Change your name or address: Vehicle registration

Select a topic:

• Changing the address for your vehicle
• Changing your name on your vehicle title
• Changing the business name on a company vehicle

Changing the address for your vehicle

Washington residents are now required by law to have their primary residence street address on their vehicle’s registration record. You may also indicate an alternate mailing address.

You must provide your residence address unless you meet any of the following exceptions:

• You are exempt from paying motor vehicle excise tax or fees.
• Your vehicle is exempt by law from motor vehicle excise tax or fees.
• You are homeless.

Businesses must also add the street address of their Washington principal place of business to the vehicles registered to their business.

How to change the address for your vehicle

• Change your address online.
• Change your address in person at any vehicle licensing office.

Driver license address changes

You may also need to change your address on your driver license. Updating the address on your vehicle registration doesn’t automatically change your address on your driver license.

Boat address changes

If you need to update the address on your boat, you must visit a vehicle licensing office in person.

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Changing your name on your vehicle title

You must update your name on your vehicle title if your name changes due to marriage or any other reason. Changing your name on the title will also change your name on the registration.

Note: If there is a lien holder on the vehicle (for example, if you are paying off a loan on your vehicle), you must make arrangements to change your name on your title through the lien holder and not the Department of Licensing.

How to change your name on your vehicle title

• In person: Visit your local vehicle licensing office. The licensing agent will help you through the process.
• By mail:
  1. Make sure you have the current Washington title for the vehicle.
  2. Get a certified copy of any court order related to your name change.
  3. Complete a Name Change Affidavit.
  4. Complete a Vehicle Certificate of Ownership (title) Application.
  5. Send the title, court order copy, completed forms, and a check or money order for the $9 title fee to a vehicle licensing office (some offices may charge an additional service fee).

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Changing the business name on a company vehicle

Note: If there is a lien holder on the vehicle (for example, if you are paying off a loan on your vehicle), you must make arrangements to change the name on your title through the lien holder and not the Department of Licensing.

How to change the business name on a company vehicle

To change the business name on a company vehicle, submit all of the following to a vehicle licensing office in person or by mail:

• Documentation from the Secretary of State’s Office showing you have changed the name of your company.
• A Declaration of Use Tax statement from the Department of Revenue.
• A completed Vehicle Certificate of Ownership Application.
• A current Washington title (Certificate of Ownership).
• The title fee of $9 (some offices may charge an additional service fee).

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