Change your name on a vehicle or boat

If you've changed your name, you must update your vehicle or boat record.

• Changing your name on one vehicle doesn't automatically change it on other vehicles or boats
• If you have a loan or lien on your vehicle or boat you must change your name through the lienholder (not the Department of Licensing)
• You must also update your name on your driver license, or update your name on your Enhanced Driver License

Vehicle Safety Notifications

You may see a change on your vehicle renewal notice or when registering a vehicle for the first time. We'll give you any open safety recalls for your vehicle on your renewal notice or at time of registration. You can still renew your registration. We get recall information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Visit www.nhtsa.gov/recalls for more information on recalls.

How to change your name on a personal vehicle or boat record

Follow these steps to update your name on a personal vehicle registration.

1. Gather the required documents

You'll need all of the following to update your name with us:

Your vehicle or boat title

You must bring the original copy of your vehicle or boat title. We do not accept photocopies.

If you don't have the title, complete an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest form. You must print this form on white paper.

A Vehicle Title Application or Vessel Title Application

You must print these forms on white paper. Choose the form that is appropriate for you.

• For vehicles, complete a Vehicle Title Application.
• For boats, complete a Vessel Title Application.
  • This form is only available in English.

  Documentation of your name change

  Provide proof of one of the following as documentation of your name change:

  • A copy of the court order authorizing the name change
  • A Vehicle/Vessel Owner Name Update Affidavit for Individual (must be certified at a vehicle licensing office or notarized by a notary public)

  2. Submit your documents and the fee

  Submit your documents and cash, a check, or a money order for the fee to any vehicle licensing office or Quick Title office in person or by mail:

  Application & Issuance
  Department of Licensing
  PO Box 9043
  Olympia, WA 98507-8500

  How to change the business name on a company vehicle record

  Follow these steps to change the business name on a company vehicle.

  1. Gather the required documents

  • Current Washington title for the vehicle (we do not accept photocopies)
  • Documentation from the Secretary of State's Office showing you've changed your company name
  • A Declaration of Use Tax form from the Department of Revenue (DOR)
  • A copy of the business license in the new business name with the same UBI number (contact the DOR if you have questions about your UBI)

  2. Complete the appropriate form

  Choose the form that applies to your situation. You must print these forms on white paper.

  • For vehicles, you must complete a Vehicle Title Application.
  • For boats, complete a Vessel Title Application. This form is only available in English.

  3. Submit your documents and the fee

  Submit your documents and cash, a check, or a money order for the fee to any vehicle licensing office or Quick Title office in person or by mail:

  Application & Issuance
  Department of Licensing
  PO Box 9043
  Olympia, WA 98507-8500

  Fees and wait times

  When you update your name, you will need new copies of your registration and title.

  • Reported stolen
  • As insurance or wrecker destroyed
  • With a "WA rebuilt" on the title

  Update your Good To Go! account

  If you have a Good To Go! electronic tolling pass, be sure to update the contact information on your account with the Department of Transportation. Update your Good To Go! account online, or call 866-936-8246.

  Terms we use

  Record

  This is the information we have about your vehicle or boat, such as your name, address, endorsements, restrictions, etc.

  Title

  This document is your proof of ownership. It is issued when you first purchase your vehicle or boat.

  Do not keep your title in your vehicle or boat. Store it in a safe place.

  Registration

  This is the document you sign when you renew your vehicle tabs or boat decals each year. Keep this in your vehicle.