Selling a junk or dead car in Federal Way

Federal Way's ordinance didn't turn up, so Washington's test applies

Searching online for Federal Way's municipal code came up empty. That doesn't rule out a local nuisance or parking ordinance, since Washington explicitly lets cities and counties write their own. The statewide floor is RCW 46.55.010. To be certified a "junk vehicle," a car must hit three or more of these:

• "three years old or older"
• "extensively damaged": think shattered glass, or no engine, gearbox, wheels or tires
• "apparently inoperable"
• worth nothing beyond scrap

A twelve-year-old hatchback with a smashed windshield that hasn't moved since spring clears that bar easily.

Parked at somebody else's place

Cars left at a cousin's house or a former apartment fall under RCW 46.55.230. It starts with an inspection by someone with authority, like a police officer or the health department. Next, the landowner mails notice to both the registered and legal owners. Say that letter gets no reply for 15 days. After that, a Federal Way property owner may have the car scrapped, or let a signed affidavit of sale take the place of the title. No owner on DOL's books means no waiting.

The law reads "landowner" broadly: the legal owner, anyone who possesses or controls the private land, or a public official responsible for public property. Landowners can start at car abandoned on your property.

Title in hand, then the sale

Washington insists on a valid title before ownership moves. Lost it? In Federal Way, every registered owner signs DOL's "Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest" with a notary present. A new title is $39.50 and comes by mail in 4 to 8 weeks. Sometimes DOL lets that affidavit, or one in lieu of title, stand in during the sale itself, so ask a licensing office. Details sit in selling with no title.

Sale day means signing the title across and putting both names on a bill of sale. Five days later at the most, your report should be on file. Then off come the plates. DOL points out that a plate left behind keeps steering camera tickets, parking fines and toll charges to you.

Neighbors

Des Moines lies 5.4 miles from Federal Way, Auburn 6.0, Tacoma 7.0 and Kent 7.9, all straight-line. State-level detail: Washington.

Getting an offer

Selling a car in Federal Way? Start with a call to (877) 421-6008 or our form. We pick it up right there, from the back row of an apartment lot or a home driveway.