How duplicate titles and temporary tags work in Washington.
Dealer-focused reference for Washington duplicate title requirements, temporary tag rules, and title submission deadlines. Administered by the Washington Dept. of Licensing (DOL).
Always confirm current fees and forms at the official state site linked below.
Duplicate title: $31.25Temp tag: 30 daysDealer title deadline: 15 days
DOL office or licensing subagent (private) or by mail
Turnaround
Same-day at licensing office; 3–4 weeks by mail
Notarization required
No
Temp tag duration
30 days
Dealer title deadline
15 days after sale
Temporary tags / permits
Washington temporary tag rules
Temporary tags in Washington are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
Trip permits valid 3 days ($3); 60-day permits available; temp operations permits issued through licensing agents
Dealers in Washington must submit title paperwork within 15 days of the date of sale.
Stacking temporary tags — issuing a second consecutive temp tag to extend a vehicle's operation beyond the initial permit period without resolving the underlying title — is prohibited.
Dealer playbook
Keep a title-pending log sorted by temp tag expiration date. Review it every Monday.
Flag any vehicle where the title has not been applied for within half of the allowed deadline (Washington's window is 15 days).
Never issue a second temp tag as a workaround for an unresolved title problem — this is prohibited and auditable.
If you receive trade-ins with no title in hand, start the duplicate process immediately rather than waiting for retail sale.
Washington state quirk
Washington has a 15-day dealer title-submission deadline. DOL licensing subagents are private businesses that process vehicle titles — they operate throughout the state and often provide same-day service.