When do I not need to apply for a certificate of ownership? A Washington vehicle dealer need not apply for certificate of ownership in his own name when:
(1) A vehicle is acquired that is titled and the title is properly released; or
(2) One vehicle dealer transfers a particular vehicle to another vehicle dealer, unless precluded by other regulations;
(3) The dealer has a properly executed affidavit of loss from the legal owner of record and release of interest from the registered and legal owners of record for a Washington titled vehicle.
(4) An abandoned vehicle/vessel is purchased by a Washington licensed dealer and intended for retail sale.