Washington DMV Vehicle Transfer | Vehicle Donations

Washington Transfer Notification Support Page

A Vehicle Report of Sale is Required for the Donor to Complete Within Five Days of the Pick-up Date of the Vehicle Donation to Release Liability.

Please Note: As of July 1, 2019, there is an $13.25 fee to report the sale of your vehicle; however, there is no fee to report a boat. After you've filed, keep a copy for your records.

HOW TO HANDLE THE LICENSE PLATES WHEN YOU DONATE A CAR, TRUCK, SUV OR OTHER STANDARD VEHICLE WASHINGTON


Please remove the license plates of your donated vehicle before the pick-up.

Please remove the license plates. Plates may be transferred to another vehicle, disposed of properly, or returned to a vehicle licensing office of your choice.

Click HERE to find your local vehicle/licensing office.

For a list of ways to dispose of old plates and the list of plates that must be returned to a vehicle licensing office, please click HERE.

Please See the Steps Below for How to Complete the Vehicle Report of Sale

There are three ways in Washington to notify the DOL (Department of Licensing) that you have donated your car: online, in person or by mail. Currently, there is no option available online. You can find more information and forms for each notification method below:

1. TO COMPLETE THE VEHICLE REPORT OF SALE ONLINE:

*PREFERRED METHOD* If possible, we highly recommend completing forms online instead of by mail, so you may easily save and print out a copy for your records that includes a date/timestamp. Also, when completed online, a receipt can be printed ensuring it's been received.

  • Click the button below to complete the Vehicle Report of Sale online
  • Follow the steps.
Complete Online


2. TO COMPLETE THE VEHICLE REPORT OF SALE IN PERSON:

  • Please complete and print the Vehicle Report of Sale Form.
  • Submit the completed form and pay the filing fee at the vehicle licensing location of your choice. Click HERE to a find a vehicle licensing office close to you.
Access Form


3. TO COMPLETE THE VEHICLE REPORT OF SALE BY MAIL:

  • Please complete and print the Vehicle Report of Sale Form.
  • Mail the completed form to the vehicle licensing location of your choice. Include a check for the fee. Please make check out to "Department of Licensing." Click HERE to a find a vehicle licensing office close to you.
Access Form



Haven't donated yet? We can help you find a fantastic Washington nonprofit to donate to.



Frequently Asked Questions


Q: When do I cancel my insurance? A. Only cancel your vehicle's insurance AFTER your vehicle has been picked up and you have notified the state that you’ve donated your vehicle. If your state requires notification, please be aware that you should never cancel your insurance prior to reporting to the state you are no longer in possession of the vehicle. This is a general rule for States/Motor Vehicle Departments that require Notification be submitted or license plates returned.

Q: Who is considerd the purchaser of my vehicle donation? Is it the nonprofit or charity? A. The purchaser of your donated vehicle is NOT the nonprofit or charity. It will either be the vendor or Charitable Adult Rides & Services, the vehicle donation program provider and partner of your nonprofit of choice.

Q. What is State Notification? A. State notification releases the vehicle donor from liability over the vehicle, including registration fees and from having to keep the vehicle insured, after the vehicle is picked up. State notification is a way for the state to create a record that the owner is no longer in possession of the vehicle. The steps needed to release your liability of a donated vehicle vary by state.

Q. Who is supposed to take care of the state notification process? A. If state notification is required, only the donor and/or owner of the vehicle can complete this process. Please do not rely on the pick-up driver or vendor to report to the State/Motor Vehicle Department that you are no longer in possession of the vehicle. If you need support, please contact the vehicle donation support team at donorsupport@careasy.org or call 855-500-7433. We would be happy to assist you.

If you have additional questions, please visit our vehicle donation FAQS.

If you would like assistance with your vehicle donation, please contact us here.

For more information on vehicle transfers, please contact your local Motor Vehicle Division:


Department of Licensing
P.O. Box 9909
Olympia, WA 98507

Click HERE find your local vehicle/licensing office.

Phone: 360.902.3770
TTY: 711
Email: CustomerCare@dol.wa.gov
DOL Website