Licensing
The Auditor's Office has contracted with the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) to provide counter access to DOL transactions. Many topics listed here are linked to the DOL site, where the explanations are particularly thorough.
** Please note: Driver Licensing services are not provided at this office.
- Photo ID is required for most transactions
- Plate #, VIN, or a vessel ‘WN’ number are required to access your record.
Payment can be made in the form of cash, check, and debit/credit cards. All card transactions are processed through a vendor who will charge you a processing fee for card verification.
Renewals
In Washington all licensed vehicles, vessels and trailers carry a one-year license. Registration can only be renewed in full-year increments and can be purchased up to 6 months in advance. You may select from the following three renewal options.
- Online: You can renew tabs online. Your tabs will arrive several days faster than if you mail us your renewal. Your tabs and plates can either be mailed to you or held for office pickup at your specification. They will be available for pickup the first workday after ordering.
- Mail: Please allow 3-10 days processing time. If your expiration date is closer than 10 days, please consider renewing either via the internet or in person.
- In Person: When visiting in person, bring along your ID and renewal notice or plate number. Tabs can be legally sold only to the registered owner or an immediate family member with same last name. Others must present a note signed by a registered owner and specifying the vehicle's plate or VIN number along with the name of the individual picking up the tabs. If paying by check, the check must be in the name of the registered owner.
Replacing Lost Tabs (DOL site)
Turnaround Time: We will mail your duplicate tabs within 3-10 days of receipt.
Tip: If submitting the Affidavit of Loss via mail, signatures must be notarized. If visiting an office in person, there is no need because we will be able to witness your signatures on the form. Bring ID.
Renewal Reminder Notices
Sign up to receive email reminders from the DOL.
Paper notices of renewal are generated and mailed from the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) in Olympia approximately 3 weeks prior to registration expiration. If you didn't receive your notice, you can still renew by supplying us with the plate number either online or in person. To estimate renewal fees, please visit the renewal page of DOL site.
Discover Pass
You are given the opportunity to place an order for a Discover Pass while purchasing annual licensing for most vehicle types. Orders are ultimately fulfilled by the state and should arrive 7-10 days by mail. If you have not received a Discover Pass purchased through DOL within 10 days, please call 1-844-271-7041 or logon to www.mydiscoverpass.com. If you would like to receive the Discover Pass immediately, one can be purchased wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
Individual Disabled Parking Application and Renewals
You will need to complete the following:
- Application for Disabled Parking. It will need to be completed in its entirety.
- Prescription – Written on prescription pad and manually signed by healthcare provider
You will need to bring us the original copy of both forms. Please see the Department of Licensing site for more information.
When a vehicle is currently titled in WA State
You must transfer the title within 15 days of purchase. A penalty fee of up to $125.00 will be charged for vehicles titled 16 or more days after purchase.
Purchased Through Dealer
The dealer will submit the paperwork required to title the vehicle. Any plates and tabs issued will be delivered to the dealer, who will then forward to the purchaser.
Purchased from a Private Party
The following documentation is required:
- An Unexpired Washington Driver’s License must be presented for each registered owner. Owners must be 18 years or older
- Washington State title, or if missing, an Affidavit in Lieu of Title with proper signatures
- Federal Odometer Statement when required, see below. The vehicle title has a section at the bottom that serves as this form.
- Documentation of purchase price such as a Bill of Sale
- Name and address of lien holder (if applicable)
- Each registered owner must be appear in person or present a completed title application with notarized signatures.
You may also be asked to provide proof of the value of your vehicle if the purchase price appears to be well below what the fair market value of that vehicle.
When title/paperwork comes from out of state
If the vehicle was purchased at a dealership in another state the paperwork will probably be mailed directly to our office. We will alert you when it arrives.
The following documentation is required at the time of registration:
- An unexpired Washington Driver’s License
- Title or Manufacturers' Statement of Origin (MSO)
- Notarized signatures of every registered name to be shown on the title - this can be on a title application or in person at a licensing agency
- Documentation of the purchase price - Bill of Sale or invoice from the out-of-state dealer
- Federal Odometer statement when required, see below.
- Name and address of lien holder
- Proof of Sales Tax (if previously paid)
Inheriting or gifting the vehicle? Please visit our Special Transfers section.
New to Washington State? You will need to obtain your Washington Driver's License before your vehicles can be titled in Washington State.
Federal Odometer Statement Requirement
Federal Odometer laws have increased the age of vehicles requiring odometer statement to 20 years. During the period where this change is phased in, model year 2011 will be the most recent year requiring an odometer statement until we reach the year 2031. At that point, the transition to a 20-year requirement will be complete, and model year 2011 will age out of the requirement. From that point forward, all vehicles aged 19 years and newer will require an odometer statement.
Request for fee estimate
To obtain an estimate of taxes and fees for a transfer, please email us the following information:
- Completed DOL title application
- The title, front and back
- Purchase Agreement
- Any other transaction paperwork
For Manufactured Home
- Title Elimination
- Transfer in location
- Removal from real property
Manufactured Home Application instructions
For more info please visit the DOL website.
Subagent for Douglas County
East Wenatchee Licensing is a subagent for Douglas County and is able to provide the full range of vehicle services with no additional fees.
East Wenatchee Licensing
- 105 Eastmont Ave,
- East Wenatchee, WA 98802
- (509) 884-1551
East Wenatchee Office Hours
- Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.