JDM Car Dealerships in Washington

Vehicles 25 years or older are exempt from federal NHTSA and EPA import standards, and Washington allows right-hand-drive vehicles with no special restrictions. Required equipment is standard: high and low beam headlights, brake lights and turn signals, at least one side mirror, a horn, and a windshield with wipers.

Bring your federal import paperwork (CBP Form 7501, EPA Form 3520-1, DOT Form HS-7), the Japanese export certificate with a notarized translation, your bill of sale, and proof of insurance meeting Washington's 25/50/10 minimum to a Department of Licensing (DOL) office. Washington requires a VIN inspection by law enforcement or an authorized agent, and short Japanese chassis numbers are accepted. Title fee is $10; registration fees vary by vehicle age and value, and Washington has no state sales tax (though local taxes apply).

Washington has historically been one of the more kei-friendly states, with many owners successfully titling and registering kei trucks for full road use. Like elsewhere, the regulatory picture has shifted in some states in recent years, so confirm current titling status with the DOL or your dealer before purchase. Most Washington dealers selling kei trucks have a clear track record of delivering road-titled vehicles.

Many Washington dealers specialize in shipping imports nationwide, and several Seattle and Tacoma area dealers handle the bulk of their volume to out-of-state buyers. Expect them to provide the bill of sale and federal import documents your home state's DMV will need.