Resources
Registering a Vehicle

How to own a vehicle in

Washington

as a non-US resident

Washington
Address requirements
None required.
Identity requirements
A Washington State driver license is required to register a vehicle in Washington.
Average cost to own a vehicle
10.4% of the vehicle's value
Plus registration fees of:
$73

Presence requirements

The US states, not the national government, control vehicle ownership in the United States.
In order to own a vehicle in any US state, you must establish a presence in that state.
These are the presence requirements to own a vehicle in this state:

Address

Washington address required to own a vehicle in Washington.

Proof of Residency at Address

None required.

Identity

A Washington State driver license is required to register a vehicle in Washington.

Cost of owning a vehicle

When you register a vehicle - apply for ownership and permission to drive it on public roads - two costs are due:
  • Sales tax
  • Registration fees
Sales tax and registration fees are due in the state in which the vehicle is registered, not where the vehicle is purchased.
These are the costs to own a vehicle in this state.
Sales tax is due where a vehicle is owned, not where it is bought - so owning a vehicle in Montana can save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars.

Sales tax (state + local average)

10.4% of the vehicle's value

Registration fees

$73

Inspection Requirements

In order to register a vehicle (or renew a registration in this state, the vehicle must meet the following inspection requirements:
Emissions inspection required if the vehicle is registered in the following counties: Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane. Washington DMV personnel must verify the vehicle’s VIN if not previously registered in Washington.

There are 38 states that

Don't require proof of residency.

There are 21 states that

Don't require proof of residency.
Don't require a US driver's license.

There are 7 states that

Don't require proof of residency.
Don't require a US driver's license.
Don't require vehicle inspections.

Montana is the only US state that

Allows non-residents to register vehicles through a company.
Doesn't require a US driver's license.
Doesn't require vehicle inspections.
Doesn't have vehicle sales tax.

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West Coast

How to register a vehicle in other states in the region

How to register a vehicle in Alaska as a non-US resident

Alaska

How to register a vehicle in Alaska as a non-US resident
How to register a vehicle in California as a non-US resident

California

How to register a vehicle in California as a non-US resident
How to register a vehicle in Hawaii as a non-US resident

Hawaii

How to register a vehicle in Hawaii as a non-US resident
How to register a vehicle in Oregon as a non-US resident

Oregon

How to register a vehicle in Oregon as a non-US resident

Let's Get You on the Road

We make US vehicle ownership easy so you can enjoy your visit.

Get our free 50+ page eBook and learn how purchasing, registering, insuring, and selling a vehicle works in the United States.
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