Washington has no law written for title loans. A loan secured by your car is treated as an ordinary licensed consumer loan, capped at 25% a year plus an origination fee (RCW 31.04.105).
Title loan rules in Washington at a glance
| Title-loan law | None. Car-secured loans follow the consumer-loan rules |
|---|---|
| Rate cap | A vehicle-secured loan from a licensed lender is capped at 25% a year plus an origination fee (RCW 31.04.105) |
| Fees the law allows | Up to 4% of the first $20,000 and 2% above (RCW 31.04.105(2)) |
| Repossession | Allowed after default |
| Owe the balance after the car is sold? | Yes, the lender may collect what the sale did not cover. Check the statute for any minimum balance |
| Lender license | Required (Washington Consumer Loan Act licence (Department of Financial Institutions)) |
| Statute | RCW 31.04.035, 31.04.105, 31.04.115(5), 31.04.125(1) |
Source: RCW 31.04.035, 31.04.105, 31.04.115(5), 31.04.125(1) (read the law). We last checked it against the statute on October 6, 2026. See title loan laws in every state.
What a title loan costs in Washington
Under Washington's rate rules, borrowing $1,000 for 12 months costs $140.53 in interest at the maximum rate, so you repay $1,140.53. That is a 25% rate before any fee: the fee the law allows is not in these examples, and the APR in the lender's disclosure must include it. Your offer may differ.
| Loan | Term | Interest | Total repaid | Rate before fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | 12 months | $140.53 | $1,140.53 | 25% |
| $2,500 | 12 months | $351.33 | $2,851.33 | 25% |
| $5,000 | 12 months | $702.65 | $5,702.65 | 25% |
Washington also lets lenders charge a fee on top of the interest: Up to 4% of the first $20,000 and 2% above (RCW 31.04.105(2)). A fee like this raises the APR, so compare the APR in the lender's written disclosure, which must include it.
What happens if you can't repay
If you fall behind, the lender can repossess your car. Read the default and notice terms in your contract before you sign. If the car is sold for less than you owe, the lender may be able to collect the difference. Some states allow this only when the unpaid balance is above a set amount, so check the statute or ask the lender.
If you think you will miss a payment, call the lender before the due date and ask what options it offers.
How to check a lender in Washington
Title lenders in Washington must be licensed (Washington Consumer Loan Act licence (Department of Financial Institutions)). Search for the lender on the official license lookup before you sign. Complaints go to the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). Lenditup does not check lender licenses for you (see how we verify).
Looking for a loan in Washington?
The lenders in our network don't currently offer title loans in Washington. If you need money, these options don't put your car at risk:
- A personal loan. You can send one personal loan request; lenders in our network decide whether they lend in Washington. Read how installment loans work first.
- A credit union. Federal credit unions can offer small payday alternative loans with capped rates (NCUA rule). You usually need to be a member.
- Your creditors. If a bill is the problem, ask the company for a payment plan or a later due date before you borrow.
Lenditup is not a lender. Sending a request does not mean you will be approved; each lender sets its own rates and terms within Washington law.
Title loan questions for Washington
01What is the most a title lender can charge in Washington?
02What happens if I can't repay a title loan in Washington?
03How do I check that a title lender is licensed in Washington?
04Is Lenditup a title lender in Washington?
Title loan laws in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Compare every state side by side on the state title loan law table, or read how title loans work and what lenders ask for. Payday loans follow a different law: see payday loan rules in Washington.