Vehicle Registration Services in Tacoma, WA

What You Need If You Are Bringing a Car into Washington State:

  • You must obtain a Washington State driver's license or ID before transferring your vehicle. You have 30 days to complete this once you arrive in the state.
  • No Sales tax applicable if owned in another state for 90 days or more. If owned less than 90 days provide proof of sales tax paid.
  • Original title or copy from current lien holder if applicable. Copies can be faxed to our office at (253) 302-4918
  • If we request your title from your lienholder we will require the lienholder fax # and the owner account number.
  • Leased vehicles and Kansas titles require additional information. Please email us for further clarification.
  • If your current title does not reflect a date that represents ownership of more than 90 days then additional documentation will be necessary to avoid paying use tax. Please email us for more information.
Tacoma office Registration Renewals Company lobby - Tacoma, WA - Tacoma License & Title

Bringing a Vehicle Into Washington? 

If you have recently moved to Washington State or are bringing a vehicle/vessel from out of state, here is what you will need: 

Required 

  • Washington driver license or ID (required within 30 days) 
  • Original out-of-state title, or lienholder copy 
  • Proof of Vehicle Ownership (registration, title, bill of sale) 
  • Odometer (Mileage) Reading (If vehicle is 2011 or newer) 
  • May need: Proof of Previous Foreign Residency (out-of-state ID – original or photo) 
  • May need: Sales or Use tax information (if applicable) 

Washington Use Tax 

  • No use tax due if you have owned & operated the vehicle 90+ days prior to Washington registration (proof required). 
  • If owned less than 90 days, use tax may apply. 

Leased Vehicles 

  • Bring original lease agreement documentation 
  • May need: Power of Attorney for Lessor 

Kansas Titles 

  • Requires special request process, contact us in advance if you have a Kansas title. 

Military Customers 

Active-duty military stationed in Washington DO NOT need a state driver license to complete any transaction. 

  • Active-duty service members with a home of record outside Washington (as shown on their LES) may qualify for fee exemptions on registration renewals. Please provide a copy of your Leave and Earnings Statement dated within the last 60 days, and we will assist you with completing the affidavit for exemption. 

Questions? 

If you need help preparing documents or determining what you need before your visit, please call or email our office or stop by — we are happy to assist!

MILITARY DETAILS

  • Do not need Washington Drivers License for any transaction.
  • May be exempt from excise tax depending on your home of record so bring a printed LES no older than the last two months.
  • If preferred email us your documents and questions.