Buying Vehicles in WA?... (sales, insurance, transfer)

[Truth11]

I'm looking at buying a vehicle from private owners here in WA,just moved here last year so not sure how the process differs from where I was. Do they need the title,for example,or can I just buy it and put it in my name? Things like that...

[Diana Holbrook]

They need to have the title and sign it over to you.

[Hemlock140]

The seller has to sign the title releasing their interest, then you have to take it to the local DOL and pay the transfer fee and use tax on the value to put it in your name. You have only 15 days to do this by law. Most people will get a lower bill of sale than they actually paid, but the DOL doesn't usually fall for that, and uses fair market value rather than the sale amount if higher. You should also get insurance as soon as you can, of course, because you must prove having it if you get pulled over.

[Truth11]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

The seller has to sign the title releasing their interest, then you have to take it to the local DOL and pay the transfer fee and use tax on the value to put it in your name. You have only 15 days to do this by law. Most people will get a lower bill of sale than they actually paid, but the DOL doesn't usually fall for that, and uses fair market value rather than the sale amount if higher. You should also get insurance as soon as you can, of course, because you must prove having it if you get pulled over.

I'm traveling nearly 3 hours to buy one from craigslist so do I need to go to their DOL or can I just go to mine by myself? Also,it's not running so I'll have to use my AAA to have it towed so I don't need to be concerned with insuring it right away...

[Truth11]

I've also been seeing ones with 'lost title',one said buyer would have to file for lost title. Last place I lived it was the owner that was responsible for getting a replacement title...and how long does that take?

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by Truth11

I'm traveling nearly 3 hours to buy one from craigslist so do I need to go to their DOL or can I just go to mine by myself? Also,it's not running so I'll have to use my AAA to have it towed so I don't need to be concerned with insuring it right away...

In that case, sure, wait until you get back to your local DOL and just do it within 15 days. No title is risky, it could be stolen.

If all goes well, it takes 8-10 weeks after filing the notarized affidavit at DOL.

[StealthRabbit]

in WA you really want a title that is CURRENT (within last 8 yrs). If previous owner / seller lost it and can sign a title waiver it will usually suffice. Seller will want to file a "release" (as required of them by WA DOL) and SMART for liability reasons.

If totally lost title, WA has a procedure that will allow you to register it, and after 3 yrs if there is no protest, you can title it. VERY PITA as also needs a WSP inspection.

If you are close enough to OR, title it there using a 'mechanics lien' from towing company ($75, you can title in OR using your WA addy, but will need to drag it / drive it to OR DMV AFTER you get your lien paperwork... for a 30 sec inspection), you will need to transfer title to WA to register / get plates.

For lost titles and no access to OR, you can get a BoS from a Vermont addy and THEN use that in WA state to title.

If you are all about saving sales tax on your zillion dollar WA vehicles, you form a MT LLC ($70 + $15/yr) to own your MT registered vehicles (lifetime registration is nice!, no emissions, no safety inspections). Be SURE to not trigger illegal / tax evasion. Tax avoidance is 'legal' (with legitimate cause). You will not want to cross your insurance company rules either! It helps to have a MT cabin and shop / garage for vehicle to attend 'boarding school as required), but not always necessary.

I have been in WA (my domicile) all of 2 months during the last 3 yrs, but they get $14,400 / yr property tax for the 'privilege', and I really don't need to use MT LLC to register my $35 evil VW Diesel Rabbits. / GTD's

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

I have seen quite a few cars with "lost titles" advertised on Craigslist & elsewhere. Personally, I wouldn't consider buying a car w/o getting the signed title, checking the seller's ID, AND getting a signed bill of sale. BTW, I'm pretty sure that AAA does not tow cars long distances unless you pay by the mile, just like any towing company. AAA towing is usually for emergency roadside service.

[Truth11]

Originally Posted by MarciaMarshaMarcia

BTW, I'm pretty sure that AAA does not tow cars long distances unless you pay by the mile, just like any towing company. AAA towing is usually for emergency roadside service.

I've had them for years and they are pretty good,I upgraded my membership to premium and they tow up to 200 miles!

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

Originally Posted by Truth11

I've had them for years and they are pretty good,I upgraded my membership to premium and they tow up to 200 miles!

I did not know that! Learned something new...