You and Your BFF: Sharing the Wheels (and the Registration Woes) in Washington State
So, you've decided to let your bestie bask in the glory of your awesome car (good choice, by the way). But before they peel out in a cloud of tire smoke (because, let's be honest, that's how cool your car is), there's a little housekeeping to do. We're talking about adding them to your car registration in Washington state.
Don't Panic, It's Not Brain Surgery (Unless You're Sharing Your Car With a Neurosurgeon)
Adding someone to your car registration isn't exactly rocket science, but it does involve a few steps. Here's the lowdown:
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Gather Your Crew (and By Crew, We Mean Paperwork): You'll need your trusty vehicle title, a completed Certificate of Title Application (fancy name for a form, right?), and some proof of identity for both you and your soon-to-be co-pilot. Think driver's licenses, passports, something official-looking.
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The Not-So-Secret Weapon: The Notary Unless you plan on reenacting a scene from a cheesy courtroom drama at the Department of Licensing (DOL), you'll probably need to get all the signatures on the application notarized. Essentially, a notary is a witness with superpowers (or at least a fancy stamp) who verifies that everyone signing is the real deal.
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DOL-ing Out the Details: Now comes the moment of truth. Head down to your local DOL office with all your paperwork in hand. Be prepared to answer a few questions, pay a title transfer fee (because, you know, paperwork isn't free), and voila! Your car registration will be updated with both your names on it.
Pro Tip: You can also mail in the application, but make sure all the signatures are notarized first. Nobody wants a rejection slip because someone forgot a fancy stamp!
Sharing is Caring (Especially When it Comes to Insurance)
Just a friendly reminder: adding someone to your registration might mean you need to update your car insurance policy. After all, two drivers are better than one (unless your bestie inherited your grandma's lead foot). So, make sure your insurance company knows about the new co-owner situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You Have Them)
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How to Find a Notary Public? Many banks, courthouses, and AAA offices have notaries on hand. You can also search online for notary services in your area.
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How Much Does it Cost to Add Someone to My Registration? The title transfer fee in Washington state is currently $19.50. Be sure to check the DOL website for any updates on fees. https://dol.wa.gov/
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How Long Does it Take to Get a New Title? If you apply in person, you can usually walk out with your new title the same day. If you mail it in, it might take a few weeks.
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Can I Add More Than One Person to My Registration? Yes, you can add up to three registered owners to your car title in Washington.
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What Happens if My Bestie and I Don't See Eye-to-Eye Anymore (Car-Wise)? There's a process for removing someone from your car registration, but it involves more paperwork and a trip to the DOL. Let's hope it doesn't come to that!