How to Transfer a Car Title in Washington State

What you need to transfer a car title in Washington

To transfer a car title in Washington State, you'll submit documents to the Department of Licensing (DOL) — either in person at a local office, by mail, or through an authorized third party like a dealership or title service. The core documents are the signed title certificate from the seller, a bill of sale, and proof of your identity. Washington requires the seller to sign the back of the title in front of a notary public or a DOL employee, which is the step that trips up most people.

The process takes different paths depending on whether you're buying from a private party, a dealership, or inheriting the vehicle. A dealership usually handles the paperwork for you as part of the sale. A private sale requires you to coordinate with the seller on timing and notarization. An inherited vehicle follows probate rules and may need court documents. The fee for a title transfer is currently $20.50, though this can change — confirm the current fee on the DOL website before you go.

Key Takeaways

The seller must sign the back of the title in front of a notary public or DOL employee; a signature alone without notarization will be rejected.
You need the original title certificate, a completed bill of sale (Form 202), and a government-issued photo ID to submit your transfer.
Private sales require coordination with the seller on notarization timing, while dealerships typically handle the paperwork as part of the transaction.
You can submit documents in person at any DOL office, by mail to the Olympia headquarters, or through an authorized third party.
Processing time is typically one to two weeks for mail submissions and same-day or next-day for in-person submissions at a DOL office.

Title transfer for a private party sale

When you buy a car from an individual, the seller must sign the back of the title certificate in the presence of a notary public. This is not optional — DOL will reject the title if it's signed but not notarized. You can find notaries at banks, credit unions, UPS stores, and independent notary services throughout Washington. The seller does not have to be present with you; they can have the title notarized separately and give you the signed certificate.

Once you have the notarized title, complete a bill of sale (Washington Form 202) with the seller. This document records the sale price, date, vehicle identification number (VIN), and both parties' names and addresses. You don't have to use the official form — a handwritten bill of sale with those details is acceptable — but the DOL form is clearer and less likely to cause delays. Bring both the notarized title and the bill of sale to a DOL office with your photo ID and the $20.50 fee, or mail them to the Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030.

Title transfer through a dealership

When you buy from a licensed dealership, the dealer handles the title transfer as part of the sale. You sign documents at the dealership, and they submit the paperwork to DOL on your behalf. This is the simplest path because you don't coordinate with a seller on notarization or manage the mail process yourself. The dealership collects the transfer fee and any applicable taxes and registration costs from you at the time of purchase.

Ask the dealership for a timeline — most submit titles within a few days of the sale, and you'll receive your new title by mail within one to two weeks. Some dealerships offer temporary registration or a temporary permit so you can drive the vehicle legally while the title is being processed. Keep your bill of sale and any paperwork the dealership gives you until you receive the new title in your name.

Title transfer for inherited vehicles

If you inherit a vehicle, the process depends on whether the estate went through probate court. If it did, you'll need a certified copy of the court order or letters testamentary showing you have the right to the vehicle. If the estate was small enough to skip probate (Washington allows this for estates under a certain value), you may need an affidavit of small estate or a similar document from the probate court.

Bring the court document, the original title, your photo ID, and the $20.50 fee to a DOL office. If the deceased's name is still on the title, DOL will remove it and add yours. If you're unsure whether the estate went through probate or what documents you need, contact the probate court in the county where the person died — they can tell you what paperwork to request and how to get certified copies.

Submitting your title transfer process

You have three ways to submit a title transfer: in person at a DOL office, by mail, or through an authorized third party. In-person submission at any DOL office is the fastest — you'll typically receive your new title the same day or within one business day. Bring the original title, bill of sale, your photo ID, and the $20.50 fee. DOL offices are open during standard business hours, and you don't need an appointment.

Mailing your documents takes longer but works if you can't visit an office. Send the original title, bill of sale, your photo ID copy, and a check or money order for $20.50 to the Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and the vehicle's VIN so DOL can match your payment to your process. Processing typically takes one to two weeks from the date DOL receives your envelope.

An authorized third party — a dealership, title service company, or some DMV-type offices — can submit the transfer on your behalf. This costs extra (fees vary by provider) but saves you a trip. The third party collects your documents and fee and handles the submission. Ask what documents they need and whether they'll contact you if something is missing.

What happens after you submit

Once DOL receives your process, they verify that the title is properly signed and notarized, that the bill of sale matches the title, and that your fee is correct. If everything is in order, they issue a new title certificate in your name and mail it to the address you provided. This usually takes one to two weeks for mail submissions.

If something is wrong — a missing signature, a notarization error, or a fee discrepancy — DOL will contact you by phone or mail. Common problems include a seller's signature that wasn't notarized, a bill of sale with a different VIN than the title, or a check that doesn't match the fee amount. If DOL contacts you, respond quickly so your process doesn't sit in a queue. Once your new title arrives, you're the legal owner and can register the vehicle if you haven't already.

Registering your vehicle after the title transfer

A title transfer and vehicle registration are separate processes. You can transfer the title without registering the vehicle, but you cannot legally drive it on Washington roads without current registration. Once you receive your new title, you'll need to register the vehicle with DOL. Registration requires proof of ownership (your new title), proof of insurance, and a registration fee that varies based on the vehicle's age and value.

You can register at the same time you transfer the title if you visit a DOL office in person — ask the staff to handle both at once. If you're mailing the title transfer, you'll need to register separately after you receive your new title. Some people use an authorized third party or a local vehicle licensing office to handle registration, which can be faster than mailing to Olympia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the seller sign the title without a notary present?

No. Washington requires the seller's signature to be notarized — a signature alone will not be accepted. The seller can have the title notarized at a bank, credit union, or notary service, then give you the signed certificate. You do not have to be present for the notarization.

What if the title is lost or damaged?

Contact DOL to request a duplicate title. You'll need proof of ownership, your photo ID, and a fee. This takes one to two weeks by mail. If the title is damaged but readable, you can still use it for a transfer — DOL will issue a new one in your name as part of the process.

How long can I drive the vehicle before the new title arrives?

You cannot legally drive it without current registration. If you transferred the title but haven't registered yet, you're not legal on the road. Register the vehicle at the same time you transfer the title, or when ready after you receive your new title. Some dealerships provide temporary permits that allow driving during the processing period.

What if the seller won't sign the title?

You cannot complete the transfer without the seller's signature. If the seller refuses, you don't legally own the vehicle. Contact the seller and explain that you need their signature notarized to finalize the purchase. If there's a dispute over the sale, you may need to consult a lawyer or small claims court.

Do I need to transfer the title before I register the vehicle?

You should transfer the title first, but you can do both at the same time if you visit a DOL office in person. Registration requires proof of ownership, which is the title in your name. If you try to register before the title is transferred, DOL will ask for the new title before they complete registration.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.