Buying a car always requires some paperwork, but the process is a little different if you’re buying a car from out of state. If you want to register the car in Washington, you’ll need to pay the sales tax to Washington—not the state where you bought the car.

Regardless of where you buy your car, most of the registration process will probably look pretty familiar. You’ll fill out similar forms and pay the same registration fees. Don’t forget to have essential documents like the title application notarized or signed in front of a licensing agent.

Here to help you work through the process is

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Washington car insurance costs

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How to buy a car out of state as a Washington resident

If you live in Washington but snagged a great deal on a car in Oregon or another state, plan on squaring up your paperwork and financial obligations with Washington. Even though you bought the car out of state, you can still register it in your home state of Washington, but you’ll have to pay sales tax and submit an application.

Once you’ve bought your vehicle, you’ve got 30 days to register it with Washington’s Department of Licensing (DOL).

To start the registration process, complete the Vehicle Certificate of Ownership (Title) Application (

Form TD-420-001

). Include all necessary information, like the vehicle identification number (VIN), driver’s license number, vehicle information, and contact info. This next bit is important! If you’re at the licensing office, sign the form in front of the agent. If you’re mailing the form, get it notarized first.

Here’s a helpful checklist of what you’ll need to show at the office or mail with the application:

Car title (hard copy only)

Vehicle bill of sale or dealership purchase agreement that shows proof of any taxes you paid (if the car was registered in another state and it’s been owned for less than 90 days)

Valid Washington license

Odometer disclosure statement if the car is a 2011 model or newer

Check or money order for a $23 title with a registration fee

Any local fees charged in your county (like a local transportation benefit fee)

If you want to drop the application in the mail, send it to:

Refunds and Title Services

Department of Licensing

PO Box 9043

Olympia, WA 98507

If you haven’t paid sales tax on the vehicle you bought out of state, plan on paying the vehicle use tax, which is essentially a vehicle sales tax. The amount varies by county, but you can check the current rates on the

Department of Revenue’s website

If you have already paid sales tax on the out-of-state vehicle, you can apply the amount you paid against the tax you owe to Washington.

You’ll get your registration and plates the same day if you visit the local licensing office. If you apply by mail, expect to get them within ten weeks.

MORE: Washington title transfer

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How to buy a car in Washington if you live out of state

Buying a car in Washington as a non-resident is a similar experience. Remember, though, that you’ll need to pay the sales tax to the state where you will register the car. You’ll also have to:

Get a valid bill of sale for buying the car (and get it notarized if your home state requires it)

Take the bill of sale to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Show them your photo ID, proof of insurance, proof of residency, odometer disclosure, and any other documents that are required.

Complete the application and pay the registration fees.

Pay local sales tax on the car. This amount varies based on the state. If you’re buying the car from a dealership, they might be able to look up the sales tax information for you.

What if I don’t have a physical title?

Since you need the physical title to register your car, sign the Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest Form and take it or mail it to the Vehicle Licensing office. Pay the $35.50 fee, and they’ll send you the title within eight to ten weeks.

Can’t wait that long? Give the paperwork to a quick title office and pay $85.50. You’ll get your title immediately!

If you’re making payments on the vehicle and don’t have the title, ask the lienholder to apply for the title and sign the necessary paperwork.

MORE:

Washington car insurance laws

Tips for buying a vehicle out of state

You need to consider a few extra things if you’re buying a car in Washington from out of state. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Read the vehicle history report. This is especially important if you’re purchasing a used car. The report, which you can get from CARFAX, tells you how many people owned the vehicle and reveals whether the car has been in a crash, flooded, or salvaged.

Get a vehicle inspection in your home state. Your vehicle must meet the inspection requirements for the state you register the car in. If it’s been a while, read up on

Washington’s car inspection requirements

Don’t forget a one-time VIN inspection. Washington no longer requires vehicle emissions testing, but the State Patrol needs to inspect the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for out-of-state cars.

Check your home state’s current vehicle sales tax. Think you can get a deal by buying a car in a state with cheaper taxes? Think again. You’ll pay taxes to your home state.

Check that you have car insurance before you leave the dealership. Call your insurance company to ask if your policy covers driving a new vehicle home. You need to have insurance that meets Washington’s minimum car insurance requirements.

MORE:

How to find temporary car insurance in Washington state

How to save on car insurance in Washington

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