Q: Making myself a primary owner from co-owner of car title while no contact with original owners? Washington state.
I’m estranged from my parents, they have themselves on my car title as a co-owner and an I’m a co-owner. I need to have them removed and make myself the primary owner. However, I’m not able to contact them due to domestic violence issues and wish to not speak with them. How do I get my name on the title? And them off the title?
A:
In Washington State, if you are a co-owner of a vehicle and wish to remove the other co-owner(s) from the title, you will need to follow a specific process. Here are the general steps:
1. Obtain a copy of the vehicle title: You will need to obtain a copy of the vehicle title from the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).
2. Complete a Vehicle Certificate of Ownership Application: You will need to complete a Vehicle Certificate of Ownership Application (Form TD-420-001) and indicate that you wish to remove the other co-owner(s) from the title.
3. Provide proof of ownership: You will need to provide proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or registration, to show that you are the rightful owner of the vehicle.
4. Submit the application and fee: You will need to submit the completed application and fee to the DOL. The fee for removing a co-owner from a vehicle title is currently $15.
5. Wait for the new title: Once the DOL processes your application and fee, they will issue a new vehicle title with only your name listed as the owner.
It is important to note that if the other co-owner(s) do not agree to be removed from the title, you may need to seek legal assistance to resolve the issue. Additionally, if there are any outstanding liens or loans on the vehicle, you will need to resolve those before you can remove the other co-owner(s) from the title.
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