How Much Does It Cost To Transfer A Car Title in Washington?
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Transferring the title on a car is a crucial step of selling a car and even gifting. Improper title transfers might mean that you don’t actually own a car you’ve purchased or that you didn’t actually gift the car to someone else when you meant to. However, since titles are tracked by the state, you’ll need to pay to officially transfer your car’s title. So, how much does it cost to transfer a car title in Washington?
We’ll cover everything you need to know, from how much it costs to transfer a car title in Washington to how you complete the transfer and what happens in some difficult but common cases.
What Is A Car Title?
A vehicle title is a legal document issued by the United States that declares the ownership of a vehicle. A properly filled-out title is the only way to establish official legal ownership and also tracks transfers of ownership so that each vehicle has an active and accurate owner history.
Without a title, in cases where it’s been lost or destroyed, other documents like registrations, the bill of sale, and other tracking information can be used to prove ownership so you can be issued a new title.
Of course, it’s much easier if you avoid needing a new title issued in the first place, which is why you need to know how to transfer a title in Washington.
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How Much Does It Cost To Transfer A Car Title in Washington?
In Washington, there is a $15 fee to start the process of transferring a Title. Usually, that’s all you need to pay in order to have a title officially and legally transferred to your car’s new owner. However, there is a fee for failing to physically transfer the title when required.
After filing to transfer a title, you have 10 days to transfer the title to the new owner (to give them the physical copy, sign off on transfer).
If you, or your dealership, fails to transfer a vehicle title to the new owner within 10 days, Washington imposes a $50 fee for failure to transfer, with an additional $2 fee for every day the title isn’t transferred, up to a maximum fee of $125.
That means that it’s most affordable to transfer the title quickly. Knowing that there is an additional fee for failure to transfer the title is a good way to make sure you always get the title for a vehicle you’ve purchased.
How Do You Transfer A Car Title In Washington?
To transfer a title in Washington, you need to follow a few simple steps. First, you need to sign and date the title and transfer it; then, you need to fill out and submit form TD-420-065, which helps the state track the transfer.
You’ll also need to remove the car’s current plates since those plates are registered in your name. In the case of the dealership transferring the title of the vehicle, they may be able to provide temporary plates until you can get new plates and register the vehicle in your name.
Lastly, you’ll need to report the transaction to the state.
Fortunately, if you buy a vehicle from a dealership, the dealer is responsible for reporting the title and paying for the transfer with the state.
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When Do You Need To Transfer Car Titles In Washington State?
You need to transfer the title on your vehicle anytime that vehicle has a new legal owner. That means that when you buy a car from a dealership, they will give you a title. When you gift a car to a friend or family member, you will also need to provide a title.
However, you don’t need to transfer the title if someone is just borrowing your car, or even if it’s on loan to someone else, but you’re paying the taxes, registration fees, and other costs of ownership of that vehicle.
Can You Transfer A Vehicle That Doesn’t Have A Title In Washington?
No. Since it’s likely that untitled vehicles might have been stolen or that they are being sold illegally, you cannot sell an untitled vehicle in Washington State.
However, if your vehicle doesn’t have a title and you want to sell it, you can apply to get a new title through the DMV. In order to get a new title, you will need to have some other proof of ownership and a way for the state to track the transactions that led to you owning the vehicle.
If sufficient proof cannot be found, you may be denied a new title, or you may have to get a salvage title or other legal document that proves ownership but may lower the value of your vehicle.
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Can You Transfer A Vehicle Title If The Owner Is Deceased?
If the vehicle in question was under joint ownership, and one owner dies, the other owner can transfer the vehicle fully into their name with the help of an official death certificate. With full ownership, the remaining owner has full control over the vehicle, including the title and the right to sell or gift the vehicle.
However, if the only owner of a vehicle has passed, or all the owners of a vehicle have passed, it gets a little more complicated. Usually, control of the title, and vehicle, will pass to the previous owner’s power of attorney, who will handle transferring the vehicle as outlined in the Will or determined by other legal proceedings.
In this case, it’s common for the title to ultimately be transferred to a descendant or other beneficiary named in the Will or to be sold and the proceeds added to the deceased’s estate.
Who Handles Title Transfers In Washington State?
Now that you know how much does it cost to transfer a car title in Washington, you need to know who to contact to transfer a title. In Washington state, Title transfers are handled by the DMV. The DMV can also handle issuing a new title and disputes if you’ve purchased a car and haven’t received the title within the 10-day legal window.
Car Title in Washington FAQs
How to transfer car ownership when buying from a dealer in WA?
When buying from just about any dealer, they will usually handle the title transfer. However, you’ll be required to present an unexpired WA driver’s license so the company can register the vehicle in your name. Unless you’re exempted to get a driver license under the RCW 46.20.025.
When do you need to transfer ownership after buying from a private party?
Whether you bought a new car or received it as a gift, you have 15 days to transfer the title into your name. Otherwise, you’ll incur penalties. On the 16th day, you’ll automatically receive a $50 penalty and $2 daily after the 16th day, and up to $125. When you buy from a car dealer, they’ll handle the title transfer. However, when you buy from an out of state dealer, you may have to handle the transfer.
How quickly can you get your title?
The standard processing and delivery of a car title take about 8 to 10 weeks. However, you can expedite the process by completing your form and mailing to several Quick Title offices. It will take faster than 8 to 10 weeks, and an extra $50 to expedite.
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