How to Do Out-of-State Title Transfer in Washington

December 21, 2025
5 Min Read

Moving to Washington State? Welcome. Now, let’s talk about the bill.

Washington has some of the highest registration fees in the country due to the RTA (Regional Transit Authority) Tax. If you move here, you have 30 days to register your vehicle. If you buy a car from out-of-state, you have 15 days.

This guide explains how to dodge the “Use Tax” (legally), why you can’t download the odometer form, and how to get your title in 5 minutes instead of 8 weeks.

Washington Use Tax Rule: 90-Day Exemption for New Residents vs Recent Purchases

Before you visit an office, you need to know if you owe tax. Washington charges a ~10% Use Tax (sales tax) on vehicles brought into the state, but there is a major exemption for new residents.

The 90-Day Exemption:

  • Owned > 90 Days: If you owned and registered the vehicle in your previous state for more than 90 days before moving to WA, you are EXEMPT from Use Tax. You only pay title/registration fees.
  • Owned < 90 Days: If you bought the car less than 90 days before moving, you must pay Washington Use Tax on the current value of the car.
    • Credit: You get credit for sales tax paid to your previous state. If you paid 6% there and WA is 10%, you pay the 4% difference.

Warning: “Ownership” means you were the registered owner. Having the car in your possession doesn’t count if the title wasn’t in your name.

Out-of-State Private Party Purchases: Washington 15-Day Title Transfer + CARB Rules

If you live in Washington and buy a car from a private seller in Oregon or Idaho:

  1. The 15-Day Clock: You must transfer the title within 15 days of the sale date on the bill of sale.
  2. The Penalty: On Day 16, a $50 penalty applies, increasing by $2 per day (max $125).
  3. Emissions: You do not need an emissions test.
  4. California Standards: If the car is a 2009 or newer model and has less than 7,500 miles, it must be “California Certified” (CARB compliant) to be registered in WA. Check the sticker under the hood.

Step-by-Step Out-of-State Title Transfer at Washington VLO (15-Day Deadline)

Step 1: Check Your Plates If you bought the car privately, the seller might have kept their plates. You may need a Washington Trip Permit ($33) to legally drive it to the licensing office.

Step 2: Visit a Vehicle Licensing Office Do not go to a Driver Licensing Office (LSO). Go to a VLO (independent sub-agent).

  • Walk-ins: Most VLOs accept walk-ins.
  • Wait Time: Usually 15–30 minutes.

Step 3: Pay the Fees

  • Title Fee: ~$15.00
  • Registration/Tab Fee: Varies ($30 basic + weight fees).
  • Filing Fees: ~$10–$15.
  • RTA Tax: If you live in Seattle, Bellevue, or Tacoma, you will pay an additional 1.1% of the vehicle’s valueevery year.
    • Example: A $30,000 car = ~$330 extra tax.

Step 4: Choose Your Title Speed

  • Standard: Mailed in 6–8 weeks.
  • Quick Title: Issued immediately across the counter for an extra $50.00 fee.

Washington Vehicle Gifting Loophole: $10 Fee Instead of 10% Sales Tax

Did a family member give you the car? You can avoid sales tax if you do it right.

  • Requirement: The donor must have already paid sales tax on the vehicle in a state with tax.
  • The Form: Both parties must sign the “Gift” section of the Bill of Sale or a separate Gift Letter.
  • The Cost: You pay a $10 gift administration fee instead of the 10% sales tax.

Required Documents: Tamper-Proof Odometer Form TD-420-001 (No Downloads)

You cannot do this online. You must visit a Vehicle Licensing Office (VLO).

1. The Out-of-State Title

  • Must be the original. If a lienholder (bank) has it, you need a fax/copy of the title and a bold letter from the bank.

2. Vehicle Title Application (Form TD-420-001)

  • All registered owners must sign this in front of a notary OR the licensing agent at the office.

3. Odometer Disclosure Statement

  • CRITICAL: For vehicles model year 2011 or newer, you need a federal odometer statement.
  • The Catch: You cannot download this form. It is printed on special tamper-proof paper. You must pick one up at the office or have it mailed to you.

4. Bill of Sale (Form TD-420-065)

  • Required if you bought the car within the last 90 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Washington Driver’s License first?

No, but it helps. You need to prove your WA residency. If you haven’t switched your ID yet, bring a lease or utility bill. If you need to switch, see our guide on changing your address in Washington.

Do I keep my out-of-state plates?

No. You will surrender them (or recycle them) and receive new Washington plates on the spot.

Can I check my vehicle history?

Yes. If you are unsure if the title is clean (or if it’s a rebuilt salvage), you can check the vehicle record online before you complete the transfer to avoid inheriting someone else’s headache.

Conclusion

If you are a new resident, check your ownership date. If it’s been 91 days, you are safe from the Use Tax. Gather your title, drive to a Vehicle Licensing Office (not the Driver’s License place!), and bring your checkbook. If you live in the Sound Transit zone, be prepared for the RTA sticker shock—it’s the price of admission for the Evergreen State.