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Transferring ownership when buying from a private party

If you buy from a private party or receive a vehicle as a gift, you’re responsible for transferring ownership of the vehicle into your name within 15 days.

What you’ll need

When you buy a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle from a private party, 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 by signing in the appropriate place on the title. Everyone 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 agent. Everyone listed on the vehicle record must sign it.
  • Bill of sale — Both you and the seller must provide information about the sale on a Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale. This information includes the sale price, which is used to calculate the use tax you must pay.
  • 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 you and seller must state the mileage and sign, either on the title itself or on an Odometer Disclosure Statement.
     
    Note: Because the Odometer Disclosure Statement form is printed on tamperproof paper, it’s not available online and we can’t fax or email one to you.
    • If you need a copy of the form, there are 3 ways to get it:
      • Pick one up at any vehicle licensing office.
      • Send a request with your name and mailing address to titles@dol.wa.gov. We’ll mail it to you within 2 business days.
      • Call 360-902-3770. We’ll mail it to you within 2 business days.
    • If you’re a vehicle dealer and need multiple copies of the form, please call the Washington State Dealers Association at 1-800-998-9723.

How to transfer ownership into your name

You should receive the vehicle title 6–8 weeks after you transfer ownership into your name.

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.

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