NEW TO WASHINGTON STATE?

Welcome to Washington!

First, you must obtain your Washington State Drivers License, then you can register your vehicle(s). You have 30 days to do this after you’ve moved here.

THE PROCESS IS SIMPLE…

  1. Make sure you have your Washington State Drivers License

  2. Understand what you need depending on your vehicle situation

  3. Submit proper documentation and fees

  4. Finally, receive your plates

For all current requirements from the Department of Licensing, you can visit their site for the most up-to-date needs and requirements.

IMPORTANT!

STEP ONE

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR WA STATE DRIVERS LICENSE

First, you must obtain your Washington State Drivers License, then you can register your vehicle(s). You have 30 DAYS to do this after you’ve moved here.

  • Our office only handles vehicle licensing & titles. For anything related to a Washington State Driver’s License please visit the Department of Licensing website. You will not be able to get your license and register your vehicle at the same location.

  • Please call or email us if you have questions (253) 588-7786 or info@lakewoodcartabs.com

UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU NEED

STEP TWO

  • YOU WILL NEED
    Include an Odometer Disclosure Statement with your application. You may pick one up at our office.

  • It must meet California emission standards to be registered, leased, rented, licensed, or sold for use in WA. See Clean Car emission requirements on the state DOL site.

  • You may need to pass an emissions test before you register your vehicle. See Emissions testing.

  • Include Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale or Dealership purchase agreeement showing proof of any taxes paid.

  • You may be required to show the vehicle weight slip. You could get the weight from our office or weight your vehicle at a scale house in WA.

  • Contact our office for further instructions.

  • You may be required to present proof of sales tax. If you don’t have proof you’ll be required to pay use tax.

STEP THREE

SUBMIT PROPER DOCUMENTATION AND FEES

Mail or bring the following to our office:

Vehicle Certificate of Ownership Application
At our office: Sign the form with a Title Clerk present.
If you are mailing: Sign the form in front of a notary.

The current Certificate of Title of your vehicle

  • If you are still making payments on your vehicle have your lending institution fax a copy of your title to our office (253) 581-5366. Once it’s paid off, you can apply for a WA title.

  • If you don’t have the title, contact our office,

  • Payment for the fees — contact our office to find out what your fees will be.

RECEIVE YOUR LICENSE PLATES

STEP FOUR

If you come to our office, you’ll get them right away. If you mail in, it may take up to 3 weeks from the date your application is received.

For questions please contact our office and we’d be happy to help you. You may also visit the Washington State Department of Licensing’s website for additional information and forms.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SERVICE FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL AND VETERANS

We now have a dedicated service window for active duty & retired military.

LAKEWOOD

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PIERCE COUNTY

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UNIVERSITY PLACE

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LAKEWOOD STEILACOOM TACOMA JBLM PIERCE COUNTY GIG HARBOR SPANAWAY UNIVERSITY PLACE FIRCREST