How to Replace a Lost Car Title in Washington

WAC 308-56A-200 says a replacement title goes only to owners of record, on a notarized or certified affidavit of loss, a letter of request, or an affidavit in lieu.

When there are two or more people on the title, sources differ on who signs. The WAC says “all legal owners”, and DOL’s page refers to all registered owners. So have every listed owner sign. That avoids any question. See two names on the title.

If the car still has a loan, DOL’s Replace Title page says the lienholder must apply.

1. Get your details together

   You will want the VIN, the plate number, and the names exactly as they appear on your registration. A lost registration is also a reason to ask about a replacement at the same time.

2. Complete the paperwork

   Use the affidavit or the other document DOL asks for on its Replace Title page. Fill it in truthfully. If you sign anything that is not on the title itself, get it notarized or certified, under WAC 308-56A-200.

3. Choose regular or Quick Title

   DOL lists a replacement at $39.50, and a Quick Title at $89.50. Quick Title is not available for vehicles reported stolen, destroyed by insurance or wreckers, or “WA rebuilt”. Fees can change, so confirm before you pay.

4. Submit it, and wait

   DOL’s pages give different timelines for regular processing, so plan on several weeks. Ask the office what to expect now.

• Keep looking in the places you have not tried. Check with a family member, and the old lender if the car was financed.
• Do not list a sale date you cannot meet. If you have a buyer waiting, tell them the title is on the way.
• Do not sign any blank forms for a buyer who offers to “take care of” the title.

A replacement makes the old title void. The rules differ on what to do with it: RCW 46.12.580 says to return it promptly to DOL, and WAC 308-56A-200 says it must be destroyed if found. Do not use it for a sale. Call DOL and ask which they want, then follow that. In all cases, make sure you do not hand a buyer the old one.

A title that got wet, torn or scribbled on can raise its own problem. WAC 308-56A-215 says alteration or erasure voids a title unless satisfactory documentation is given. If yours is damaged, ask a licensing office whether to replace it. Do not try to repair it or write over it.

• Do not apply for a replacement for someone else’s car unless you have proper authority. See power of attorney.
• Do not claim a title is lost when you know where it is, such as with an ex. A false statement on a title application is a class B felony under RCW 46.12.750.
• Do not assume an old lender has released its interest. Look at what the record shows.
• Do not sell the title without the vehicle, which RCW 46.12.750 makes a class C felony.

We need one of: a Title, an Affidavit in Lieu of Title, or a Junk Vehicle Affidavit. So if your car is registered in your name in Washington and the title is lost, you may not have to wait. Call us, and we will try to help. Our no-title page and paperwork guide explain the details. The how it works page covers the pickup itself, and after the sale, don’t forget the Report of Sale.