Whether you're the buyer or the seller, you must heed close attention to all required documents and signatures. One missed signature will delay the title transfer process.

WA Title Transfer if You Sell Car

When you sell your vehicle, you'll need to:

• Sign and date the title. 
• Include, on the title, an odometer reading if the vehicle is less than 10 years old. If there's no room, complete an Odometer Reading Statement.
• Complete a bill of sale. Make a copy for your own files.
• Remove the license plates.

Within five days of the posted sales date, you'll also need to file a Report of Sale with the DOL. This will officially release you from legal liability, protecting you against parking tickets, impound fees and other financial penalties incurred by the vehicle's new owner. To file, provide the DOL with:

• The date of the car sale or title transfer. 
• Your name and address.
• The name and address of the buyer.
• The license plate number.
• The vehicle identification number (VIN).

You can file in person at your local DOL office, or online via the DOL's website. After filing keep the receipt as proof. 

Washington Title Transfer if You Buy Car

You must apply for a title transfer within 15 days of the purchase date. To do so, visit your local DOL office with:

• A properly assigned car title.
• A bill of sale for calculating the vehicle's use tax.
• Proof of passing an emissions test. This only applies to certain parts of the following counties: Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish and Spokane.
• A completed Vehicle Certificate of Ownership Application. If you submit by mail, the application MUST be notarized. Otherwise, the DOL will return the application.
• An Odometer Disclosure Statement if the vehicle is less than 10 years old. If there's no room on the title for recording mileage, complete an Odometer Disclosure Statement. Both you and seller must sign. To obtain an Odometer Disclosure Statement, visit your local DOL, or request by phone at (360) 902-3770. 
• Payment for $15.50 title transfer fee, registration fee, use tax, and possible $12 sub-agent fee.

If you fail to transfer the car title within the DOL's 15-day window requirement, you'll be charged a $25 late fee on the 16th day, and $2 for every subsequent day thereafter, with a maximum fine of $100. 

You should receive your new car title within six to eight weeks.

Used Cars, Titles and the Importance of a Vehicle History Report

When shopping for a used car, always protect yourself by first ordering a vehicle history report. With it you can review a car's entire vehicle history, including smog check results, number of owners, accident history, service records and more. This will allow you to buy or pass with absolute confidence.