Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn in my damaged car title?
The Department of Licensing recommends that all damaged vehicle titles be turned in when a driver is replacing car title documents. Doing so prevents the possible of the document falling into the wrong hands, as the DOL will dispose of the original and invalid title properly.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Washington

How do I file a police report if my car title was stolen?
The Washington DOL does not require drivers to file police reports when they are going through the process of replacing car title. However, if a driver chooses to do so, they may visit a local police department, provide information about their problem and fill out the forms provided by a representative to complete the process. This is an important step in protecting one s identity.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Washington

How do I obtain a duplicate car title?
The process to replace car title is easy. Simply follow the steps below:
  1. Fill out an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest/Gross Weight License form.
  2. Get the form notarized.
  3. Make sure all of the vehicle s registered owners sign the form.
    • If the vehicle has a lien, the lienholder must submit the application.
  4. Mail in or submit the above document and payment to a local licensing office or Quick Title office.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Washington

How do I obtain a salvaged car title?
Owners of salvage vehicles have four options of what to do with their cars:
  • Sell them
  • Use the car for parts
  • Keep and repair them
  • Keep and not repair them

In order to declare a vehicle as salvage, the registered owner must surrender the WA car title to the DOL within 15 days of the vehicle s destruction. The owner should write “Destroyed” on the title, as well as the date that the vehicle was declared salvage. Mail in the document to:

Department of Licensing Wreckers PO Box 9038 Olympia, WA 98501

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Washington

How do I transfer my car title between states?
Every state employs a different method of transferring car title. Thus, the best thing for a driver to do is contact the Department of Motor Vehicles of the state they are moving to in order to find out what actions must be taken.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Washington

How do I transfer my car title if I lost the original?
In order to transfer car title in Washington, one must have the document in hand. If a driver loses their car title, they must obtain a replacement by following these steps:
  1. Fill out an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest/Gross Weight License form.
    • Form must be notarized and signed by all registered vehicle owners.
    • Lienholder must submit this application if there is a lien.
  2. Take the form and payment to a local licensing office or Quick Title office.
    • Documents can also be mailed to either location.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Washington

How do I transfer my car title?
In order to complete a transfer of title, follow the steps below:
  1. Obtain an emissions report, if you live in a county that requires vehicle testing.
  2. Fill out an Odometer Disclosure Statement, if the car is less than 10 years old.
  3. Fill out a Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale form, signed by both parties.
  4. Fill out the car title to show the transfer of ownership.
  5. Complete a Vehicle Certificate of Ownership (Title) Application form.

All of the above documents must be taken to a Department of Licensing office with the proper payment for fees and taxes.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Washington

How do I transfer the title of my RV?
The process to transfer title in Washington for RVs is very similar to what must be done for standard vehicles. RV owners must visit a local licensing office with the necessary documents and payment for the fees in order to successfully submit their request.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Washington

How long does it take to receive my replacement car title after ordering online?
The Washington Department of Licensing does not offer vehicle owners the option of obtaining their car title replacements online. They can only apply by mail or in person at a local licensing office or a Quick Title office. If ordering a Quick Title, the document will be issued immediately. On the other hand, a standard title will take between eight and ten weeks to arrive by mail.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Washington

If a family member dies and leaves his or her car to me, how do I switch over the title?
There are a number of steps one must take to transfer car title when inheriting a vehicle. However, the necessary steps depend on the situation:
  • If you are the surviving spouse with joint vehicle ownership, bring a certified copy of the death certificate and the car title to a local licensing office.
  • If you inherited the car after a community property agreement, bring the above documents and a community property agreement copy.
  • If power of attorney sealed the vehicle inheritance, bring the above documents and a certified letter of administration or testamentary.
  • If the vehicle was inherited from an unadministered estate, bring the death certificate, car title and an Affidavit of Inheritance or succession.

In addition, drivers will also be asked to pay the titling fee and show proof of car insurance in Washington.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Washington

What are some reasons that may require me to transfer my car title?
There are a number of reasons why someone would need to transfer title in Washington. The most common reasons include:
  • If you have just bought a used car from a private party.
  • If someone gifted you a vehicle.
  • If you have satisfied a lien.
  • If you have just inherited a vehicle from a family member that has passed away.
  • If you are donating an automobile.
  • If you are changing your name or adding/removing a registered owner of the vehicle.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Washington

What are the required fees to get a replacement car title?
The amount of money that a driver would pay for a duplicate car title in Washington varies based on where the replacement is purchased. A standard car title, which will arrive within eight to ten weeks by mail, costs $31 at a local licensing office. On the other hand, a title issued immediately at a Quick Title office costs $81.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Washington

What documents do I need to present for a replacement car title?
There are not documents required to get a WA car title replacement. The only form that must be presented is the Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest/Gross Weight License form. This form must be notarized and signed by all registered owners of the car in order to be accepted by the Department of Licensing.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Washington

What documents do I need to transfer my car title?
The documents necessary to transfer vehicle title in Washington vary based on the situation. Look below for a complete breakdown.

In every case, a Vehicle Certificate of Ownership (Title) Application form, a car title, proof of auto insurance and ID are all necessary.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Washington

What forms must I fill out for a duplicate car title?
Only the Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest/Gross Weight License form needs to be filled out when replacing car title in Washington. The Department of Licensing requires that all registered owners of the car sign the form and that it be notarized. If the form does not meet these requirements, the application for a car title replacement will not be accepted.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Washington

What if the original is located after my car title replacement has been issued?
Drivers who have located their original vehicle title after a Washington car title replacement has been issued have a few options for dealing with the scenario:
  • They may turn in the document to the DOL.
  • They may dispose of it at home, since it is no longer valid.

Although no longer active, one must be careful with original title documents, because of the problems that can arise should they fall into the wrong hands.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Washington

What is the process to get a title for a scooter or motorcycle?
Scooters and motorcycles require operators to go through the same steps as car owners when it comes to obtaining a vehicle title. They must bring all of the following to a local licensing office:
  • A Certificate of Origin or Manufacturer’s Statement, if new
  • Active title and vehicle registration
  • Odometer reading
  • Proof of ID (drivers license)
  • Payment for fees and taxes

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Washington

When should I complete a Bill of Sale?
A WA bill of sale should be completed whenever an individual is engaging in the sale/purchase of a used car from a private party. Right after transferring car title, the seller must fill out a Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale form, which serves as proof of the sale and helps calculate the use tax that the buyer must pay when registering the vehicle at a DOL office. This form should contain all of the following information:
  • Names of both parties
  • Signatures of both parties
  • Date of sale
  • Selling price
  • Vehicle information
    • Make
    • Model
    • Year
    • VIN
    • Odometer reading

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Washington

Where can I mail my request for a replacement title?
Any request for a duplicate car title in Washington can be sent to one of two locations in Washington:

Remember to enclose payment in the form of a check or money order for the replacement fee.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Washington

Will I need to present proof of insurance to get a car title replacement?
No. Proof of insurance is not a requirement to obtain a car title copy in Washington. However, car insurance is absolutely necessary to drive in the state. Drivers who are caught not adhering to state minimum insurance requirements will be fined and can have their driving privileges suspended.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Washington