Car Registration Requirements for New Washington Residents

Residents relocating to Washington with a vehicle registered in another jurisdiction must transfer their registration within a specified timeframe. Washington law obligates individuals who establish residency through employment, voter registration, school enrollment, or property ownership to register their vehicles with the Department of Licensing.

Timeline for New Washington Residents

New residents have 30 days from establishing residency establishes this deadline.

A title transfer late fee of $50 applies on the 16th day, with an additional $2 per day thereafter up to $125.

Establishing Washington Residency

RCW 46.16A.140 defines a resident as a person who manifests intent to live or be located in Washington on more than a temporary or transient basis. An individual is presumed a resident when meeting at least two of these conditions: maintaining a Washington residence for personal use, holding a Washington driver's license or resident hunting/fishing license, using a Washington address for tax purposes, claiming Washington as residence for public office or judicial actions, or being a custodial parent with a child attending Washington public schools.

Required Documentation for Car Registration in Washington

New residents must bring current title and odometer reading to complete registration.

Essential Documents

• Out-of-state certificate of title
• Current odometer mileage reading
• Proof of Washington liability insurance meeting state minimums
• Payment for registration fees, title fees, and applicable taxes

Financed or Leased Vehicles

Vehicles with liens require the financial institution to provide the title. Banks may fax title copies to vehicle licensing offices. Applicants must also provide a copy of the signed loan contract or financial agreement.

Insurance Requirements

Washington mandates minimum liability insurance coverage for all registered vehicles. Required minimums are:

Drivers must carry an insurance ID card containing the insurance company name, policy number, effective and expiration dates, and vehicle or driver information.

Application Submission Methods

Registration applications may be submitted through:

• In-person: Visit any vehicle licensing office to receive plates immediately
• By mail: Contact a vehicle licensing office for forms and mailing instructions; processing takes up to 3 weeks from receipt

Washington Vehicle Inspection Requirements

Washington does not require safety or emissions inspections for passenger vehicles. The state's vehicle emissions check program ended on January 1, 2020. New residents may register their vehicles without obtaining inspection certificates.

Registration Fees and Costs in Washington

Washington assesses multiple fees for vehicle registration based on vehicle type, weight, and location. All vehicles begin with a $43.25 base fee.

Common Vehicle Fees

• Filing fee – $4.50 for registration, $10 for title with registration
• License tab fee – $30
• Service fee – $8 for registration, $23 for title with registration
• Additional vehicle weight fee – $10 for vehicles ≤12,000 lbs

Plate Fees

• Original license plates – $50 per plate for passenger vehicles, $20 for motorcycles
• Plate reflection fee – $2 per plate
• Plate transfer – $10

Title Fees

• Title application – $15
• Quick title (expedited processing) – $50 additional

Additional Fees

• Out-of-state service fee – $50 (verification that vehicle is not stolen)
• Electric vehicle fee – $100 annual
• Transportation electrification fee – $75
• Regional Transit Authority tax – Varies by location; estimate RTA tax
• Sales/use tax – Based on vehicle location; rates vary by jurisdiction

Calculate complete registration costs using the vehicle tab fee calculator

Contact Information

Washington State Department of Licensing
1125 Washington Street SE, Olympia, WA 98504
Phone: (360) 902-3900
Official Website: Washington DOL