Moving to Washington: car title and registration costs
Moving to Washington with a car you own: title and registration come to about $236.25 for a $20,000 car you have owned over a year (estimate). Register within 30 days of moving (Washington State Department of Licensing).
Tax on the car itself: $0.00 plus anything you fill in.
Estimate of government charges. The DMV or county office calculates the final amount.
Your own numbers
Set up for: moving to Washington · Different situation?
Every line for a new resident
| Line | Group | Amount | Set by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use tax for new residents (only if acquired within 90 days before moving) | State & local tax | you fill in | Washington Department of Revenue |
| Certificate of title application fee | Title | $15.00 | Washington State Legislature (RCW) |
| Title filing fee | Title | $6.50 | Washington State Legislature (RCW) |
| Title service fee | Title | $18.00 | Washington State Legislature (RCW) |
| Vehicle license fee (passenger car / SUV) | Registration & plates | $30.00 | Washington State Legislature (RCW) |
| Registration filing fee | Registration & plates | $6.00 | Washington State Legislature (RCW) |
| Registration service fee | Registration & plates | $11.00 | Washington State Legislature (RCW) |
| License service fee | Registration & plates | $0.75 | Washington State Department of Licensing |
| Motor vehicle weight fee (by scale/empty weight) | Registration & plates | $35.00 | Washington State Legislature (RCW) |
| Additional weight fee | Registration & plates | $10.00 | Washington State Department of Licensing |
| Original-issue license plate fee (plate 1 of 2) | Registration & plates | $50.00 | Washington State Legislature (RCW) |
| Original-issue license plate fee (plate 2 of 2) | Registration & plates | $50.00 | Washington State Legislature (RCW) |
| Plate reflectivity fee (plate 1 of 2) | Registration & plates | $2.00 | Washington State Legislature (RCW) |
| Plate reflectivity fee (plate 2 of 2) | Registration & plates | $2.00 | Washington State Department of Licensing |
| Sound Transit RTA motor vehicle excise tax (only inside the Sound Transit district) | Yearly taxes | you fill in | Washington State Department of Licensing |
Deadlines
- Transfer title into your name within (after buying or receiving as a gift): 15 days (Washington State Department of Licensing)
- New residents: register vehicle within: 30 days (Washington State Department of Licensing)
- New-resident use tax exemption: vehicle acquired more than this many days before moving: 90 days (Washington Department of Revenue)
Sales tax when you move
- Use tax for new residents (only if acquired within 90 days before moving): Exempt if the private vehicle was acquired and used in another state more than 90 days before moving AND it's licensed in WA within 30 days of moving.
Checklist before the DMV visit
- Your out-of-state title (or the lender's details if there is a loan) and current registration
- Proof of insurance that meets the state's requirements
- Your new driver license or ID, and proof of your new address
- Odometer reading; some states also need a VIN or safety/emissions inspection
- Proof of sales tax you paid when you bought the car, if it was recent (several states credit it or exempt you)
After that: yearly renewal
See registration and title fees in Washington for the yearly cost.
Official tools: DOL: Calculate your vehicle tab fees (plate or VIN needed) · DOL: Estimate your RTA excise tax (new vehicles) · DOR: Sales tax rate lookup by address
Sources
- Washington Department of Revenue: Vehicles brought into Washington from out-of-state
- Washington State Legislature (RCW): RCW 46.17.100 Application fee (certificate of title)
- Washington State Legislature (RCW): RCW 46.17.005 Filing fees
- Washington State Legislature (RCW): RCW 46.17.040 Service fees
- Washington State Legislature (RCW): RCW 46.17.350 License fees by vehicle type
- Washington State Department of Licensing: Calculate vehicle tab fees
- Washington State Legislature (RCW): RCW 46.17.365 Motor vehicle weight fee
- Washington State Legislature (RCW): RCW 46.17.200 License plate fees
- Washington State Legislature (RCW): RCW 46.16A.200 License plates
- Washington State Department of Licensing: Regional Transit Authority (RTA) tax
- Washington State Department of Licensing: Buy and register a vehicle
- Washington State Department of Licensing: Moving to Washington: Vehicle registration and plates
FAQ
How long do I have to register my car after moving to Washington?
New residents: register vehicle within: 30 days, per Washington State Department of Licensing.
Do I pay sales tax when I bring my car to Washington?
Exempt if the private vehicle was acquired and used in another state more than 90 days before moving AND it's licensed in WA within 30 days of moving.
How much does it cost to register an out-of-state car in Washington?
About $236.25 for a $20,000 car owned over a year (estimate of title and registration).
More for Washington
Car sales tax in WashingtonRegistration & title fees in WashingtonCompare Washington with another stateCheck a dealer quote in Washington
Estimates of government taxes and fees from official sources; your DMV or county calculates the final amount; not tax or legal advice. Every figure is taken from an official state page (quoted and dated in the sources) and can change. Dealer-set fees are not government fees. Exemptions are described, never applied for you: check the official rule and form.