Gifting a Car to a Non-Family Member in Washington State
Gifting a car in Washington State is a generous act, but it requires careful attention to legal and administrative details. The process is open to both family and non-family recipients, provided you follow the required steps and submit documentation to the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL).
Legal Requirements and Process
To gift a car to anyone-including a non-family member-you must:
- Own the vehicle outright: You cannot gift a vehicle that is still under a loan or has a lien, as the title will not be in your name and the lienholder must release their interest first. If there is an outstanding loan, the transaction is generally considered a sale, and tax is due on the fair market value [4] .
- Complete a Bill of Sale: The bill of sale must clearly state the vehicle is a gift and include signatures from both donor and recipient. A free, legally compliant template is available online [3] .
- Transfer the title: The vehicle’s title must be signed over to the recipient. You will need to complete a new title application and provide proof that any applicable sales or use tax was paid by the previous owner [2] .
- Submit paperwork at the DOL: Bring the completed bill of sale, title, odometer disclosure statement (if the car is less than 10 years old), and payment for the $12 title transfer fee. Registration fees may also apply [1] .
Tax Implications
If you can prove that sales or use tax was already paid, the recipient will not owe excise or use tax on the gift. However, if the car comes from out of state, credit for previously paid taxes may be given. Always keep documentation to support tax exemption claims [4] .
Timeline and Penalties
After the car is gifted, the recipient has 15 days to transfer ownership. Failure to do so will result in penalties of $50 on the 16th day, or $2 per day up to $125 [5] .
Real-World Example
Suppose Jane owns her car outright and wants to gift it to her friend Mark. She prepares a bill of sale stating the car is a gift, signs the title over, and both visit the DOL to complete the transfer. Mark is then responsible for registering the car within 15 days and will not have to pay use tax if Jane paid it originally.
Common Challenges and Solutions
The most frequent issues are incomplete paperwork and missing tax documentation. To avoid delays, ensure all forms are filled out, signed, and submitted promptly. If the car has a lien, pay off the loan and obtain a clear title before gifting.
Alternative Approaches
If you cannot pay off the loan, consider selling the car to the intended recipient at a nominal price, then gifting the funds separately. Consult a legal professional for complex cases or estate planning needs.
Transferring a Car Lease to a Family Member
Transferring a car lease is distinct from gifting a car and is subject to the policies of the leasing company. Most lease agreements allow for transfer, but some restrict transfers to immediate family members only, while others permit transfers to non-family members as well.
Lease Transfer Process
To transfer a car lease to a family member:
- Contact your leasing company: Request their official lease transfer procedure. Most companies will require the recipient to complete a credit application and approval process.
- Prepare supporting documents: This may include proof of relationship, lease agreement, and the recipient’s identification and financial information.
- Pay applicable fees: Lease transfers usually involve administrative fees; confirm the exact amount with your leasing company.
- Finalize the transfer: Once approved, the leasing company updates the contract and the recipient assumes responsibility for remaining payments, mileage limits, and end-of-lease obligations.
Challenges and Solutions
Some leasing companies do not permit transfers or have restrictions based on state law or company policy. If a transfer is not possible, you may need to buy out the lease and then sell or gift the car outright.
Alternative Pathways
If your lease agreement does not permit transfers, consider contacting the leasing company for a buyout quote. After purchasing the car, you can gift or sell it to the intended recipient following the gifting process outlined above.
Example Scenario
John wants to transfer his lease to his daughter. He contacts the leasing company, submits her credit application, pays the transfer fee, and the lease is legally transferred. His daughter is now responsible for all future payments.
Gifting an IRA to a Family Member
An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) cannot be directly gifted to another person while the account owner is alive due to federal regulations. However, there are alternative strategies for passing IRA assets to family members.
Designating Beneficiaries
The most effective way to gift IRA assets is to name family members as beneficiaries. Upon the account holder’s death, the assets transfer to the designated beneficiaries, who then have options for withdrawals based on IRS rules.

Source: envocabulary.com
Transfers During Life
You cannot transfer ownership of an IRA, but you may:
- Contribute to a family member’s IRA: You can give money to a family member, who can then contribute to their own IRA, subject to annual contribution limits.
- Convert to Roth IRA: Consider converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, then naming family members as beneficiaries for more tax-efficient inheritance planning.
Inherited IRA Guidelines
When a family member inherits an IRA, they must follow IRS rules for required minimum distributions (RMDs) and can choose to stretch withdrawals over their lifetime or take lump-sum distributions, depending on their relationship to the original account holder.

Source: tvrecappersdelight.com
Practical Steps for IRA Gifting
For estate planning purposes, update your beneficiary designations regularly and consult a financial advisor or tax professional to maximize tax benefits and ensure compliance with federal law. You can find more information on the IRS website by searching for “IRA beneficiary rules” and “Inherited IRA regulations.” Always verify guidance with reputable financial institutions or regulatory agencies.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Mistakes in beneficiary forms can result in unintended tax consequences or delays. Double-check all paperwork and keep copies of submitted forms. Consider professional legal or financial advice for complex family situations.
Alternative Approaches
For those looking to help family members save for retirement, annual gifting limits allow you to give cash gifts for IRA contributions. As of 2025, the annual gift exclusion is $18,000 per recipient without triggering federal gift tax.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Whether gifting a car to a non-family member, transferring a car lease within your family, or planning to pass IRA assets to family members, it is essential to follow state and federal rules, submit required documentation, and consult professionals when needed. For car gifting in Washington State, contact your local Department of Licensing office. For lease transfers, review your leasing company’s policies. For IRA estate planning, consult trusted financial advisors and reference official IRS resources.
References
- [1] Jerry.ai (2024). Gifting a Car in Washington: Steps and Requirements.
- [2] Island County, WA (2024). Vehicle Title Transfer FAQ.
- [3] BoloForms (2024). Washington Gifted Car Bill of Sale Template.
- [4] Washington Department of Revenue (2022). Use Tax Facts for Vehicle Transactions.
- [5] Washington State DOL (2011). Buy and Register a Vehicle.