A certificate of title issued by the state of Washington is a document that proves legal ownership of a vehicle. A title must be obtained when an individual purchases a new vehicle. A title transfer must also be completed when a used vehicle is sold or gifted, or when a vehicle changes hands as a result of the death of the vehicle's owner. In Washington state, a title should be transferred within 15 days of the sale.

[edit] OBTAINING A TITLE FOR A NEW VEHICLE:

For new vehicles, the licensed dealer that sold the vehicle typically will accept and submit the required titling information and fees on behalf of the buyer. However, buyers wishing to handle the titling independently can do so. Those interested in applying for a new title without the dealer's assistance should refer to the Transferring Ownership into Your Name page on the Department of Licensing (DOL) website.

[edit] TRANSFERRING A TITLE ON A USED VEHICLE:

Sale/Purchase or Gift of a Used Vehicle

When you purchase a used vehicle, or obtain one as a gift, the title must be legally transferred into your name. This is done by obtaining the following documents, and submitting them along with the appropriate fees to a DOL vehicle licensing office:

1. The current title, with the assignment completed by the seller or donor (signing the title over to you). The title must include the federal odometer disclosure, if the vehicle is less than ten years old.
2. A signed and notarized Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest if the original title is lost.
3. If the title does not indicate the date of sale and selling price, a completed Bill of Sale, signed by both current and new owner and notarized, is required.
4. A completed Vehicle Certificate of Ownership form if the documents are being submitted by mail.
5. An Odometer Disclosure Statement, if the title does not include this information and the vehicle is less than ten years old. This form is not available online but can be obtained at any DOL vehicle licensing office, by emailing titles@dol.wa.gov or by calling (360) 902 3770.
6. Emissions testing report, if applicable in your county of residence.

Fees

Along with the appropriate transfer of title documents above, you will need to submit the following fees:

1. $15.50 title fee.
2. $10 subagent fee(if filing at a licensing office other than a county auditor's office)
3. Use tax on the fair market value of the vehicle. The tax rate is equal to the sales tax rate of the buyer's county of residence.

Contact your local DOL vehicle licensing office to calculate the correct amount due.

Acceptable methods of payment are checks, traveler's checks, money orders or cash (do not send cash through the mail).

Transfer of Title Following Death of Vehicle Owner

In the event of the death of the vehicle owner, the title is often transferred to the heirs or someone else identified in the owner's will. The procedures and fees for this type of transfer are similar to those outlined above. In addition, it is important to determine how the estate of the deceased has been settled by the heir(s).

In some cases, the heirs may need to provide copies of both the death certificate and the will (or a notarized statement of its contents), if there is one.

For more information on title transfers following the death of a vehicle owner, contact your local DOL vehicle licensing office or call (360) 902-3770.

Submission

Appropriate title transfer documents and fees should be submitted to the vehicle licensing office [http://www.dps.state.la.us/omvfielddirections.nsf/$vriweb ] or mailed to the headquarters office:

ATTN: Vehicle licensing
Department of Licensing

P.O box 9909    

Olympia, WA 98507-9909

Additional Information

• Contact the DOL vehicle licensing office if you wish to add, remove or change a name on a vehicle title for reason other than those discussed above.
• If there is an existing lien on the vehicle, there will be additional requirements for transferring the title.
• A valid title provides proof of ownership of the vehicle. However, remember that a title transfer does not entitle the new owner(s) to legally operate the vehicle. For this, refer to the appropriate license and registration information.