Transferring ownership into your name

Who is responsible for transferring ownership

• If you buy from a dealership, they will complete the paperwork to transfer ownership into your name for you.
• If you buy from a private party, you are responsible for transferring ownership of the vehicle into your name within 15 days.

What you’ll need

When you finalize the sale of a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle, make sure you receive all the documents required to transfer the title. These documents may include the following:

• Vehicle Certificate of Ownership (title) — The seller must release ownership of the vehicle by signing in the appropriate place on the title. All persons listed on the title must sign it.
• Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest — If the title is lost, the seller must complete an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest and sign it in the presence of a notary public, county auditor, or licensing subagent. All persons listed on the vehicle record must sign it.
• Bill of sale — This receipt is needed to calculate the use tax you must pay when you purchase a vehicle from a private party.
• Emissions testing report — Emissions testing is required in urban areas of Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Spokane counties.
• Vehicle Title Application — If you mail your documents to us, you must include a notarized Vehicle Certificate of Ownership Application.
• Odometer Disclosure Statement — If the vehicle is less than 10 years old, BOTH the buyer and seller must state the mileage and sign, either on the title itself or on an Odometer Disclosure Statement form.
   
  Note: The Odometer Disclosure Statement isn’t available online or via email because it is printed on tamperproof paper.
  • To get 1 or 2 copies of the form:
    • visit any vehicle licensing office.
    • email a request with your name and mailing address to titles@dol.wa.gov.
    • call (360) 902-3770, option 5.
  • To get more than 2 copies of the form, call the Washington State Dealers Association at 1-800-998-9723.

How to transfer ownership into your name

• Visit a vehicle licensing office. The licensing agent will help you through the process.
• OR
• Mail your notarized Vehicle Certificate of Ownership Application with all supporting documents and the fee to:
  
  ATTN: Vehicle Licensing
  Department of Licensing
  PO Box 9909
  Olympia, WA 98507-9909

Deadlines and penalties

You must transfer ownership into your name within 15 calendar days from the date of purchase, or pay the following penalties:

• $25 on the 16th day.
• $2 per day for each day after the 16th day, up to a maximum of $100.

Fees

Please contact a vehicle licensing office to find out exactly how much it will cost to transfer ownership of the vehicle into your name.