Register a vehicle in Washington

Online or in person

No online option described · Vehicle licensing officeThe DOL says to go to a vehicle licensing office or contact one about mail. It says to add the vehicle to a License Express account afterward. Driver licensing and vehicle licensing are done in separate locations. Vehicle licensing offices are walk in only and do not offer appointments. By mail: call a vehicle licensing office first.

Cost

Ask the licensing officeThe DOL says to contact a vehicle licensing office to learn the transfer cost. Late penalty: $50 on the 16th day, plus $2 per day after the 16th day (up to $125). Quick Titles: the buy-and-register page says an additional $50 fee, while the vehicle licensing offices page lists $89.50 for vehicles; the pages differ.

You leave with

New title, plates and tabsA vehicle licensing office: title in 6-8 weeks. A Quick Title office: title immediately in person or within a few business days by mail.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Current title signed by all owners · all that apply
   • Vehicle Title Application · all that apply
     Don't sign until a licensing agent can notarize it, or sign before a notary. Every registered owner signs.
   • Odometer disclosure · all that apply
     Fill out the Odometer Disclosure section on the title if the model year is 2011 or newer; 2010 or older qualifies for an odometer exemption. If you don't have the title, the form is provided in the office (it can't be downloaded).
   • Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale · all that apply
     Enter the sale price (used for use tax), or zero for a gift or inheritance.
   • Unexpired Washington driver license · all that apply
     All registered owners, unless exempt.

2. Transfer ownership within 15 days

   After you buy a vehicle or receive it as a gift, you have 15 days to transfer ownership into your name.

   Buy and register a vehicle ↗

3. Go to a vehicle licensing office

   Bring your documents and cash or check for the fee. Not all offices accept debit or credit, so contact the office to check. Quick title offices issue the title faster at an increased cost; out-of-state vehicles aren't eligible (vehicle licensing offices page).

   Vehicle licensing offices ↗

4. Order tabs and add the vehicle online

   Order tabs at the office when you register and get plates, then add the vehicle to your License Express account.

   Buy and register a vehicle ↗