How to Transfer Ownership of a Car in Washington DC
In Washington State, all vehicles must have a title with the owner's name on the title itself. When ownership changes, whether due to the vehicle being bought or sold, gifted or donated, or if it was inherited, ownership must be transferred to the name of the new owner. However, the state requires certain steps to transfer ownership of a vehicle in Washington. Also, you need to make sure you work with the DOL Vehicle Licensing Department and not the DOL Driver's License Department as they are different branches.
For buyers
Please note that purchasing from a dealer will negate the steps below. The dealer will take care of all the transfer of ownership. However, if you are buying from a private seller, be sure to follow these steps:
Get the original title from the seller and make sure it's following you.
Complete the Odometer Disclosure Statement if the vehicle is less than 10 years old. Please note that this form is only available at the DOL office by calling DOL at 360-902-3770 or by sending an email. [email protected] with a form request. This form is not available for download.
You need to complete a vehicle/vessel purchase and sale agreement with the seller.
Get a release from the seller.
Complete an application for a certificate of title (ownership) of the vehicle. Please note that this form must be notarized and must contain the signatures of all new owners.
If you live in Spokane, Clark, Snohomish, King, or Pierce Counties, you must complete an emissions test ($15).
Bring all of this information with you to the DOL office, along with the $12 transfer fee. You will also need to pay a title fee, which depends on the type of vehicle in question. Please note that you have 15 days to transfer the title. Thereafter, additional fees apply (originally $50 and then $2 per day).
Common Mistakes
- Not completing all required forms
For sellers
For private sellers in Washington DC, there are a few extra steps to take. These include the following:
Fill in the form fields on the back of the name and sign it to the buyer.
Work with the buyer to complete the vehicle/vessel bill of sale.
Be sure to report the sale of the vehicle to DOL. You have 21 days to do this and will need to pay $5 to do it in person or by mail. It's free online.
Give the buyer a release from the bond.
Common Mistakes
- Do not notify DOL of the sale
For gifts and legacy vehicles
The process required to donate a vehicle is the same as described above, except that the vehicle/boat sale receipt lists $0 as the price. Please note that the recipient of the gift will still be required to pay both the transfer of ownership fee and the title fee. The process is the same if you are going to donate your car.
If you have inherited a vehicle, you will need to personally work with a DOL representative to complete the process and may also need to purchase new license plates.
For more information on how to transfer ownership of a vehicle in Washington, visit the State DOL website.
