Auto Transport Services in Washington (WA)

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

*Prices and times 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 transport planners who know how to seamlessly get your vehicle from one place to the next with ease. Head to A1 Auto Transport to compare brokerages and carriers with trucks in your area right now.

Using Washington Car Transport Companies

When you are looking to book Washington car transport services, keep a few key tips in mind.

• Consider your final destination: 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 direction and have prepped your car accordingly for wherever you plan to travel once you've gotten your vehicle back from the transport company.
• Ask about first-time transport specials: First-timers might be able to get a discount on transport services from the company in question. Ask also about a discount for referrals should you send other people to use the 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 company. If they hesitate, then consider that to be a major red flag.

Visit the Washington Department of Transportation website for more information on Washington 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 auto transportation. 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.

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 have a car to transport, call us now for more details.

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. Cars are 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 auto transport company to move your vehicle. A1 Auto Transport will get your car through customs and to its final destination. 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 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 all play a factor. The following tips can be used as a guide to avoid spending too much on shipping costs:

1. Consult with one of our staff members. They’re trained to listen to your requests and present appropriate options. If you’re looking to cut down costs, they’ll also tell you if you qualify for a discount.
2. 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 discounts.
3. 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. 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, we go the extra mile for this 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 an auto transportation service. Therefore, we’ve arranged for special 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.

Auto Transport Safety Measures in Washington

To improve safety, each 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, so people usually use it only for special cases.

During transport, your car is insured. However, this insurance may not cover every possible incident. If you want complete protection, you can request more insurance from your insurance company.

Services And Information

• Washington long distance moving services
• Cheapest Washington moving companies

How to Request a Price Estimate

For a price estimate, scroll up and use the online 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 a 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 transport services to meet an array of needs, including boat and motorcycle transport.

615 South 96th Street, Seattle, WA

206-767-5960

Interbay Transport Logistics

Interbay Transport offers services for cars of all types, including custom makes and models. Licensed, bonded and insured nationwide auto shippers with great BBB 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 country and some points internationally.

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 company.

700 Northeast 4th Avenue, Camas, WA

360-834-2900 ‎

Domestic Auto Transport

Domestic Auto Transport serves the greater Camas area for transport needs.

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.

35050 Pacific Highway South, Federal Way, WA

253-874-9919

Alaska Vehicle Transport

PACIFIC

Pacific Auto Transport

Pacific Auto offers Washington auto shipping around the greater Washington area. 
263 Roy Rd SW # 2, Pacific, WA

253-826-0461 ‎

LYNDEN

A Ok Auto Transport

A Ok provides enclosed or open air transport for vehicles and motorcycles in the Lynden area.

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 state.

3305 Main St # 215, Vancouver, WA

360-882-2770 ‎

United Road Services: Vancouver

This national company is a great option for those trying to get their vehicle 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 prices.

3801 Oakesdale Avenue Southwest, Renton, WA

425-251-5950

OLYMPIA

Interbay Transport Logistics

Interbay provides transport services around the Olympia area for a vast array of transport options.

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, 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 private 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 while they are still valid. When they expire, you will have to proceed with a new Washington 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 or in Washington.

Those who plan to stay in Washington 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 in Washington 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 of Washington but are a resident of another state.
• You are on active military duty in another state, but are a resident of Washington.
• Your stay in Washington 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 country or 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 cars that are 6,000 lbs. or less.
• All diesel cars newer than 2007.
• Cars newer than 2009 that meet the emissions standards of California.
• Hybrid cars that are 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.

Washington On Craigslist - local classifieds and forums for jobs, housing, for sale, personals, services, local community, and events.

Written By:Joe Webster

Joe Webster began his journey in the auto transport field by attending the University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Marketing. 

After college, he started his career in the auto transport industry from the bottom up and has done virtually every job there is to do at A-1 Auto Transport, including but not limited to: Truck Driver, Dispatch, Sales, PR, Bookkeeping, Transport Planner, Transport Manager, International Transport Manager, Brokering, Customer Service, and Marketing. Working with his mentor Tony Taylor, Joe Webster has learned the ins and outs of this industry which is largely misunderstood. 

With over 30 years experience in the industry, we've been helping people ship their vehicles, motorcycles, RV's, heavy equipment, household goods and more across the country or overseas without a hitch. Ask us anything.