Selling or junking a car in Washington, step by step
- Find your title (or replace it). If the title is lost or damaged, request a duplicate from the Washington State Department of Licensing using Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest (420-040).
- Pay off any loan. If a lender is listed on the title, it must release the lien before the car can change hands. See our guide to junking a car with a lien.
- Sign the title over at pickup. The seller needs a valid title (or an acceptable affidavit) to sell, must take the plates off, and must file a Report of Sale within 5 days. Filing the report shields the seller from towing charges and liabilities caused by the new owner.
- Deal with your plates. Sellers are legally required to remove their plates; the buyer may not use them, and the seller can transfer them to a similar vehicle or surrender them at a licensing office.
- File the Vehicle Report of Sale. Sellers file within 5 days of the sale, online with or without a License eXpress account or by mail with the form.
How to sign over a title in Washington
The seller needs a valid title (or an acceptable affidavit) to sell, must take the plates off, and must file a Report of Sale within 5 days. Filing the report shields the seller from towing charges and liabilities caused by the new owner.
Official page: dol.wa.gov. For general tips on avoiding mistakes, see how to sign over a car title.
Lost title? Getting a duplicate in Washington
Owners print the affidavit, sign it before a notary and submit it at a vehicle licensing office; a same-day Quick Title is offered at some offices, except for stolen, destroyed or rebuilt vehicles.
- Form: Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest (420-040) — download
- Available online: no
- Official page: dol.wa.gov
More background: how to get a duplicate title before junking.
Vehicle Report of Sale
Sellers file within 5 days of the sale, online with or without a License eXpress account or by mail with the form.
- Form: 420-062
- Can be filed online: yes
- Official page: fortress.wa.gov
Why it matters: release of liability when selling a car.
License plates after you sell
Plates stay with you, the seller, not the car. Sellers are legally required to remove their plates; the buyer may not use them, and the seller can transfer them to a similar vehicle or surrender them at a licensing office.
Source: dol.wa.gov
Junk and salvage titles in Washington
DOL's destroyed-vehicle guide (TD-420-080) says a registered owner must mark the title 'Destroyed' with the date and mail it to DOL within 15 days of the vehicle's destruction.
Official page: dol.wa.gov. Background: salvage vs. rebuilt vs. junk titles.
Selling a car without a title in Washington
DOL says a vehicle needs a valid title before it is sold, but an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest or an Affidavit in Lieu of Title is also accepted.
Official page: dol.wa.gov
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Washington title questions
How do I replace a lost car title in Washington?
Owners print the affidavit, sign it before a notary and submit it at a vehicle licensing office; a same-day Quick Title is offered at some offices, except for stolen, destroyed or rebuilt vehicles. The form is Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest (420-040).
Do I need to notify Washington when I sell or junk my car?
Washington uses the Vehicle Report of Sale. Sellers file within 5 days of the sale, online with or without a License eXpress account or by mail with the form.
What happens to my license plates when I sell a car in Washington?
Sellers are legally required to remove their plates; the buyer may not use them, and the seller can transfer them to a similar vehicle or surrender them at a licensing office.
Can I junk a car without a title in Washington?
DOL says a vehicle needs a valid title before it is sold, but an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest or an Affidavit in Lieu of Title is also accepted. Confirm the details with the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Official sources
- Washington State Department of Licensing — homedol.wa.gov
- Selling or transferring a vehicle titledol.wa.gov
- Duplicate or replacement title (Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest (420-040))dol.wa.gov
- Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest (420-040) formdol.wa.gov
- Vehicle Report of Salefortress.wa.gov
- Junk and salvage vehiclesdol.wa.gov
Summarized from official Washington government websites in October 2026. Fees and procedures change; always confirm with the Washington State Department of Licensing before you sell. This guide is general information, not legal advice.