- Safe And Reliable Washington Car Shipping Services By A-1 Auto Transport
- Cost & Time To Ship Your Car Examples
- Car Shipping Companies Near Me
- Using Washington Car Shipping Companies
- Long Distance Auto Transport To/From Washington
- International Auto Transport From/To Washington
- Cheap Car Transportation Options In Washington
- Shipping Luxury And Classic Cars In Washington
- Washington Special Discounts
- Auto Transport Safety Measures In Washington
- Services And Information
- How To Request A Price Estimate In Auto Transport Industry
- Washington Auto Transport Companies Directory
- Selland Auto Transport Inc
- Interbay Transport Logistics
- Auto Transporters
- Magic Carpet Auto Transport, Inc
- Domestic Auto Transport
- Alaska Vehicle Transport Inc
- Pacific Auto Transport
- A Ok Auto Transport
- Evergreen Auto Transport
- United Road Service Vancouver
- Selland Auto Transport
- Interbay Transport Logistics
Safe And Reliable Washington Car Shipping Services By A-1 Auto Transport
Not to be confused with the nation’s capital, Washington State is situated deep in the Pacific Northwest and offers an eclectic mix of metropolitan cities, like Seattle, and some of the more beautiful natural scenery fund in the country. It should be noted that the state was, in fact, named after the first U.S. president, George Washington. Roughly 60 percent of the state’s residents live in the Seattle area, which is surrounded by Puget Sound and many, many recreational opportunities.
You can take advantage of bicycling around the city, wildlife viewing in any number of nature preserves in the area, as well a fishing, boating, canoeing and more. Those looking for a unique adventure can find it trekking through Mount Ranier National Park – or climbing the mountain itself – and glimpsing the many wildlife species and stunning flowers in this area. However, this spacious state requires a vehicle, so you may consider Washington auto shipping to get your car in place so you can truly experience all that Washington State has to offer.
Cost & Time To Ship Your Car Examples
Shipping To/From | Cost | Distance | Estimated Time In Transit |
---|---|---|---|
Portland to Seattle | $173 | 173 miles | 1 - 2 days |
Seattle to Spokane | $279 | 279 miles | 2 - 4 days |
San Francisco to Seattle | $605 | 807 miles | 3 - 5 days |
Seattle to Las Vegas | $675 | 1125 miles | 4 - 6 days |
Colorado to Washington | $781 | 1301 miles | 4 - 6 days |
Washington, WA to Arizona | $866 | 1443 miles | 4 - 6 days |
Oklahoma to Washington, WA | $1007 | 2014 miles | 6 - 8 days |
Washington, WA to Houston | $1157 | 2313 miles | 6 - 8 days |
Nashville to Washington, WA | $1160 | 2319 miles | 6 - 8 days |
Seattle to Atlanta | $1054 | 2636 miles | 7 - 9 days |
New York to Seattle | $1144 | 2861 miles | 7 - 9 days |
Washington, WA to Florida | $1225 | 3062 miles | 7 - 9 days |
*Prices and times for Washington auto transport are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and what type of vehicle you are shipping.
Car Shipping Companies Near Me
Looking for auto transport companies near you in Washington? A move from Washington to another state makes for a rather long jaunt. The state’s geography places it far away from most major cities across the country. What if you could hop a plane and then take a cab to pick up your car on the other side of your move? We can arrange that. We have a professional team of vehicle shipping planners who know how to seamlessly get your vehicle to the Washington state with ease.
Using Washington Car Shipping Companies
When you are looking to book Washington car shipping services, keep a few key tips in mind.
- Consider your final destination in Washington state: Perhaps you aren't stopping in Washington State to stay and just needed transport into the area, so you have a starting point closer to where you need to be. Make sure you've mapped out your car transport direction and have prepped your car accordingly for wherever you plan to travel once you've gotten your vehicle back from the Washington auto transport company.
- Ask about first-time transport specials: First-timers might be able to get a discount on vehicle shipping services from the company in question. Ask also about a car transport discount for referrals should you send other people to use the Washington auto transport company’s services.
- Request insurance documentation: Your transport company of choice should be insured and properly bonded, so as to cover your vehicle during the transport process. Ask to see a copy of this information; it should be readily available to you from the Washington car shipping company. If they hesitate, then consider that to be a major red flag for car transport.
Visit the Washington Department of Transportation website for more information on Washington car shipping and the plentiful opportunities in which it can offer those visiting or relocating to the state.
Long Distance Auto Transport to/from Washington
The longer the distance, the more factors come into play during Washington car transport. Once you cross over to another state, though shipping your car isn’t a problem, you must first make sure it meets the legal requirements there. You may also need a new driver’s license if you’re moving permanently.
Heading to New Jersey or Seattle? A1 Auto Transport can ship your car to any part of the US, as well as to another country. Thanks to our experiences over the years, we may be able to advise you on the various laws and regulations you’ll have to submit to in your new location. If you need car transport to the Washington state, call us now for more details and get an auto transport quote.
International Auto Transport from/to Washington
Many people have their property detained by the customs offices of foreign countries because they either lack the necessary paperwork or can’t pay the import tax. Your dream car is then placed in storage, and the owner has to pay a fee for the duration of their stay.
This problem can easily be avoided by getting an experienced Washington auto transport company to move your vehicle. A1 Auto Transport will get your car through customs and to its final destination in Washington state. All you have to do is prepare the necessary documents and you can leave everything else to us.
Cheap Car Transportation Options in Washington
It’s important to know how the car shipping cost is calculated if you wish to reduce it. Factors like your location, the requested time and date, the car and the type of transport, diesel fuel cost, all play a factor. The following tips can be used as a guide to avoid spending too much on vehicle shipping costs:
- Consult with one of our staff members. They’re trained to listen to your car shipping requests and present appropriate options. If you’re looking to cut down Washington auto transport costs, they’ll also tell you if you qualify for a discount.
- Take advantage of our seasonal offerings. During winter, though there are less people requesting auto transportation, it can be cheaper to ship your car because of these car shipping discounts.
- Request an open carrier and take advantage of our terminals. Our staff will explain further when you call them.
Shipping Luxury and Classic Cars in Washington
To transport an antique or luxury vehicle to or from Washington, clients are usually looking for the highest level of safety and speed we can offer. For this reason, we recommend our enclosed auto carriers to ship a car. They are a bit more expensive, but they’re also superior in every other way.
Because most of our clients use them to transport classic or luxury cars in a city, we go the extra mile for this car shipping service. Automobiles are kept hidden from the elements, road debris or potential thieves, so the chances of something happening to them during transit are much lower. They arrive faster at their destination, since the number of cars being transported is lower. You can even choose to transport your exotic or classic vehicles in a single car carrier, so it arrives much faster and there’s less chance of it bumping into other cars.
Washington Special Discounts
Seniors and students may have a hard time paying the full cost of Washington auto transport service. Therefore, we’ve arranged for special car shipping discounts to be awarded to these population classes. We’re also offering discounts to military members as a form of respect for their service. Other clients can plan ahead and take advantage of seasonal offers given each year. Call now for more information and get an instant quote to ship a car.
Auto Transport Safety Measures in Washington
To improve safety, each shipment carrier is equipped with straps which limit the onboard cars’ movements. These are regularly verified and replaced when necessary.
Open carriers use structural beams as barriers against outside elements, while enclosed trucks offer full protection against the weather. The second option is more expensive to ship a car, so people usually use it only for special cases.
During transport to any city in the Washington state, your car is insured. However, this insurance may not cover every possible incident. If you want complete protection, you can request more insurance from the company.
Services And Information
Get a Free, No Obligation to Buy, Auto Shipping Quote.
Get my free quote now or call us to do it for you:
How to Request a Price Estimate in Auto Transport Industry
For a car shipping price estimate, scroll up and use the online quote calculator form at the top of this post. Write your desired pickup and drop off points, and then click on the button below. This will lead you to a new window in which you’ll have to add a few more details, no more than 6 fields. Complete them all to receive an auto transport quote.
A second option for your situation is to make a call to our company. The number is at the top of the website, similar to the form. By speaking to a staff member directly, you can get an immediate response, and depending on the situation, even receive a discount. Our company offers special discounts to certain clients. To see if you fit the criteria, call now.
Washington Auto Transport Companies Directory
SEATTLE
Selland Auto Transport Inc
Local favorite Selland provides car shipping to meet an array of needs, including boat and motorcycle transport. They have the best transportation equipment and provides excellent customer service in the state.
615 South 96th Street, Seattle, WA
206-767-5960
Interbay Transport Logistics
Interbay Transport offers shipping for cars of all types, including custom makes and models. Licensed, bonded and insured nationwide auto shippers with great BBB (Better Business Bureau) accredited customer reviews. Transports automobiles, vans, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, boats and other heavy hauling with their open and enclosed auto transport carriers.
2253 Gilman Drive West, Seattle, WA
206-510-8296
Auto Transporters
This Seattle company can get your car to just about anywhere in the United Stated and some points internationally. This auto transport Washington car shipping company can ship a car to the largest city or any small town in the eastern part.
300 South Barton Street, Seattle, WA
253-642-7351
CAMAS
Magic Carpet Auto Transport, Inc
Looking for a magical experience method of transport, look no further than this Camas-based car shipping company.
700 Northeast 4th Avenue, Camas, WA
360-834-2900
Domestic Auto Transport
Domestic Auto Transport serves the greater Camas area for Washington car transport needs. Get your car delivered in the evergreen state with their simple booking process and best price.
700 Northeast 4th Avenue, Camas, WA
360-834-6013
FEDERAL WAY

Alaska Vehicle Transport Inc
Those looking for transport to or from Alaska and into the Washington area can find it in this transport company. This auto transport Washington company provides shipment service in the city at the best price. Become one of their happy customers in the city.
35050 Pacific Highway South, Federal Way, WA
253-874-9919
PACIFIC
Pacific Auto Transport
Pacific Auto offers Washington auto transport around the greater Washington state. Get your car arrived at your door with the best auto shipping company near the pacific ocean.
263 Roy Rd SW # 2, Pacific, WA
253-826-0461
LYNDEN
A Ok Auto Transport
A Ok provides enclosed or open air transport for automobiles and motorcycles in the Lynden area. This car shipping company goes the extra miles to provide best shipping service to the customers.
152 Bay Lyn Drive, Lynden, WA
360-739-8691
VANCOUVER
Evergreen Auto Transport
Evergreen Auto Transport operates out of Vancouver but can ship around the Washington state.
3305 Main St # 215, Vancouver, WA
360-882-2770
United Road Service: Vancouver
This national car shipping company is a great option for those trying to get their shipment in or out of the Vancouver area.
2480 Kotobuki Way, Vancouver, WA
360-693-5835
RENTON
Selland Auto Transport
Selland is a locally-owned business that is well-known in the Renton area for quality transport at affordable shipment prices.
3801 Oakesdale Avenue Southwest, Renton, WA
425-251-5950
OLYMPIA
Interbay Transport Logistics
Interbay provides car shipping around the Olympia area for a vast array of shipping options. Ship a car from your door today and get the best shipment service from Interbay.
2103 46th Avenue Northeast, Olympia, WA
206-510-8296
Car Registration in the State of Washington
To legally drive your vehicle on Washington’s highways and roads, you have to title and register it with the State Department of Licensing.
Both operations will be done simultaneously, as soon as you submit the title of the vehicle, a sale bill, an odometer reading, and an emissions certificate. You must also pay the applicable fees by mail or in person at the local office.
The required documentation might differ if you are a new resident or a military member.
New residents
As a new resident of Washington state, you get a month to title and register your vehicle either in person or by mailing the documentation.
Registration by Mail
One may submit a registration request by mailing the paperwork to a licensing office:
- A notarized application for an ownership certificate.
- The car title issued in your former state.
- An odometer disclosure for vehicles newer than 10 years.
- A certificate validating the passing of an emission test.
- A sale bill if you bought the vehicle in the last 90 days.
- The payment for the applicable registration fees.
You will receive your registration and vehicle title in the following 10 weeks. For the registration of an RV, a trailer, or a motor home, you may be required to submit proof of paying the sales tax.
In-person Registration
In-person registrations can be done in 2 versions:
- Submitting the paperwork at a licensing office – you’ll receive the registration immediately, but you will get the title by mail within the next 10 weeks.
- Submitting the paperwork at a title office and paying an extra $50 fee to receive both the title and the registration immediately.
The required documentation for in-person registrations are:
- A signed ownership certificate.
- The car title issued by the former state of residency.
- A disclosure of the odometer statement for cars newer than 10 years.
- A certificate from the emissions test (if applicable).
- A sale bill or a purchase agreement.
- Payment for the applicable registration fees.
Washington vehicle insurance
While it isn’t required to have a proof of insurance during the registration process, having a valid insurance policy is obligatory in WA. If you drive around without having an insurance card and you get stopped by law enforcers, you will definitely get a fine.

Vehicle Registration Process in Washington
The registration process is different for vehicles bought from a dealer, as opposed to those bought from individuals. Regardless of how you acquired the car, you get a period of a maximum of 15 days to get it titled and registered in Washington.
For every day that passes over the maximum amount of time, you’ll get a penalty fee: $50 for the first day and an extra $2 for each following day (until the penalty sums up to a maximum of $125).
Vehicles bought from a dealer
If you purchase a car from a dealer, they will handle the paperwork regarding the registration process, and you will get the license plates and the documents by mail.
Vehicles bought or obtained from private individuals
You can register and title by mail any vehicle you receive or buy from a private party. The documents you need to submit for an in-person registration are:
- An application for an ownership certificate.
- The odometer disclosure.
- The title of the vehicle issued by your former state of residency.
- A sale bill.
- A report from the emissions test.
- Payment for the applicable taxes.
If you decide to apply for a registration by mail, make sure all the documents have the signatures notarized, as otherwise they will not be recognized. While the documents (registration and title certificates) will be sent to you by mail during the next 10 weeks, it will take just 3 weeks maximum for the license plates to arrive.
Vehicle Registration for Military Members
The requirements of the registration process in WA is slightly different for military members, depending on if they’re residents stationed inside the state, if they are residents stationed in other states, or if they are stationed in the state of WA but have their residency in another state. In some cases, military members may also benefit from a use tax exemption.
Washington residents that are members of the military
If your residency is in Washington and you’re a military member stationed in the same state, you have to register your car by following the same process as civilians.
If you are a Washington resident serving in the military and you’re stationed in another state, you can get your car registered by mail. You will have to submit the following documents:
- A notarized application for the title.
- A document proving the ownership of the vehicle.
- The odometer disclosure for vehicles newer than 10 years.
- The military orders (in copy) that state your location assignment as being outside of the state.
- Your LES documentation (in copy) proving your WA residency.
- Payment for the applicable registration fees.
Washington residents returning from deployment in another state
If you registered your car in a state where you served, you can use the license plates when you get back to Washington state while they are still valid. When they expire, you will have to proceed with a new WA vehicle registration.
Military members stationed in Washington that are residents of other states
As a non-resident stationed in WA, you don’t have to get your vehicle registered. You can use your home-state license plates while your registration and insurance are valid. However, if you wish to get your vehicle registered with Washington’s State Department of Licensing, you will have to follow the same process as civilians.
If you’re driving a vehicle with license plates issued by another country, you can keep using them until they expire, at which point you will have to get the vehicle registered in your state of residency.
Those who plan to stay in the state when they leave the military will have to get their vehicles registered there.

Fees for Registration
When registering a vehicle, the fees are determined by its type, its weight, the license plates type, and by the home address of the applicant. If a sales tax hasn’t been paid, you will be issued a use tax.
Commercial vehicles and trucks have different registration fees based on the gross weight declared for them. Therefore, fees are categorized in: miscellaneous fees, combination fees, farm combination fees, and farm fees.
Among the fees that have to be paid for other vehicles, there are: registration fees, titling fees, fees for local transportation (in some counties), the excise tax for the transit authority (in some counties), the charge for congestion reduction in King County, the license plates fee, and the fees for the required inspections.
Use Tax
The payment of a use tax is mandatory when buying a car from private individuals (if the sales tax was not paid for that vehicle).
Use tax payment is required when the vehicle is bought from a county where neither a sales tax, nor a use tax is charged. The value of the use tax is the same for the sales tax in your county, plus an extra 0.3% in motor vehicle use/sales tax.
You can benefit from a use tax exemption if:
- You got the car as a gift and:
- The sales tax was paid by the vehicle’s previous owner
- The vehicle was owned for a minimum of 7 years by the previous owner and it comes from a state where a sales tax is charged.
- You purchase a car while on active duty in the military.
Tax Exemption for Military Members
As a military member, you benefit from use tax exemption if:
- You are stationed in the state but are a resident of another state.
- You are on active military duty in another state, but are a resident of WA.
- Your stay in WA is no longer than 3 months.
- Your spouse is in the military and conforms to the above criteria.
Non-residents who are stationed in the state of Washington must provide extra documentation for the registration if they want to benefit from a use tax exemption:
- A document proving they reside in another state.
- A document proving they own the vehicle.
- LES documentation stating their residence.
- A form for an exemption of the excise tax.
Washington residents stationed in other states are tax exempt from purchases made outside the state if:
- They are on active military duty for more than 6 months.
- They've been the owners of the car for at least 90 days prior to their military discharge.
- They've purchased the car in another state.
At the moment of registration, they’ll have to submit documentation proving their deployment for more than 6 months outside of Washington and that the vehicle was purchased from another state.

Registration duplicate
You can request a duplicate of your certificate of registration by mail or in person by submitting a notarized form for the release of loss/interest and the payment of a fee for a registration duplicate.
Emissions Testing
Some counties in the state of Washington require a mandatory emissions testing to complete any vehicle registration process: Spokane, Pierce, Snohomish, Clark, King.
However, even in those counties, there are some exemptions from emissions tests for:
- Diesel car that is 6,000 lbs. or less.
- Every diesel car newer than 2007.
- A car newer than 2009 that meet the emissions standards of California.
- Any hybrid car that is rated to 50 mpg or more in the city.
License Plates
You will receive the license plates via mail if you submitted the application by mail, or if a dealer submitted it for you. You’ll get your plates when you register if you apply in person at the State Department of Licensing in Washington.
Other Washington Resources
Washington.gov - official government website for the state of Washington.
Washington Wikipedia Page - everything you need to know about the state of Washington.
University Of Washington - We think differently around here. And just as importantly, we act differently, too. It’s in our DNA, not just at the University of Washington but throughout the Northwest, to reach a little higher. Dig deeper. To keep searching for better ways to learn, live and work. And for better answers to the world’s most pressing challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Regulates Car Shipping Companies in Washington?
All auto transport companies that move cars between states are required to be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). However, car shipping companies also need to be licensed by the state they’re based in, both for local and interstate transport service.
For Washington, those permits are issued by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). WSDOT specifies how long car carriers can be, as well as how their power systems need to function. They also require each carrier to specify that their equipment is designed specifically to ship automobiles.
How Can I Find Out Whether a Car Carrier is Licensed in Washington?
If you’re looking for information about a shipping carrier’s license status, there are two places to look. The first is the FMCSA’s website, where you can check interstate licenses using the Safety and Fitness Electronic Record (SAFER) system. Simply enter the company name or USDOT number, which the shipment carrier company should be able to supply you.
As far as Washington state, you can contact the WSDOT’s Commercial Vehicle Services Department at CVSpermits@wsdot.wa.gov. They should be able to give you any information you might need about the status of a company’s state permit.
How Can I File a Complaint Against a Car Carrier in Washington?
Just like with checking a license, you can file a complaint at either the state or the federal level, depending on whether you’re transporting your automobile from state to state. For a state complaint, fill out this form from the Department of Licensing, which will start the complaint process.
For federal complaints, you should try to contact the FMCSA by phone at 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238). This office is only open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm on Monday through Friday (Eastern Time), so keep that in mind when you call.
How Can I Ship My Car to Washington for Less?
For the most part, the main factor in determining how much shipping your car will cost is the distance — the further you send your car, the more the shipment trip will cost. However, there are some ways to help control those costs to ship your car, which include:
Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
Instead of having your car picked up and delivered at your door by the truck driver, terminal-to-terminal shipping lets you drop your car off at a large depot. Once it’s there, your car will be loaded onto a carrier and delivered to a depot as close to your final destination as possible.
While this option may be less convenient, it can save you a lot of money on your transit.
Open-Air Carriers
Shipping your car on an open-air carrier may leave your vehicle more exposed to the elements, as well as debris from the road, but for most customers, the cost savings more than make up for this increased exposure.
Open-air carriers have higher capacities, and because there are more of them available, you won’t be competing for service.
Flexibility
If your schedule is flexible, you could save a lot of money. Auto transport companies have to balance their schedules carefully. If a specific date for pick-up and delivery isn’t critical, you can let them fit you into their schedule according to their needs, which usually ends up being cheaper.
If you can schedule your move for the winter, where there’s less competition for service, costs will be even lower!
How Do I Transport My Classic, Luxury, or Exotic Car in Washington?
If you’re transporting an expensive car, you should consider opting for enclosed carriers, which offers superior protection from weather and other kinds of damage—and keeps your car away from prying eyes.
While enclosed trucks are more expensive, it’s worth the cost when you have a unique or expensive car.
How Does Car Carrier Insurance Work?
Every auto carrier in the United States is required to have insurance that covers all of the vehicles they transport. This is intended to cover any potential damage, protecting you and the car transport company.
If you’re transporting a classic or luxury car, however, you should ask your insurance company about providing additional coverage, since the carrier’s policy may not cover the entire value of your vehicle.
Are There Any Discounts Available from Washington Auto Transport Companies?
At A-1 Auto Transport, there are always a number of discounts available, although they change from season to season. Seniors, students, and members of the military almost always qualify for discounts on their auto transport services.
First-time customers may also be able to secure a discount. You may also be eligible for a referral bonus if you recommend us to others.
Finally, we may offer seasonal discounts, especially in the winter months, when fewer cars are being shipped.
How Much Paperwork Does Washington Auto Transport Require?
There’s really not a lot of paperwork involved. You should make sure you have your driver’s license, and it’s also a good idea to have copies of your insurance, registration information, and car title. While you may not need all of these documents, having them on hand will prevent any delays in transporting your automobile from your door.