title, completed process, a photocopy of your ID (front and back), and a check or money order to the Department of Licensing, Vehicle Services Division, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030. Include a return address on the envelope. Mail processing typically takes four to six weeks because of postal delays plus processing time.

What happens after you submit

The DOL will review your process and documents. If everything is complete and correct, they'll issue the title and mail it to the address you provided. If something is missing or incorrect, they'll send you a notice asking you to resubmit or provide additional information. This delays the process by another two to four weeks.

While you're waiting for the title, your vehicle registration serves as proof of ownership. You can drive the vehicle legally with your registration and insurance. If you need to sell the vehicle before the title arrives, you can request that the DOL mail the title to the buyer instead—contact DOL to make this change.

Once the title arrives, keep it in a safe place. You'll need it if you sell the vehicle, get a loan against it, or transfer it to another person. If you lose the title later, you can request a duplicate from the DOL for a $20 fee.

Special situations: inherited vehicles and out-of-state purchases

If you inherited a vehicle, the process is similar but requires extra documents. You'll need the original title, a certified copy of the death certificate, and proof that you're the legal heir (such as a will, probate court order, or affidavit of heirship). The requirements depend on whether the vehicle has a lien and the size of the estate, so contact your local DOL office or the probate court for guidance.

If you bought a vehicle out of state and are moving it to Washington, you'll need to get a Washington title. Bring the out-of-state title, the bill of sale, your photo ID, and the completed Washington process form. If the out-of-state title is in someone else's name, you'll need a signed bill of sale from that person. Some states don't issue titles for older vehicles, so check with the DOL if you're unsure whether your vehicle has a title in its home state.

Common reasons applications get rejected

The most frequent problem is a missing or unsigned title from the previous owner. If the seller didn't sign the back of the title or didn't write the date, the DOL will reject the process. Go back to the seller and have them sign it before resubmitting.

Another common issue is incomplete information on the process form. Make sure the VIN matches the vehicle exactly, the odometer reading is accurate, and your name and address are filled in completely. Handwriting should be legible—if the DOL can't read a number or letter, they'll ask you to resubmit.

If the vehicle has a lien, some applicants forget to include the lienholder's information. The lender's name and address should appear on the title, and you'll need to provide that information on your process so the lien transfers correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Washington title?

If you submit in person with all correct documents, the DOL typically processes it in two to four weeks. If you mail it, add one to two weeks for postal time, so four to six weeks total. If anything is missing, the DOL will contact you and the timeline resets.

Can I drive my vehicle before the title arrives?

Yes. Your registration is proof of ownership while you wait for the title. You can drive legally with your registration and insurance. The title is needed only when you sell the vehicle, refinance a loan, or transfer ownership.

What if the previous owner won't sign the title?

You cannot get a title without the previous owner's signature. If you bought the vehicle and the seller refuses to sign, you have a legal dispute that may require small claims court or a lawyer. Do not give money until you have the signed title in hand.

Do I need to register my vehicle before I get the title?

No. You can register and title a vehicle at the same time, or title it first and register it later. Many people do both at once to save a trip. Check the DOL website for current registration fees and requirements.

What if I bought the vehicle from a dealership instead of a private seller?

Dealerships handle the title transfer for you as part of the sale. They submit the paperwork to the DOL on your behalf. You'll receive the title in the mail within a few weeks. Make sure the dealership gives you a receipt showing they've submitted your process.