What you need to do to transfer a title in Washington

To transfer a vehicle title in Washington State, you file a Notice of Vehicle Title Transfer (Form REG 130) with the Department of Licensing, along with the signed title document and a completed process for Vehicle Registration (Form REG 130-U). The process takes about two weeks by mail and costs a flat fee that varies depending on whether you're transferring within the state or from out of state. You must complete the transfer within 15 days of purchase — waiting longer can result in late fees.

The title itself is the legal proof of ownership. In Washington, the seller signs the back of the title and gives it to you. You then submit that signed title along with your process to the Department of Licensing, either by mail to Olympia or in person at a local licensing office. The state issues a new title in your name and mails it to you.

Key Takeaways

  • You must file the title transfer within 15 days of purchase, or you will owe a late fee on top of the regular transfer cost.
  • The seller signs the back of the title and gives it to you; you then submit it to the Department of Licensing with Form REG 130-U.
  • You can mail your documents to the Department of Licensing in Olympia or visit a local licensing office in person.
  • The transfer takes roughly two weeks by mail, and you will receive your new title in the mail once approved.
  • If the vehicle has a lien (a loan against it), the lienholder's name appears on the title and must sign off on the transfer.

Documents you need to gather before you start

Collect the signed title from the seller first. This is the document issued by the state showing the seller's name as the registered owner. The seller must sign the back of the title in front of a notary or witness, depending on the title's age and condition. Check the title itself — it will say whether a notary is required.

You also need a completed process for Vehicle Registration (Form REG 130-U), which you can read from the Department of Licensing website or pick up at a licensing office. Fill in your name, address, and vehicle information. If you are financing the vehicle, your lender will provide a Notice of Lien (Form REG 131) that you include with your process.

Bring proof of your identity and Washington residency — a driver's license works for both. If you are registering a vehicle purchased from a private party (not a dealer), you will also need a bill of sale showing the purchase price, though Washington does not require this to be notarized.

Submitting your transfer by mail versus in person

By mail, send your signed title, completed Form REG 130-U, and the transfer fee to the Department of Licensing, Vehicle Services Section, in Olympia. Include a check or money order — the department does not accept credit cards by mail. Processing takes about two weeks from the date they receive your envelope. Mail gets lost occasionally, so consider using certified mail if you are mailing original documents.

In person, visit any Department of Licensing office in Washington. You can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The staff will review your documents on the spot, collect your fee, and give you a receipt. You still receive the new title by mail, but you avoid the postal delay and can confirm when ready that your paperwork is correct.

If you are buying from a dealer, the dealer often handles the title transfer for you as part of the sale. Confirm this before you leave the lot — some dealers charge a processing fee for this service, and you should know the cost upfront.

What happens if the vehicle has a loan against it

If you financed the vehicle, the lender holds a lien on the title, meaning their name appears on the document as the lienholder. You cannot transfer the title to yourself alone until the lien is removed. The lender must sign off on the transfer, and they typically do this by providing a Notice of Lien (Form REG 131) or a letter authorizing the transfer.

Ask your lender for the lien release document before you go to the Department of Licensing. Some lenders mail this automatically when you take out the loan; others issue it only when you request it. Include the lien release with your title transfer process. Once the Department of Licensing processes your process, the new title will be issued in your name only, with no lienholder listed.

If you are paying off the loan early, contact your lender to confirm the payoff amount and ask when they will release the lien. Some lenders release the lien the same day you pay; others take a few business days. Do not submit your title transfer until you have the lien release in hand.

Timing and fees for Washington title transfers

The Department of Licensing charges a flat fee for title transfers. The exact amount depends on the vehicle's age and whether you are transferring from out of state or within Washington. As of 2024, in-state transfers typically cost less than out-of-state transfers. Check the Department of Licensing website or call your local office for the current fee — it changes periodically and varies slightly by county.

You must submit your transfer within 15 days of the purchase date. If you miss this important date, you owe a late fee in addition to the regular transfer cost. The late fee increases the longer you wait, so submit your paperwork as soon as you have the signed title in hand.

Processing by mail takes about two weeks. If you need the title faster — for example, to register the vehicle out of state — visit a licensing office in person. Some offices can issue a temporary registration document the same day, though the permanent title still arrives by mail.

What to do if the title is damaged, missing, or from another state

If the seller's title is damaged or illegible, contact the Department of Licensing before you submit your transfer. You may need to request a Duplicate Title (Form REG 132) from the state where the vehicle was previously registered. This adds time to your transfer, so start this process when ready after purchase.

If the vehicle was previously registered in another state, you still use the same process: submit the out-of-state title, your completed Form REG 130-U, and the transfer fee. Washington will issue a new title in your name. Some states require you to obtain a release or clearance from their Department of Motor Vehicles before transferring out; check the previous state's requirements if the title is unclear.

If the seller cannot locate the title, the Department of Licensing can issue a replacement, but this requires the seller to explore for it first — you cannot do this on their behalf. This delays your transfer significantly, so ask the seller to begin this process before you take possession of the vehicle.

Common mistakes that delay your transfer

The most frequent error is submitting an unsigned title. The seller must sign the back of the title; a signature on the front is not valid. Check that the signature is in the correct box and that the date is filled in. If the title is unsigned when you submit it, the Department of Licensing will mail it back to you, and you will have to resubmit it — this adds two to four weeks to your timeline.

Another common mistake is forgetting to include the lien release if the vehicle is financed. Without it, your process will be rejected. A third error is submitting the wrong form — make sure you are using Form REG 130-U (process for Vehicle Registration), not Form REG 130 (Notice of Vehicle Title Transfer), which is a different document.

Finally, do not wait until day 15 to submit your transfer. Mail delays and processing backlogs can push you past the important date. Submit your paperwork within the first week of purchase to give yourself a buffer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the vehicle before the new title arrives?

Yes, if you have a receipt from the Department of Licensing or a dealer showing the transfer was submitted. This receipt serves as proof of ownership while you wait for the permanent title. Some licensing offices issue a temporary registration document on the spot if you visit in person. Check with your local office about what proof they accept.

What if I bought the vehicle from a private party and do not have a bill of sale?

Washington does not require a bill of sale to transfer a title, so you can proceed without one. However, having a bill of sale protects you by documenting the purchase price and date. If you do not have one, the Department of Licensing will still process your transfer based on the signed title alone.

Do I need to get the title notarized?

It depends on the title's age and condition. The title document itself will indicate whether a notary signature is required. If the title is recent and in good condition, a witness signature may be sufficient. If you are unsure, contact the Department of Licensing or ask the seller to have it notarized — this costs about $10 to $15 and removes any doubt.

What happens if I move to a different county in Washington after buying the vehicle?

You do not need to re-transfer the title. Your title is valid statewide regardless of which county you live in. You do need to update your address with the Department of Licensing when you renew your registration, but this is separate from the title transfer process.

Can someone else submit the title transfer on my behalf?

Yes, if you give them a signed power of attorney or a notarized letter authorizing them to act on your behalf. The person submitting must bring the original signed title, your completed process, and proof of your authorization. Some licensing offices accept this; others require you to appear in person. Call ahead to confirm your local office's policy.