Washington Vehicle Registration

Register a Car in Washington

To drive legally in Washington state, drivers must register their vehicles through the Department of Licensing (DOL). You may need to register your car for the first time if you recently:

Bought a vehicle.
Moved to WA from another state.

Register a Recently Purchased Vehicle in WA

When you purchase a vehicle at a dealership, the title and registration process will be completed through the dealership.

When you purchase a car through a private seller in Washington, you’ll need to make a trip to your local licensing office or mail documents to the DOL to transfer ownership within 15 days of purchase or pay a late fee.

Provide the:

Certificate of title signed by both buyer and seller. If the vehicle is under 10 years old, the odometer disclosure section must be completed.
- If there is no odometer disclosure section, call (360) 902-3770 or visit the office to request a form.
Completed Application of Title (TD-420-001) You can either sign it at the office or in front of a notary public.
Bill of sale. Price must be provided to calculate sales tax. If the vehicle was a gift, write zero.
Payment for the title and registration fees.

Registration in Washington: New Residents

Once you move to WA, you have 30 days to get your license after establishing residency.

To tile and register your vehicle*, visit or mail documents and payment to your local DOL office.

Provide your:

Certificate of title.
Completed odometer disclosure form if the vehicle is less than 10 years old. This form is available at the office or if you call (360) 902-3770.
Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale (TD-420-065) form OR dealership purchase agreement if you owned your vehicle for less than 90 days.

*Vehicles must conform to CA clean emissions standards.

Registration and Title Fees

Registration fees may vary. Contact your DOL office for details.

Title application fee: $15.
Title and registration service fees: $23.
Title transfer late fee: $50 up to the 16th day. Fees accrue $2 every day afterward until the maximum of $125.