Washington Title Transfer Guide (2026)
| Titling agency | Washington DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 15 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.5% · Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · WA requires a VIN inspection by a DOL inspector, law enforcement, or licensed vehicle dealer for out-of-state titles with no VIN visible on the vehicle. |
| Lien release form | TD-420-069 or Title (lien section) |
Washington title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (TD-420-069 or Title (lien section)) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Washington requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Complete VIN inspection — Washington requires VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. Schedule with Washington DMV or a licensed inspector. WA requires a VIN inspection by a DOL inspector, law enforcement, or licensed vehicle dealer for out-of-state titles with no VIN visible on the vehicle.
- 5Buyer files at Washington DMV — within 15 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to Washington DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 6.5% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — Washington DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with Washington DMV the same day as the sale.
Washington lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes Form TD-420-069 or the lien release section on the existing Washington title.
- Owner submits the lien release with the title and title application at a Washington DOL office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Washington title.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
Washington estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to Washington DMV.
Need a Washington bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with Washington DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create Washington Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Washington
How long do I have to transfer a car title in Washington?▾
Washington requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 15 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a Washington title transfer cost?▾
Washington charges 6.5% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in Washington?▾
Yes — Washington requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. Washington DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in Washington?▾
In Washington, the lender must complete TD-420-069 or Title (lien section) confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to Washington DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in Washington?▾
Washington inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to Washington DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: Washington DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07