All vehicles and vessels that will be used within the State of Washington must be licensed.

If you purchased your car, truck, boat, camper, or other vehicle or vessel from a dealer, the dealer may have already taken care of the licensing for you.

If the dealer did not do the licensing for you, or if you purchased your vehicle from a private party, you will need to license the vehicle yourself. Vehicles must be registered within fifteen (15) days after purchase to avoid penalty fees. A $25 penalty is charged on the 16th day with additional charges each day until a maximum $100 penalty is reached.

You can register your vehicle by coming to the County Auditor's offices in Montesano or either of the county's 2 licensing sub-agencies in Elma or Aberdeen.

Required Documentation

When you go to either the main office or to any of the agencies, you will need to bring some items with you. The items required depend on the type of transaction you are doing.

New Vehicles

Purchased in-state

Normally the dealer will process all paperwork and obtain your plates and registration for you.

Purchased out-of state The following documents are required:

• Picture identification
• Manufacturers' Statement of Origin (MSO)
• Notarized signatures - every name on the title needs to be witnessed by either a notary or someone at the licensing agency.
• Documentation of purchase price - bill of sale or invoice from the out-of-state dealer
• Federal Odometer statement
• Name and address of lien holder

Used Vehicles

Used Vehicles with a Washington State Title

You are required to transfer the title within 15 days of purchase or you will be charged a penalty of up to $100.00

The following documents are required:

• Picture identification
• Washington State title or an "affidavit in lieu of title"
• Notarized signatures - every name on the title needs to be witnessed by either a notary or someone at the licensing agency.
• Documentation of purchase price - bill of sale or invoice
• Federal Odometer Statement on vehicles less than 10 years old
• Name and address of lien holder

Used Vehicles with out-of-state plates and documentation

• Picture identification
• Title with proper signatures
• Notarized signatures - every name on the title needs to be witnessed by either a notary or someone at the licensing agency.
• Documentation of purchase price - bill of sale or invoice
• Federal Odometer Statement on vehicles less than 10 years old
• Weight slip for all trucks unless the scale weight is shown on the title
• Washington State Patrol Inspection
• Name and mailing address of lien holder