With used vehicle prices up 44.4%(1) over the last three years, repaired vehicles which were previously declared to be “totaled” are looking even more enticing.
In early May of 2022, I purchased a vehicle from a licensed dealer (something I verified with the State of Oregon) located in Hillsboro, Oregon, west of Portland. It had been advertised on Facebook Marketplace and – while not exactly as advertised – did the job and was well priced. Off I went to an Auto Licensing business near my home in Washington, where through my interaction with several lovely people, I left with a 60-day temporary tag, a receipt for all vehicle licensing fees(2) except for the plate fee which would be paid later when I was able to register my vehicle, and a Washington State VIN Inspection Request form, along with a word of advice to start trying to get an appointment right away, as they were incredibly difficult to get.
Making the Inspection Appointment
After a number of weeks of trying, I was finally (in June) able to get an appointment for a VIN Inspection in late July. The appointment window opened at 11AM on Tuesdays, and every single one was gone within two minutes. I also learned that, in order to get a “regular” registration, I would have to provide receipts for all replaced parts (two doors, in my case). If I was unable to provide those receipts – which ultimately ended up being the case as I wasn’t able to get them from the dealer – I would have the option to do a 3-year registration, and then get a title and regular registration after that. Through this all, the District 5 VIN Inspection office was incredibly helpful with prompt, informative replies to my emails asking clarifying questions.
Temp Tag Renewal
Unfortunately, due to how long it took me to get the appointment for my VIN Inspection, my 60 day tag expired. I went to get it renewed – expecting a fee – and was pleasantly surprised when all it took was me turning in my now-expired sheet-of-paper tag, and them making a phone call to the Department of Licensing in Olympia.
The Inspection
The inspection itself was rather brief – only about 15-20 minutes – and the Inspection Specialist was very kind and patient as I fumbled a little bit reaching around my car for what she needed (driver’s license, Salvage certificate, bill of sale, and if I’d had those receipts she would have needed those too). She then – perhaps because I was curious – explained some of the various steps to the inspection. I left with inspection tags on my car in a few places and a WSP Statement of Fact.
The rest of this tale is still being written, so feel free to check back later.
Notes and Sources
- (1) CarGurus.com
- (2) Title Filing – $5.50
Registration Filing – $4.50
Registration License (Original) – $30.00
Vehicle Weight – $25.00
License Plate Technology – $0.25
Department of Licensing Service – $0.50
Registration Service Fee – $8.00
Title Service Fee – $15.00
Use Tax – Varies
VIN Inspection (WSP) – $65.00
Out of State Vehicle Check – $15.00
Emergency Medical Services – $6.50
Certificate of Title Application (Vehicle) – $15.00