Washington: titling an imported car

Washington requires U.S. Customs paperwork before it will register an import.

Sources checked 2026-10-17. Not legal advice; rules change.

At a glance

• Import ease (where verified): Process documented; 25-year treatment not stated in the sources read. Customs paperwork listed; 25-year treatment not stated.
• Kei / mini-truck: No kei or mini-truck rule found in the sources read. No kei or mini-truck rule found in the official pages read.

What the official sources say

1. The vehicle must clear U.S. Customs. Documents must include the year, make and VIN, come from U.S. Customs (not a brokerage or foreign customs office), and be signed and stamped by Customs.
   Source: WA DOL: Customs inspections
2. For a vehicle titled in another country, the application must include that country's current ownership document (or, if the country cancelled it for export, proof of ownership plus evidence of cancellation if available, otherwise a statement of fact).
   Source: WAC 308-56A-115(1)(c)
3. Also required: an approved CBP Entry Summary form properly executed authorizing entry; an English translation of any non-English document, with a notarized or certified translator affidavit; and a release of interest if the applicant is not the owner shown.
   Source: WAC 308-56A-115(5)

Not verified (do not rely on ImportClock for these)

• WAC 308-56A-115 and the DOL page do not mention emissions testing or FMVSS/HS-7 documents for imports; Washington emissions-test and fee rules were not verified.
• How Washington titles a 25+ year old non-FMVSS car was not stated on the pages read.

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