Free Washington VIN Check

What to know when buying used cars in Washington

Arizona, the Grand Canyon State, is home to a wide variety of used cars. In terms of average used car prices, it takes a middle ground between the cheapest and most expensive states, based on a CBS42 report. If you want to get your hands on a used Arizona car, you better prepare for it ahead of schedule. It is recommended to run a Free Arizona VIN check to help you make an informed decision. 

Arizona Vehicle History: When purchasing a pre-owned vehicle in Arizona, it is essential to investigate a car’s history. Verify if it still possesses its original parts and if it has undergone significant damage. One option for prospective buyers to get an Arizona vehicle history report is to consult the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) or private car report providers, such as Carfax or Autocheck, by using the Arizona VIN Check.

An Arizona vehicle history report by Arizona VIN Check may show these details:

• Vehicle specifications – basically, it refers to the features, dimensions, performance, and appearance of a car. 
• Accident history – any record of past accidents or damages the vehicle has sustained over the years. 
• Title information – this shows whether a car possesses an untainted title record or if it has undergone salvage, reconstruction, or total loss.
• Ownership history – provides details on the past owners and the length of time they possessed the car as well as the dates and frequency of ownership transfer.
• Mileage history – displays the distance tracked by the odometer over time, and it can be utilized to identify any manipulation of a vehicle’s mileage.
• Vehicle use – checks records if a car has past personal or professional purposes, and whether it had ever served as a rental, taxi, or conveyance means.
• Manufacturer recalls – displays recall data instigated by the car manufacturer, along with a brief description of the defect as well as proposed fixes. 
• Theft record –  confirms any status that the vehicle has been marked as stolen or if it has a record of being retrieved after being stolen.
• Liens and finance history – indicates if a car has outstanding debts or liens that have not been paid off, or if it has been confiscated for non-payment of loans.
• Others – Information regarding both currently active and expired warranties as well as car insurance policies.

Required Documents: If you plan on purchasing a secondhand vehicle in Arizona, you must verify if the seller has revealed all necessary details from the title, registration, bill of sale, and other docus, to avoid possible legal issues. It is also the responsibility of the seller to clear any liens or encumbrances related to the ownership of the vehicle before they sell it unless they declare before the buyer their intention to sell a vehicle as is. 

Inspection Requirements: If you live or work in Tucson or Phoenix and own a vehicle made after 1967, you must undergo an emissions test. The frequency of the emissions testing may vary depending on the specific characteristics of your vehicle.

Lemon Law Protections: Arizona has lemon laws that provide legal protection to consumers who purchase vehicles that turn out to be defective. The law requires the manufacturer to repair any defects covered by the warranty that substantially impairs the vehicle’s value, safety, or use. If the manufacturer is unable to fix the problem after a reasonable number of repair attempts, the consumer may be entitled to a refund or replacement vehicle from the manufacturer.

New cars: To be covered by Arizona’s lemon law, the defect must be reported to the manufacturer or authorized dealership within the warranty period or within two years or 24,000 miles of the vehicle’s original delivery date (whichever comes first).

Used cars: If a crucial part of your car malfunctions within 15 days or 500 miles of purchasing the vehicle, it may fall under the jurisdiction of Arizona Used Car Lemon Law.

Stay Safe on the Road: Do Washington VIN Check

To ensure a wise investment in a vehicle, consider performing a Washington VIN check to get a corresponding Washington vehicle history report. This report provides valuable information on whether the car has been involved in accidents, experienced engine problems, or has been stolen, helping you to select a reliable vehicle that suits your needs.

Washington DMV

In Washington, the key governmental body responsible for issuing car registration, titles, and license plates is the Washington State Department of Licensing (Washington DMV). If you have relocated to Washington State, ensure that your title, register, and obtain WA plates for your vehicle within 30 days. Also, note that if you buy a car from a private seller in Washington, you must transfer the title to your name no later than 15 days after purchase.

Here is a short list of Washington DMV services car buyers and owners can avail of:

• Title and registrations for vehicles
• Title/registration transfers
• Replacement/Renewals of titles and registrations
• Issuance of Washington license plates
• Vanity or Personalized License Plate Requests
• Motor Vehicle Records

DMV FAQs

How to register and title a vehicle in Washington?

Here is a general overview of the process in Washington:

1. Obtain insurance: In order to drive in Washington legally, car owners must procure insurance that complies with the state’s requirements.

The Washington mandatory insurance requirements are as follows:

• $25,000 for injuries or death to another person
• $50,000 for injuries or death to all other people
• $10,000 for damage to another person’s property

2. Get a vehicle inspection: Once every two years, certain drivers in the Washington area are mandated to undergo a vehicle inspection. If it’s your turn for inspection, you will receive a notification on your registration renewal notice. This will prompt you to book an appointment with our team.
3. Apply for a vehicle title and registration: To start, someone applying for a title can bring a completed form to an authorized Washington DMV office.
4. Pay the fees: To prevent any complications, ensure that you settle the fees and other charges with the Washington DMV. 
5. Submit the documents: When you go to the Washington DMV, ensure that you adhere to their guidelines and give all the necessary documents in your transaction.
6. Get the DMV materials: Once you satisfy all the required qualifications, the Washington DMV will furnish you with crucial documents such as registration and title certificates.

According to RCW 46.16A.200 of the Washington State Legislature, it is mandatory to install both license plates on the front and rear of your vehicle if you have been issued two plates.

How much does it cost to register and title a vehicle in Washington?

The cost of registering and titling a vehicle in Washington will depend on several factors such as its age, make, model, and whereabouts. To determine how much you should actually pay, you may access the standard fees below.

Registration: $4.50 – $8

Title: $5.50 – $15

License plate fee: $50 per plate

For other fees and charges, click here. 

What are the usual requirements when registering or titling a vehicle in Washington?

The standard documentation needed for registering and titling a vehicle in Washington includes:

• Proof of ownership: Bill of sale, past registration, and past title qualify. Provide a bill of sale and/or title with signatures from both parties (buyer and previous owner/seller) if transferring ownership. 
• Proof of identity and/or address: Driver’s license or any government or company-issued ID/paper
• Completed application form(s): Document(s) required for the official Washington DMV recognition of ownership. 
• Insurance: Proof of liability insurance, such as an insurance card, might be required by DMV agents.
• Smog/Safety/Odometer certification: This may be required by an attending agent.
• Payment of fees/taxes: Fees and taxes must be settled to complete the process.

Other Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

Motor vehicle review websites. By visiting motor vehicle review websites such as Edmunds, Car and Driver, and Motor Trend, you can gain insight into a car’s performance, safety rating, and overall popularity among consumers through expert opinions.

Vehicle safety rating websites assess the effectiveness of vehicle safety features in shielding passengers during collisions. The NHTSA and IIHS offer comprehensive details about a car’s safety level, helping consumers to choose wisely.

Vehicle market value websites that calculate the value of vehicles, such as Kelley Blue Book and NADA Guides, consider the car’s brand and model, age, and mileage to provide a reasonable estimate of a vehicle’s worth.

Washington crash report. According to the 2019 FARS report, Washington sustained 525 crashes and 560 deaths in 2019. It is possible that some of these cars may be available for sale, thus one must exercise caution while making a purchase.

Washington crime report. As per the FBI Crime Report for Washington, there were a total of 24,402 car thefts in 2019. To ensure safety, those planning to purchase a used car in the state can acquire a Washington car report to verify its legal and safety conditions. 

Washington natural disasters. Primal Survivor recommends taking into account the potential impact of natural disasters on used cars. Inclement weather conditions like floods, severe winter storms, and heavy snowfall can cause significant damage to automobiles.

Using the Washington VIN decoder to secure a Washington car report is a prudent choice. It supplies crucial information about the vehicle’s history, empowering potential buyers to make informed decisions and choose a car that suits their needs.

Run the Washington VIN Check to generate a full Washington vehicle history report.