Washington Gifted Car Title Transfer
Transferring a gifted vehicle in Washington involves specific forms, relationship requirements, and tax exemption rules. Get it wrong and the recipient could owe hundreds in unexpected sales tax. This guide covers the exact steps, required documents, and qualifying relationships for a Washington gift vehicle title transfer.
Tax Exempt?
Yes (family)
Notarization
Not required
Filing Deadline
15 days after
Washington Gift Transfer Tax Status
Washington exempts vehicle gifts to immediate family members from the retail sales and use tax. Complete a Gifted Vehicle Affidavit (available at DOL offices) along with the standard title transfer paperwork.
Washington DOL Official Instructions →Qualifying Relationships for Washington Gift Tax Exemption
The following relationships qualify:
Spouse or domestic partner, parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling
Relationships outside this list (aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, coworkers) do not qualify for the tax exemption. Standard sales tax on fair market value would apply.
Required Documents in Washington
You will need:
Gifted Vehicle Affidavit + signed title + vehicle licensing paperwork
Washington plates stay with the VEHICLE for private transfers. When gifting a vehicle, confirm with the recipient whether they want to keep the current plates or get new ones — the process differs.
Step-by-Step: Gift Vehicle Title Transfer in Washington
- 1
Confirm the relationship qualifies
In Washington, the gift exemption applies to: Spouse or domestic partner, parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling. Outside this list, standard tax applies.
- 2
Prepare a gift vehicle affidavit
The affidavit must state: donor and recipient names, relationship, vehicle VIN and description, date of gift, and declaration that no money changed hands.
- 3
Sign the title
The donor signs the back of the title, entering the recipient as new owner and $0 as sale price. No notary required in Washington.
- 4
Gather all required forms
Gifted Vehicle Affidavit + signed title + vehicle licensing paperwork
- 5
Visit the Washington DOL
Bring all documents. The recipient pays the title transfer fee and any applicable registration costs. Gift tax exemption applies if the relationship qualifies.
- 6
Donor: update insurance and file transfer notification
Donor notifies their insurer and removes the vehicle from their policy. File any required seller/transfer notification with Washington DOL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a gifted car tax-exempt in Washington?
Yes — Washington exempts close family vehicle gifts from sales/use tax. Washington exempts vehicle gifts to immediate family members from the retail sales and use tax. Complete a Gifted Vehicle Affidavit (available at DOL offices) along with the standard title transfer paperwork.
What forms do I need for a gift car title transfer in Washington?
Gifted Vehicle Affidavit + signed title + vehicle licensing paperwork
Which relationships qualify for the gift exemption in Washington?
Spouse or domestic partner, parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling
Is notarization required in Washington for a gifted vehicle title transfer?
No — Washington does not require notarization for gift vehicle title transfers.
What if the vehicle still has a loan on it?
You cannot gift a vehicle with an active lien without the lender's consent. The donor must pay off the loan and obtain a lien release letter from the lender before transferring the title. The lien release is presented at the DMV alongside the other gift transfer documents.
How long does the recipient have to transfer title?
The recipient must complete the title transfer within 15 days after the gift. Late transfers may result in penalties.
Need a Gift Vehicle Affidavit for Washington?
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