What a “Jumped” Title Is and How to Fix It in Washington

Here is the pattern in plain terms.

Two rules explain why it matters. RCW 46.12.650 says a buyer must apply for a new title within 15 days of delivery, and failing to apply within 45 days after delivery is a misdemeanor. So person B skipped a legal duty. RCW 46.12.520 also makes it illegal to sell without complying with the title rules.

The nearest thing to an official description is the “interim owner” in the wrecker chapter. RCW 46.80.010 describes an interim owner as someone who holds the original title released by the named person and assigned to the seller. RCW 46.80.090 says a licensed wrecker must first obtain evidence of ownership, but for a vehicle from an interim owner that evidence may not require a title in the interim owner’s name.

That is a rule for wreckers, in its own chapter. It does not bless a gap for everyone, and it does not say a hulk hauler can do the same. Please do not read it as permission to pass a title along.

The same idea does appear in the ownership in doubt rule. RCW 46.12.680 requires that you acquired the car from the owner of record or an interim owner. If you bought from someone with no connection to the title, that may be a problem for that route as well.

1. Stop writing on the title

   Do not add a name, a date or a signature that is not yours. WAC 308-56A-215 says alteration or erasure voids a title unless satisfactory documentation is given.

2. Write out the chain

   List each person you know of, in order: the name on the title, then who you bought from, and any dates, phone numbers and receipts. Gather your bill of sale, messages and payment records.

3. Try the person you bought from

   Ask how they got the car and whether they hold a bill of sale from the owner on the title. Their paper may be the missing link. Ask whether they will sign a bill of sale or other document, with a notary if needed, that shows the true history. Everything signed should be true and show real dates.

4. Try the named owner

   If you can reach the person on the title, they are the one who can release interest or sign an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest. All legal and registered owners shown on the title must sign that release.

5. Take everything to a licensing office

   Explain the chain truthfully and ask what they can accept. Because there is no official rule that treats this exact situation by name, this is the step that gives you an actual answer.

6. If the chain cannot be repaired, ask about ownership in doubt

   RCW 46.12.680 offers registering without title for three years, a bonded title, or a court petition. See the limits in our bill of sale guide.

An honest gap in the chain is a problem you can take to the Department of Licensing (DOL). It gets far more serious if someone tries to paper over it.

• A false statement on a title application or transfer, or forgery, is a class B felony under RCW 46.12.750, with a fine of up to $5,000, up to 10 years in prison, or both.
• Dealing in stolen vehicles falls under the same statute. An unexplained chain is a reason to check the car’s history before you go further. DOL points to the national vehicle history system for title, insurance loss and salvage information.
• Someone selling many cars this way may be an unlicensed dealer. RCW 46.70.021 makes buying and selling five or more vehicles in 12 months without a license a gross misdemeanor.

Late penalties may also apply when you do apply. Our guide to a title that was never transferred sets out the amounts.

If you have not paid yet, you can avoid all of this. Before any money changes hands:

• Compare the seller’s ID with the name on the title.
• If they differ, ask why the car was never titled in the seller’s name.
• Do not accept a title with the buyer’s section left blank for you to fill in later.
• Meet at a licensing office if you can. DOL recommends it.

Please do not assume a title like this will work at pickup, with us or anyone else. Our license means we must hold proper documents for each vehicle, and a title that does not lead to you is a question we have to answer first. Call us at (206) 941-0612 and tell us what you have, and we will tell you whether we can take it. Read the licensed hulk hauler page for what that license requires, and who should get a signed title if you are unsure about handing one over.