How long do I have before I need to put local plates on a scooter that was purchased with out of state plates?

Question

I live in Washington state. I purchased a used, 2003 Yamaha Vino 50cc scooter/moped on Saturday (May 17th). The scooter came with New Mexico license plates. Can I legally ride it on the roads prior to registering it in Washington and obtaining Washington state plates? If so, how long do I have before I need to get it registered?

Answer 1

Call the Motor Vehicle Department and ask them. That way you get the right answers.

Answer 2

What you’ll need

When you finalize the sale of a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle, make sure you receive all the documents required to transfer the title. These documents may include the following:

Vehicle Certificate of Ownership (title) — The seller must release ownership of the vehicle by signing in the appropriate place on the title. All persons listed on the title must sign it.

Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest — If the title is lost, the seller must complete an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest and sign it in the presence of a notary public, county auditor, or licensing subagent. All persons listed on the vehicle record must sign it.

Bill of sale — This receipt is needed to calculate the use tax you must pay when you purchase a vehicle from a private party.

Emissions testing report — Emissions testing is required in urban areas of Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Spokane counties.

Vehicle Title Application — If you mail your documents to us, you must include a notarized Vehicle Certificate of Ownership Application.

Odometer Disclosure Statement — If the vehicle is less than 10 years old, BOTH the buyer and seller must state the mileage and sign, either on the title itself or on an Odometer Disclosure Statement form.



Note: The Odometer Disclosure Statement isn’t available online or via email because it is printed on tamperproof paper.

To get 1 or 2 copies of the form:

visit any vehicle licensing office.

email a request with your name and mailing address to [e-mail].

call [phone], option 5.

To get more than 2 copies of the form, call the Washington State Dealers Association at 1-800-998-9723.

How to transfer ownership into your name

Visit a vehicle licensing office. The licensing agent will help you through the process.

OR

Mail your notarized Vehicle Certificate of Ownership Application with all supporting documents and the fee to:

ATTN: Vehicle Licensing

Department of Licensing

PO Box 9909

Olympia, WA 98507-9909

Deadlines and penalties

You must transfer ownership into your name within 15 calendar days from the date of purchase, or pay the following penalties:

$25 on the 16th day.

$2 per day for each day after the 16th day, up to a maximum of $100.

Fees

Please contact a vehicle licensing office to find out exactly how much it will cost to transfer ownership of the vehicle into your name.

See http://www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistratio...

You have, as stated, 15 days or penalties to pay.