Car Registration

When you buy a car in Washington or bring one in from outside the state, you have 30 days to register the vehicle with the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL).

Vehicle registration and titling in Washington can sometimes require an emissions check first, but otherwise registration is a relatively simple process that can be done in person at a DOL Vehicle Licensing Office.

Registration fees vary depending on the type of car you are registering but are generally $30 for regular passenger vehicles. You can also expect to pay other fees along with your registration, including filing and license fees.

In addition, the following Washington counties require emissions testing every two years:

• Clark

• King

• Pierce

• Snohomish

• Spokane

Hybrid vehicles that manage 50 mph or better are exempt from emissions testing. Washington's Department of Ecology can tell you more about the state's Emission Check Program, including where to get your vehicle tested. It will cost you $15 and you can pay by cash, personal check, or credit card.

To register your vehicle in Washington, you will need the following:

• Manufacturer's Statement or Certificate of Origin for a new car

• Current title and registration for a used car

• Photocopy or fax of the title from your bank if the vehicle is under a lien

• Emissions certificate, if required

• Proper identification

• Odometer reading if the vehicle is less than 10 years old

If you're registering a truck in Washington, you have to provide a weight slip indicating the weight of the truck when empty. You can get one of these from any Vehicle Licensing Office.

To transfer a title, you will need the following:

• Vehicle Certificate of Owner

• Odometer disclosure statement if the car is less than 10 years old

• Previous owner's signature of release on the title

• If the title is lost, then provide an Affidavit of Release of Interest signed by a notary public or
  County Auditor or subagent

• Bill of sale

• Emissions test, if required

You must have the title transferred within 15 days of buying a car, or you will have to pay a fine of $25 after 16 days and $2 for each additional day, with a maximum of $100.

To register a salvaged vehicle, you must have the State Patrol inspect your vehicle to verify vehicle identification number (VIN). The inspection costs $50.

Non-Operational Vehicles

Washington doesn't have any special sort of registration available for vehicles that are non-operable.

If you have a vehicle with expired plates sitting on your driveway and decide to drive it again, you will have to pay for the renewal for the last year. This is true even if you're renewing the plates at 11:59 p.m. on day 364 of your registration. Then your plates will expire the next day anyway. So if you're already close to the end of your registration year, it may be better to wait until the plates expire again, then renew your plates.