How do I get a duplicate car title in Washington?

Apply for a duplicate title at the Washington DOL. You need the VIN, your photo ID, proof of ownership (registration, prior title, or bill of sale), and the $31 fee. Processing takes 5–10 business days.

Can I sell a car with a salvage title in Washington?

Yes, but you must disclose the salvage title in writing. Most buyers expect a significant price reduction. To make the vehicle road-legal, it must be repaired and pass Washington's rebuilt title inspection ($50–$100). A salvage title permanently affects the vehicle's value.

How do I remove a lien from a car title in Washington?

Pay off the loan in full. The lender must release the lien within the timeframe required by Washington law and provide a signed lien release or updated title. Contact the Washington DOL if the lender fails to release the title after payoff.

What is a bonded title for a car in Washington?

A bonded title is used when the original title is unavailable and ownership cannot be established through normal channels. In Washington, bonded titles are available for cars valued under $10,000. You purchase a surety bond for 1–2× the vehicle's value and apply for a bonded title through the Washington DOL. The bond protects anyone who later claims legal ownership.

What if the car title has the wrong name?

Take the title, your photo ID, and supporting documentation to the Washington DOL. A name correction on a title typically requires a court order, affidavit, or documentation proving the error (such as a marriage certificate for a name change). The process varies by the type of error.

Car Title Problems in Washington (2025)

How to resolve common car title issues in Washington — lost title, salvage, active liens, bonded title, and name corrections.

Washington — Quick Reference

Duplicate title fee$31
Duplicate processing time5–10 business days
Salvage threshold75% of actual cash value
Rebuilt inspection requiredYes — $50–$100
Bonded title availableYes (vehicles under $10,000)

Washington requires a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection for rebuilt titles. The rebuilt title brand remains on the vehicle permanently.

Common Car Title Problems — How to Fix

📄Lost or Missing Title

Apply for a duplicate title at the Washington DOL. Fee: $31. Processing time: 5–10 business days. You need the VIN, proof of ownership, and photo ID.

🔴Salvage Title

A salvage car must be repaired and pass a rebuilt title inspection before it can be registered. Washington inspection fee: $50–$100. Passenger cars are the most common salvage title vehicles. Most states define salvage as damage exceeding 75% of actual cash value.

🔗Active Lien on Title

The lender must sign a lien release before you can transfer the title. Pay off the loan in full, then request written confirmation from the lender that the lien is satisfied. Auto loans on cars are the most common type of lien. The lender holds the title until the loan is paid in full.

🔏No Title (Bonded Title)

Washington allows bonded titles for cars valued under $10,000. Purchase a surety bond for 1–2× the vehicle value, then apply at the Washington DOL.

✏️Wrong Name on Title

Name corrections require documentation at the Washington DOL: photo ID, affidavit of error, or a court order depending on the type of discrepancy. Contact the DMV before attempting the correction.

🌊Flood or Water Damage Brand

A flood title brand is permanent — it cannot be removed. A flood-branded car must be disclosed to any future buyer. Significant water damage to the drivetrain, electronics, or (for EVs) the battery may make the vehicle uninsurable.

Buying a Car With a Title Problem

Buyer Warnings

!Never pay full market price for a car with a salvage or rebuilt title — expect 20%–40% below clean title value
!Always run a VIN check (Carfax, AutoCheck, or NMVTIS) before any private purchase
!A bonded title indicates the previous ownership chain was broken — proceed with caution
!A flooded title cannot be cleared — factor permanent water damage disclosure into your offer
!Verify there are no outstanding liens using the Washington DOL VIN search before purchasing

FAQ — Car Title Issues in Washington

How much does a duplicate car title cost in Washington?: A duplicate title in Washington costs $31. Processing takes 5–10 business days. Apply at the Washington DOL with your VIN, photo ID, and proof of ownership.
What is the salvage threshold for cars in Washington?: In Washington, a car is declared salvage when damage exceeds 75% of actual cash value. Passenger cars are the most common salvage title vehicles. Most states define salvage as damage exceeding 75% of actual cash value.
Can I sell a car without a title in Washington?: Technically, no — but Washington offers a bonded title process for cars valued under $10,000. A bonded title allows legal sale and registration while protecting any prior owner who may appear. Contact the Washington DOL to begin the process.

Official Resource

Washington DOL →

Need a Bill of Sale?

A signed bill of sale is essential when selling a car with a title problem in Washington. It documents the transaction and both parties' knowledge of the title status.

Washington Car Bill of Sale →