Salvaged / Abandoned / Junk

Abandoned Vehicles:

Defined as a vehicle left unattended for a specified amount of time in either public or private locations according to RCW 46.55.010(14)

Titling an abandoned vehicle

• When time allotment is met, the vehicle is then considered unauthorized and impounded by a registered tow truck operator or taken into custody by law enforcement.
• Once impounded and inspected by a Law Enforcement officer, the vehicle remains in impound for 120 hours. After that time it is sold at auction using an Abandoned Vehicle Affidavit of Sale.
• The buyer may title using this document alone, in some situations it may need a Washington State Patrol Inspection.

Salvaged Vehicles:

Salvage Certificates of Title are ownership documents issued to vehicles that have been reported destroyed.

Vehicles coming to WA on a Salvage Certificate Title must be rebuilt, then inspected by WSP before being titled and licensed in WA. WA does not issue a Salvage Certificate Title.

If a Salvage Certificate of Title also includes a brand such as non-repairable, scrap, or parts only; it is assumed this is a non-repairable vehicle and cannot be retitled.

Junk Vehicles:

Defined as a vehicle that is Three years old or older, extensively damaged, apparently inoperable and the Market value is equal to the approximate value of scrap.

Titling a Junk vehicle

• Law enforcement must inspect and authorize disposal of the junk vehicle by signing the Junk Vehicle Affidavit/Inspection Form.
• If ownership is found, the landowner needs to mail notification to all owners on record.
• The owners have 15 days to claim the vehicle or the landowner may dispose of it by towing, sale, or repairs for application of ownership. The new owner will also need a bill of sale and WSP inspection.
• If the landowner chooses repair and application of ownership, a separate WSP inspection must be scheduled.

Washington State Patrol Inspection

• Before making a WSP appointment, you will need to bring all documents to a DOL office to receive a WSP inspection request form. 
• Upon receiving a WSP appointment date and time, you will bring all documents you possess to a DOL office to purchase an $8.00 transit permit.
• After inspection you will bring the WSP inspection documents, including all items provided to WSP that have been inspected and stamped, back to a DOL agency office to register the vehicle in your name.
• Your costs will include the normal plate, registration, documentation, sales tax if no proof paid, and a WSP Inspection fee.