--- title: "Does a Car Title Need to Be Notarized in Washington? | MCC" description: "Washington car title: only in some cases. Some cases. The official source, what else is required and the next step." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/does-it-need-a-notary/car-title-washington" --- Does it need a notary? · Washington # Does a car title need to be notarized in Washington? The answer from Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL), what else a car title needs to be signed properly here, and how to get it done. ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) Only in some cases. Some cases. When the seller uses DOL's Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest form, it must be notarized unless it is signed in front of a vehicle licensing agent, who can certify the signatures. ## In the official wording "If the form is signed in the presence of a vehicle licensing agent, the agent can certify the signatures and you don't need to have the form notarized." From the official pages listed below, checked November 2026. ## What else the signing needs Buyer's signature The buyer's transfer paperwork is signed in front of a licensing agent, or in front of a notary if signed before the office visit. "If you sign before coming to a vehicle licensing office, you must sign in front of a notary." Bill of sale Both sign a Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale unless the price and date are on the title. "unless the sale price and date are included on the title" Odometer For model year 2011 or newer, the odometer section on the title is filled out. "If the vehicle model year is 2011 or newer, you should fill out the Odometer Disclosure section on the title." Buyer's deadline The buyer has 15 days to transfer ownership; penalties start at $50 on day 16, plus $2 a day up to $125. "you have 15 days to transfer the ownership into your name." Plates The seller removes the plates; the buyer gets new ones. "As the seller, you are legally obligated to remove the license plates from your vehicle." Title fee $15 title application fee (RCW 46.17.100), plus a $6.50 title filing fee (RCW 46.17.005) and other fees and taxes. "pay a fifteen dollar application fee in addition to any other fees and taxes required by law" Seller's report of sale The seller submits a Report of Sale within 5 days ($18 fee by mail). "you are legally obligated to submit a Report of Sale within 5 days of the sale date." ## Next step The seller signs the paper title in front of a notary, usually with the buyer there too, so a local notary near both of you is simplest. We don't notarize titles by video. [Request a mobile notary in Washington](/notary/mobile-notary-outside-new-jersey) In person, we look for a notary commissioned in Washington near you; you approve the price first. If a local notary in Washington does it: Up to $15 for most notarial acts, under the state's fee rules ([Washington notary fees](/notary/fees-by-state/washington)). ## Official sources - [WA DOL: Buy and register a vehicle](https://dol.wa.gov/vehicles-and-boats/vehicles/buying-and-selling-vehicle/buy-and-register-vehicle) (checked November 2026) - [WA DOL: Sell a vehicle](https://dol.wa.gov/vehicles-and-boats/vehicles/buying-and-selling-vehicle/sell-vehicle) (checked November 2026) - [Revised Code of Washington, chapter 46.17 (Vehicle fees), incl. RCW 46.17.100 and 46.17.005](https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/Law/RCWPDF/RCW%20%2046%20%20TITLE/RCW%20%2046%20.%2017%20%20CHAPTER/RCW%20%2046%20.%2017%20%20COMBINEDCHAPTER.pdf) (checked November 2026) - [Washington DOL: Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest](https://dol.wa.gov/vehicles-and-boats/vehicles/renew-or-replace-vehicle-tabs/affidavit-lossrelease-interest) (checked November 2026) We are not lawyers, and this is general information, not legal advice. Checked November 2026. Rules change, and whoever receives the document decides what it accepts; we can't guarantee acceptance. ## Common questions **Is notarization required to sign over a Washington car title?** Only in some cases. Some cases. When the seller uses DOL's Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest form, it must be notarized unless it is signed in front of a vehicle licensing agent, who can certify the signatures. **Does the buyer's signature need a notary in Washington?** The buyer's transfer paperwork is signed in front of a licensing agent, or in front of a notary if signed before the office visit. **Is a bill of sale needed with a Washington title?** Both sign a Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale unless the price and date are on the title. **How long does the buyer have to title the car in Washington?** The buyer has 15 days to transfer ownership; penalties start at $50 on day 16, plus $2 a day up to $125. **Can a Washington car title be notarized online?** We don't offer that for titles. The seller usually signs the paper title with a local notary, often with the buyer there. Outside New Jersey, our mobile notary request page can look for a notary commissioned in Washington. **What does a notary charge in Washington?** Up to $15 for most notarial acts, under the state's fee rules. A mobile notary may add a travel fee; ask for the total first. ## Keep going - [Washington car title transfer](/notary/car-title-transfer-washington) - [Seller's checklist](/notary/selling-a-car-checklist-by-state?state=wa&role=seller) - [Car title rules in every state](/notary/car-title-notarization-by-state) - [A power of attorney in Washington](/notary/does-it-need-a-notary/power-of-attorney-washington) - [A will in Washington](/notary/does-it-need-a-notary/will-washington) - [A small estate affidavit in Washington](/notary/does-it-need-a-notary/small-estate-affidavit-washington) A car title in another state: [Utah](/notary/does-it-need-a-notary/car-title-utah) · [Wyoming](/notary/does-it-need-a-notary/car-title-wyoming) · [every state](/notary/does-it-need-a-notary?doc=car-title) ## Signing a car title in person? [Request a mobile notary](/notary/mobile-notary-outside-new-jersey)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)