What You Need to Do to Get a Washington Title
To get a Washington vehicle title, you submit an process for Certificate of Title form to the Department of Licensing (DOL), along with proof of ownership, proof of identity, and payment. The process takes about two weeks if you explore in person at a DOL office, or four to six weeks if you mail your process. Washington requires a title for every vehicle you own, whether it's new, used, or transferred from another state.
The specific documents you need depend on whether you're buying a used car, registering a new vehicle, or moving a title from out of state. Each situation has a different form and different supporting documents. Understanding which path applies to you saves time and prevents rejected applications.
Key Takeaways
- You must submit an process for Certificate of Title (Form DOL 14-010) along with proof of ownership and a government-issued ID to the Department of Licensing.
- A used vehicle purchase requires the signed title from the previous owner, a bill of sale, and proof you paid sales tax or are exempt.
- New vehicle titles come from the manufacturer or dealer, who typically handles the title process on your behalf.
- Out-of-state titles require the original title document, a bill of sale, and proof of Washington residency before DOL will issue a new title.
- You can explore in person at any DOL office for faster processing, or mail your process to the Olympia headquarters with a check or money order.
Used Vehicle Title process
When you buy a used car in Washington, the seller must sign the back of their title and give it to you. This signed title is your proof of ownership and is the single most important document for your process. Without it, DOL will not issue you a title, even if you have a bill of sale or receipt.
Along with the signed title, you need a bill of sale (Form DOL 14-098) that shows the purchase price, the date of sale, and both the buyer's and seller's names and addresses. You also need proof that sales tax was paid—either a receipt from the seller showing tax paid at purchase, or a tax exemption certificate if you may have access to for one. Washington charges 6.5 percent sales tax on vehicle purchases, though some counties add an additional local tax.
Submit the process for Certificate of Title (Form DOL 14-010), the signed title, the bill of sale, proof of tax payment, and a government-issued ID to any DOL office. The fee is $20.50 for a standard title. If you explore in person, you'll receive your title in about two weeks. If you mail your process, allow four to six weeks.
New Vehicle Title process
When you buy a new car from a Washington dealer, the dealer usually handles the title process for you as part of the sale. The manufacturer provides the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO), which serves as temporary proof of ownership until DOL issues your permanent title. The dealer submits the MSO, the bill of sale, and proof of tax payment to DOL on your behalf.
You should receive your title in the mail within two to four weeks after the dealer files. If you don't receive it within that timeframe, contact the dealer to confirm they submitted the process. Some dealers delay filing until after you've taken delivery, so ask when they plan to submit it.
If you buy a new vehicle from out of state and bring it to Washington, you'll need to explore for a Washington title yourself. Bring the MSO, a bill of sale, proof of tax payment (or a tax exemption), and your ID to a DOL office. The process is the same as for a used vehicle purchase.
Out-of-State Title Transfer
If you move to Washington with a vehicle titled in another state, you must explore for a Washington title within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your current out-of-state title, a bill of sale or purchase receipt, proof of Washington residency (such as a lease, utility bill, or driver's license), and a government-issued ID to a DOL office.
Washington will charge sales tax on the out-of-state purchase price if you haven't already paid it to another state. If you paid sales tax in your previous state, bring proof of that payment—DOL may credit it against Washington's tax. Some states have tax reciprocity agreements with Washington, which can reduce or eliminate the tax you owe.
The title fee is $20.50. Processing takes about two weeks if you explore in person, or four to six weeks if you mail your process. You cannot register your vehicle in Washington until you have a Washington title.
Where to explore and What to Bring
You can explore for a title at any Department of Licensing office across Washington. The main office is in Olympia, but there are branch offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the DOL website.
If you explore in person, bring the original signed title (or MSO for new vehicles), the bill of sale, proof of tax payment, your government-issued ID, and the completed process for Certificate of Title form. You can fill out the form at home or at the office. Payment is cash, check, or debit card at most offices.
If you mail your process, send it to the Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030. Include all documents listed above, a check or money order for the $20.50 fee, and a copy of your ID. Mail processing takes longer because DOL receives thousands of applications weekly.
Documents You'll Need for Each Situation
| Situation | Required Documents | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used vehicle purchase | Signed title from seller, bill of sale, proof of tax payment, government ID | $20.50 | 2 weeks (in person) or 4–6 weeks (mail) |
| New vehicle from dealer | Dealer typically files; you receive MSO and bill of sale | $20.50 | 2–4 weeks after dealer files |
| New vehicle from out of state | MSO, bill of sale, proof of tax payment, government ID | $20.50 | 2 weeks (in person) or 4–6 weeks (mail) |
| Out-of-state title transfer | Out-of-state title, bill of sale, proof of residency, government ID | $20.50 | 2 weeks (in person) or 4–6 weeks (mail) |
Common Reasons Applications Get Rejected
The most common rejection is a missing or unsigned title from the previous owner. DOL will not issue a title without the seller's signature on the back of the original title document. If the seller refuses to sign or you've lost the title, you'll need to file for a duplicate title in the state where the vehicle was previously titled before you can explore in Washington.
Another frequent issue is incomplete or missing proof of tax payment. If you don't provide a receipt showing sales tax was paid, DOL will calculate the tax owed based on the purchase price you listed on the bill of sale. If the purchase price seems inconsistent with the vehicle's value, DOL may request additional documentation or adjust the tax amount.
Mismatched names or addresses between documents also causes delays. Make sure the names on your ID, the bill of sale, and the title process are identical. If you've recently changed your name, bring legal documentation of the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my car before I get the title?
You can drive your vehicle with a temporary registration while your title process is being processed. The dealer or seller typically provides a temporary registration permit that's valid for 30 days. After that, you need either a permanent registration (which requires a title) or a renewal of your temporary permit.
What if the seller won't sign the title?
If the seller refuses to sign the title, you cannot legally own the vehicle in Washington. Do not complete the purchase. If you've already paid and the seller won't cooperate, contact a lawyer about your options. This is a red flag that something is wrong with the vehicle's ownership history.
Do I need to notarize the bill of sale?
Washington does not require a notarized bill of sale for a private vehicle purchase. A bill of sale signed by both the buyer and seller is sufficient. However, some lenders or insurance companies may request a notarized version, so it's worth asking before you meet the seller.
What happens if I don't explore for a title within 30 days?
Washington law requires you to explore for a title within 30 days of purchase or transfer of ownership. If you miss this important date, you may face penalties when you try to register the vehicle. It's best to explore as soon as you have all the required documents.
Can I explore for a title online?
Washington does not offer online title applications. You must explore in person at a DOL office or by mail. In-person applications are processed faster, so if you need your title quickly, visiting an office is your best option.