by Armando Martinez
Introduction
If you've recently purchased a car from a private owner sale in Washington, it's important to register your vehicle as soon as possible. You’ll have 15 days from the date of your purchase to complete this process. The process can be confusing if you've never done it before, but we'll walk through the steps here to make sure that everything goes smoothly.
The first step is making sure that your new vehicle has all the necessary paperwork and documentation before bringing it into the DMV office. You will need:
- Title certificate (both sides)
- Odometer reading
After checking these things off your list and gathering up all of your other documents (like proof of insurance), head over to one of our local DMV offices! Once there, bring along any additional information requested by staff members such as proof of residence or Social Security number verification form DS-11.
You’ll also have the ability to purchase a 30 day temporary license permit while at the DMV office. This will allow you to drive your vehicle while you’re waiting for your license plate and registration to arrive. You can find more information at https://apps.oria.wa.gov/permithandbook/permitdetail/186.
Step 1: Obtain a Bill of Sale and Complete the Title Application Form
- Obtain a Bill of Sale: If you bought your car from a private owner, you'll need to obtain a Bill of Sale. This document should include the following information:
- The date and place where the vehicle was purchased
- The names of both buyers and sellers (you can use their legal names or nicknames)
- A description of the vehicle, including make, model and year
- How much money was paid for it by each party involved
Step 2: Obtain Insurance for Your Vehicle
The next step is to get insurance for your car. This can be done in one of two ways:
- Contact an insurance company and purchase a policy, or
- Add the car to your current policy. If you choose this option, ask the seller to help pay for the cost of insurance (they'll likely accept).
Step 3: Get an Emissions Test Before Registering Your Vehicle
You can take your vehicle to any DMV location or an emissions testing center. You'll need to make an appointment with the emissions testing center, and your seller must sign an affidavit stating that he or she has not tampered with the vehicle's emissions system.
Step 4: Submit the Registration Application
The next step is to submit your registration application. You can do this in person at any DMV customer service center location, or by mail. To complete the Washington DMV Title Application online, go to www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/titleapp and follow the instructions on the site.
If you're mailing in your application, make sure that you include all of the following items:
- Completed title application (Form TD-420-065)
- Proof of identity (i.e., driver's license)
Step 5: Get License Plates for Your Vehicle
The DMV will send you a notification when it's time for them to be renewed, but if you don't receive one, it's always a good idea to check the status of your plates online or by calling 804-497-7100. Select Vehicle Services from the menu options and then Online Services. You can also use this method if you need to transfer ownership of your vehicle or replace lost or stolen plates.
Step 6: Have Your Vehicle Inspected for Safety and Emissions
You must have your vehicle inspected for safety and emissions at a licensed inspection station. Bring proof of ownership or a completed Affidavit for Transferring Title Without Certificate. For more information on how to schedule an appointment visit the Washington State Department of Licensing website or here https://www.wsp.wa.gov/driver/schedule-a-vin/.
Step 7: Keep Your Registration and License Plates Updated
After you've registered your car, it's important to keep your registration and license plates updated. The DMV requires that you renew your registration at least 30 days before it expires, either online or by mail. If you prefer to visit the DMV in person, use their website to find out which branch has the shortest wait time (the closest branch will be listed on their site).
Conclusion
Congratulations on your new car! We hope this guide has been helpful in explaining how to register a car bought in a private owner car sale. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us today.
This article was written by Armando Martinez. Armando Martinez is among the nation’s experts on automotive titling, registration, DMV services and document operations. With nearly two decades of experience across a broad range of financial services functions and some of the largest names in auto, from Wells Fargo to Uber, Armando combines vision and ingenuity with a wealth of information so auto shoppers and sellers can learn from his experience.
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