Submitted by the San Juan County Auditor’s Office.

Ever needed that car or boat license in a hurry, only to be told it would take six to eight weeks to arrive? Now, San Juan County residents can walk away from the licensing counter with a clean, valid, same-day Washington state “Quick Title.” This new service is available at the San Juan County Auditor’s Office to qualifying vehicle and vessel owners.

New or used vehicles and vessels with appropriate title documents may be eligible for quick titling. Records with lienholders do not qualify. Quick titles fees include a $50 convenience fee, in addition to regular title fees.

The first “Quick Title” was issued at the auditor’s office on Nov. 7. Ryan Palmateer of Friday Harbor needed a title in order to sell his 2009 Smart Passion. Palmateer is the Energy program manager at the San Juan Islands Conservation District and also serves as the president of the San Juan Islands Electric Vehicle Association.

“My goal is to divest myself of gas-powered cars,” he said of his decision to request a quick title.

He is currently waiting for a 2019 Arcimoto, a three-wheeled electric bike with two seats and a 130-mile range, built in Eugene, Oregon. Palmateer and his colleagues at the conservation district specialize in helping people reduce their carbon footprint and energy output. They offer resources to homeowners to improve home insulation and heating systems in order to minimize pollution and maximize energy savings.

A quick title enabled Palmateer to complete the sale of his vehicle much more quickly than if he’d had to wait for a traditional title. To see if your vehicle or vessel title qualifies for quick titling, bring your paperwork in to the licensing office, or call (360) 378-2161.

The auditor’s office is open for licensing transactions Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Credit and debit cards are accepted with a small surcharge.