Selling or junking a car in Washington

How do I sign over a car title in Washington?

The seller signs the title over to the buyer. DOL recommends both parties meet at a vehicle licensing office to collect payment and sign the title. Both parties sign a Bill of Sale unless the sale price and date are on the title; each keeps a copy.

Can I sell or junk a car without a title in Washington?

A vehicle must have a valid title before it can be sold. If the title is lost, get a replacement (4 to 8 weeks), or a Quick Title for a higher fee. DOL says an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest or an Affidavit in Lieu of Title is also acceptable; contact a vehicle licensing office to review your options.

How do I get a duplicate title in Washington?

Complete the Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest. All registered owners sign in front of a notary, or a vehicle licensing agent if signing at the office. A replacement title costs $39.50 at a vehicle licensing office and is mailed in 4 to 6 weeks, or $89.50 at a Quick Title office for same-day service. Quick Title isn't available for vehicles reported stolen, destroyed, or titled WA rebuilt. If you still owe on the vehicle, the lienholder must apply.

Do I need to file a release of liability in Washington?

Yes, and it is required. File a Report of Sale within 5 days of the sale, online, in person, or by mail with an $18 check payable to the Department of Licensing. It protects you from towing charges and civil and criminal liability incurred by the new owner.

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in Washington?

The seller is legally required to remove the plates. You can move them to another vehicle of the same type, or turn them in at a vehicle licensing office or by mail. If your recycler accepts plates, remove or invalidate the tabs and bend the plates first. The buyer can't use them. Certain special plates (such as personalized, collector, disabled parking and heavy commercial) must be returned to a licensing office.

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in Washington?

The registered or legal owner must report a vehicle's destruction to DOL within 15 days and submit the title (or an affidavit in lieu of title) marked 'DESTROYED'. Still holding the title on the 16th day after destruction without reporting is a gross misdemeanor (RCW 46.12.600).

What can I do about an abandoned vehicle on my property in Washington?

On private property, a registered tow truck operator can impound a vehicle at the property owner's direction: immediately on residential property, immediately on properly posted nonresidential property, or after 24 hours on unposted nonresidential property (RCW 46.55.010(14), 46.55.080). The property owner must give the tow operator a signed impound authorization.

Official sources

1. WA DOL - Sell a vehicle
2. WA DOL - Dispose of old plates
3. WA DOL - Replace a lost title or registration
4. RCW 46.12.600 Destruction of vehicle
5. RCW 46.55.010 Definitions (unauthorized vehicle)
6. RCW 46.55.080 Private impound

This guide summarizes public rules and is not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) before you sell.