NEW TO WASHINGTON
Registering your vehicle in Washington State
Welcome to the State of Washington. As with all other states in the United States, in Washington you must license all vehicles and vessels that will be used within the State of Washington. This includes cars, trucks, campers, trailers, boats and other watercraft.
You are required to license or title your vehicle within 30 days of becoming a Washington resident. You will be issued Washington State registration and license plates after this is completed.
You may register and title your vehicle by mail or by coming in to Ridgefield Junction Auto License. Click the small map to the left for a larger map and driving directions to our location.
- Meet all of the special requirements that apply to your vehicle. (See Special Requirements below)
- Submit the out-of-state title, or if there is a lien holder, a photocopy of the out-of-state title. If you do not have your out-of-state title, contact us for instructions on how to apply.
- Submit a notarized Vehicle Certificate of Ownership Application signed by all registered owners.
- Pay all applicable fees. Your title and registration fees depend on several factors, including the weight of your vehicle, where you live, and the types of license plates you want. To find out the exact fees for your vehicle, please contact us.
Mail your application documents with the fee to:
Ridgefield Junction Auto License
2 South 56th Place
Suite 103, Ridgefield, WA 98642.
Special requirements
- If you live in certain counties in Washington, you MAY need to have an emissions test on your vehicle. (See Emissions below for more information.)
- If your vehicle is a motor home, RV, or trailer, you MAY be required to present proof of sales tax. If you do not have proof you paid sales tax when you purchased your vehicle, you will be required to pay use tax.
- If the weight of your vehicle is not on the title, you MAY be required to present a vehicle weight slip. Ridgefield Junction Auto License may be able to get the vehicle weight information for you. If necessary, you may weigh your vehicle at any scale house in Washington.
- If any owners listed on the out-of-state title are deceased or need to be removed due to divorce or other reasons, contact us for further instructions.
EMISSIONS: Please call 1-800-453-4951 or link to the Department of Ecology. Or inquire by calling Ridgefield Junction Auto license with the Washington plate or VIN number. See “Important Phone Numbers Tab” above for the closest testing location for an emissions test.
THE CLEAN CAR LAW: Starting with 2009 models, new vehicles must meet strict clean air standards to be registered, leased, rented, licensed, or sold for use in Washington. This includes cars, light duty trucks, and passenger vehicles (SUV’s and passenger vans. New vehicles that do not meet clean car standards cannot be registered, leased, rented, licensed, or sold for use in Washington. To learn more visit the Department of Ecology website for Washington Clean Car Information.
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