How to import a car from Canada to Washington

Bring these documents

• Vehicle Title Application (DOL form 420-001), signed by all owners before a notary or licensing agent (https://dol.wa.gov/vehicles-and-boats/vehicles/buying-and-selling-vehicle/buy-and-register-vehicle/vehicle-title-application-instructions)
• U.S. Customs documents showing year, make and VIN, signed and stamped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP Form 7501 Entry Summary); documents must come from U.S. Customs, not a broker or foreign customs office (DOL customs-inspections page; Clark County Auditor)
• Current ownership document issued by the foreign country (e.g., Canadian provincial registration/ownership). If the country cancels the document on export, proof of ownership plus evidence of cancellation or a statement of fact (WAC 308-56A-115(1)(c))
• Release of interest from the owner(s) shown on the Canadian ownership document if the applicant is not that owner (bill of sale / signed-off registration) (WAC 308-56A-115(5))
• English translation with notarized/certified translator affidavit for any non-English document (WAC 308-56A-115(5))
• Odometer disclosure (mileage field on title application; exempt if MY2010 or older, or MY2011+ and 20+ years old) (DOL title application instructions)
• Scale weight documentation if not shown on the ownership document (DOL title application instructions)
• Unexpired Washington driver license for all registered owners (DOL title application instructions)
• DOT HS-7 / EPA 3520-1 / Registered Importer bond-release letter: not named on DOL pages; DOL requires only stamped CBP entry documents, but bring federal import forms in case the licensing agent asks (verify with agency)

VIN inspection

Not automatic. A WSP VIN inspection is required only when the licensing agent/DOL requests one (e.g., no prior title record, VIN problems, stolen-vehicle hit, rebuilt/assembled) under WAC 308-56A-150. If required, the licensing agent issues a 'Washington State Patrol Inspection Request Form' and the owner books an appointment online with WSP (https://wsp.wa.gov/driver/schedule-a-vin). Inspection fee set by RCW 46.12.040 (verify current amount with agency).

Emissions

None. Washington ended its emissions-check program on January 1, 2020; no emissions test is required to title or register (verify with agency).

Sales / use tax

Use tax due at registration on fair market value (generally the price paid; cannot be less than amount paid). Combined motor-vehicle sales/use tax = 6.5% state + 0.3% motor vehicle tax + local rate, ranging roughly 7.8% to 10.9% by residence location (DOR Q1-2025 MVET flyer). Credit is allowed for sales/use tax paid to another U.S. state, but Canadian GST/HST, licensing fees and VAT are NOT creditable (WA DOR 'Vehicles brought into Washington from out-of-state'). New-resident exemption only if the vehicle was acquired and used in another state 90+ days before moving and licensed within 30 days.

Title and registration fees

Title application $15; service fee $29 for title with registration (or $18 title-only); filing fee $12.50 title with registration ($6.50 title-only); original plates $50 per plate; basic license tab fee $30 (DOL says everyone starts around $43.25 before weight, location and taxes); additional vehicle weight fee $10 and gross-weight fee per RCW 46.17.355; RTA excise tax and transportation benefit district fees vary by location. Quick title $50 extra. Late title transfer penalty $50 on day 16 plus $2/day up to $125. (https://dol.wa.gov/node/273)

Odometer in km

Title application has a mileage field; federal exemptions apply (MY2010 or older; MY2011+ when 20+ years old). DOL pages do not describe kilometer handling or conversion; a km-only odometer should be disclosed as read and noted as kilometers on the disclosure (verify with agency).