If you've just moved to Washington, you're busy! We at Ballard Licensing are here to help!
Registering your vehicle in Washington State
You must register and title your vehicle within 30 days of moving to Washington State. You will be issued Washington State license plates after this is completed.
You may register and title your vehicle by mail or by coming in to Ballard Licensing.
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.
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 exactly how much the fees will be for your vehicle, please contact us.
Mail your application documents with the fee to:
Ballard Licensing
2232 NW Market St.
Seattle, WA 98109.
Present 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. You may fill out the form ahead of time or at Ballard Licensing, but ALL registered owners must sign the form at the licensing office so the agent can certify the signatures.
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 exactly how much the fees will be for your vehicle, please contact us.
Special requirements
If you live in certain counties in Washington, you MAY need to have an emissions test on your vehicle. See Emissions testing 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. Ballard Licensing 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.
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 (SUVs and passenger vans).
New vehicles that do not meet clean car standards cannot be registered, licensed, rented, or sold for use in Washington.
all services provided by Ballard Licensing in King County, Washington can also be provided by any of the vehicle/vessel licensing offices across the state.
We hope you will choose Ballard Licensing because of our fast service and our commitment to our customers. Thank you!
