How to Gift a Car in Washington in 2026

Washington vehicle gifts involve transferring legal ownership through the state's title and registration system with a vehicle licensing office. The donor signs over the existing title to the recipient, who then completes a vehicle title application and registers the vehicle under the new owner's name.

How Does Gifting a Car in Washington Work?

Transferring a vehicle as a gift in Washington follows the same ownership transfer process used for vehicle purchases. The donor signs the current title, transferring ownership to the recipient. The recipient then submits the assigned title along with a Vehicle Title Application form, a bill of sale, and proof of the odometer reading to a vehicle licensing office. All registered owners must sign the Vehicle Title Application form in the presence of a licensing agent or notary public. Once the application is processed, the recipient receives a new title and registration certificate. The recipient must apply for an ownership transfer within 45 days of receiving the vehicle or face late fees of $50 on the 16th day after receipt, plus $2 per day thereafter, not to exceed $125 total.

When multiple registered owners are listed on a vehicle title, signing procedures depend on how the ownership is documented. If owners are connected by "or," only one owner must sign to transfer the vehicle. If owners are connected by "and," all owners must participate in the signature process.

Washington Car Gifting Rules You Should Know

Title Status

A certificate of title is required for all motor vehicles in Washington. The donor must present the current certificate of title to the recipient, or if the vehicle was previously titled in another state, provide that out-of-state title. The recipient becomes the registered owner and is responsible for obtaining a new Washington title following the transfer. Vehicles with model year 2010 or older qualify for an odometer exemption and do not require odometer disclosure on the title application. Vehicles manufactured in 2011 or newer require odometer disclosure.

License Plates

When vehicle ownership changes, the general rule is that new license plates must be obtained. However, plate replacement is not required in specific, limited circumstances. Existing plates may remain on a vehicle when ownership transfers between spouses, domestic partners, or family members receiving the vehicle as a gift or inheritance. Additionally, plates may be retained when transferring a vehicle to a trust in which the registered owner or their immediate family members are beneficiaries. In all other ownership transfers, including most gifts to individuals outside these categories, new license plates must be obtained. The cost of new plates depends on the vehicle type but starts at $30 for standard passenger vehicles.

Taxes and Fees

Washington does not impose a general sales tax on gifts of motor vehicles. However, use tax applies when a vehicle is registered if the prior owner did not pay Washington retail sales tax or use tax, and the vehicle will be used in Washington. If the donor previously paid Washington sales or use tax when acquiring the vehicle, or if the prior owner paid such tax, the recipient is exempt from use tax on the gift. The recipient must provide proof that the previous owner satisfied the tax obligation when the vehicle was last purchased or titled in Washington.

An additional luxury motor vehicle tax applies to motor vehicles exceeding $100,000 in fair market value. This 8% tax applies to the portion of the vehicle's value above the deduction threshold. For gifts of luxury vehicles, the tax is calculated based on the vehicle's fair market value at the time of the gift.

Title transfer fees are $15 when applying for a new title. A $6.50 filing fee applies when the title transfer is processed. Additional vehicle registration fees apply based on the vehicle's use class, weight, and regional factors. A $50 late fee applies on the 16th day after the ownership transfer; an additional $2 per day fee is charged after the 16th day, not to exceed a total of $125. License plate fees range from $27.25 for motorcycles to $30 for standard vehicles.

Step-By-Step Process To Gift a Car in Washington

Step 1: Prepare the existing title.

The donor must locate the current vehicle title and sign the assignment section. The title must be signed by all registered owners in accordance with their names as they appear on the document. If the vehicle title shows two owners joined by "or," one owner may sign; if joined by "and," both owners must sign. The recipient's name must be written clearly on the title exactly as the recipient wishes it to appear on the new registration.

Step 2: Prepare the bill of sale.

The donor and recipient must complete a Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale form. For a gift transaction, the recipient enters zero in the sale price field. The form must include the vehicle's year, make, model, VIN, and current odometer reading. Both parties sign the bill of sale, documenting the transfer of ownership without monetary consideration.

Step 3: Record the odometer reading.

The donor must provide the vehicle's current odometer reading. If the vehicle model year is 2011 or newer, the odometer disclosure section must be completed on the title or the bill of sale. Vehicles with model year 2010 or older qualify for an odometer exemption and do not require mileage disclosure.

Step 4: Complete the Vehicle Title Application.

The recipient must complete a Vehicle Title Application form. The form must include vehicle identification information, the recipient's registered owner name and physical street address in Washington State, the odometer reading (if applicable), and the vehicle's unladen weight. The recipient must sign this form in front of a Washington vehicle licensing agent or a notary public; notarization is not necessary if the form is signed in front of a licensing agent, who will certify the signature.

Step 5: Verify insurance requirements.

Before registering the vehicle, the recipient must obtain liability insurance that meets Washington's mandatory minimum requirements. Although proof of insurance is not required to transfer title, it is required before the vehicle may be registered and operated on public roads. All registered motor vehicles must maintain active liability coverage.

Step 6: Submit documents to a vehicle licensing office.

The recipient must visit a vehicle licensing office within 45 days of receiving the vehicle gift. Present the current title signed by all donors, the completed Vehicle Title Application, the bill of sale, proof of the vehicle's scale weight (if not listed on the title or registration), and payment for all applicable fees. The licensing agent will process the title transfer, and the new owner will receive the vehicle registration and title. Processing times are typically 6-8 weeks for standard title processing, or expedited service through a Quick Title office is available.

Documents Needed for Gifting a Car in Washington

The documents required to complete a vehicle gift transfer in Washington typically include the following:

• The current vehicle title, properly signed on the back by all registered owners indicating the transfer of ownership to the recipient
• A completed Vehicle Title Application form, signed in front of a licensing agent or notary public by all registered owners
• A completed Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale form, signed by both the donor and recipient, with the sale price entered as zero
• Proof of the current odometer reading, either from the title or from the bill of sale (for vehicles 2011 model year or newer; vehicles 2010 or older are exempt from odometer disclosure)
• Proof of the vehicle's unladen weight, either from the title or registration, or documented from a vehicle scale if not available on the registration documents
• Unexpired Washington driver's license or identification card for all registered owners (unless exempt under RCW 46.20.025)
• Payment for the title transfer fee ($15) and filing fee ($6.50), plus any applicable registration and tax fees
• For out-of-state vehicles being titled in Washington for the first time, the original out-of-state title or copy of the out-of-state registration

Applicable Fees and Taxes When Gifting a Car in Washington

The recipient is responsible for all fees and taxes due at the time of registration. Use the online fee calculator to estimate the specific fees and taxes based on the vehicle's characteristics and registration location.

Contact Information

Washington State Department of Licensing
1125 Washington Street Southeast, Olympia, WA 98504
Phone: (360) 902-3770
Official Website: Washington State Department of Licensing