Washington Motorcycle Bill of Sale Overview
A Washington motorcycle bill of sale documents the private sale and transfer of a motorcycle. The Washington DMV requires proper documentation including a signed title and bill of sale to process ownership transfers. The bill of sale establishes the transaction details and sale price for tax purposes.
Washington requires the motorcycle VIN, engine number, CC displacement, and sale price on the bill of sale. The state charges a 6.5% sales tax on motorcycle purchases. Both the buyer and seller should retain copies of the bill of sale for their records.
Washington's helmet law applies to all motorcycle riders and passengers. Eye protection is required for all riders in most situations. Washington charges 6.5% state sales tax on motorcycle purchases.
6.5%
Sales tax
15 Days
Transfer deadline
No
Notarization required
All riders
Helmet law
Washington Motorcycle Transfer Requirements
Here is what Washington requires when transferring motorcycle ownership through a private sale:
Important: Washington Transfer Deadline
Washington requires the buyer to complete the title transfer within 15 days of the purchase date. Late penalties may apply. The date on your bill of sale starts this deadline.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Motorcycle Title: Sign the title and fill in the buyer's name, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading
- Bill of Sale: A completed motorcycle bill of sale with VIN, engine number, CC displacement, price, date, and both signatures
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal requirement stating mileage and accuracy
- Lien Release: If the motorcycle had financing, a lien release from the lender is required
What the Buyer Must Bring to the DMV
- Signed Title: With seller's signature and all fields completed
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both parties
- Valid Photo ID: Washington driver's license or state ID
- Proof of Insurance: Washington minimum motorcycle liability coverage
- Payment: Title fee ($12), registration ($30+), and sales tax (6.5%)
How to Fill Out a Washington Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to complete your Washington motorcycle bill of sale correctly:
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name as it appears on the motorcycle title, current Washington address, and phone number.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name, current address, and phone number. The name should match exactly how it will appear on the new title.
Describe the Motorcycle
Enter the year, make, model, color, VIN (from the steering neck), engine number, CC displacement, and motorcycle type (sport bike, cruiser, touring, dual-sport, scooter, dirt bike, custom/chopper, or vintage).
Record the Odometer and Sale Price
Document the current odometer mileage and enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Note the payment method used.
Sign and Date
Both buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale. Print two copies. Take the documents to the Washington DMV within 15 days.
Washington Motorcycle Registration & Titling
After completing the bill of sale, the buyer must visit the Washington DMV to complete the transfer:
Complete the Sale
Sign the bill of sale and title, exchange payment and keys
Get Motorcycle Insurance
Obtain Washington minimum motorcycle liability insurance
Visit the Washington DMV
Bring all documents, ID, proof of insurance, and payment
Pay Fees and Taxes
Title fee ($12), registration ($30+), and sales tax (6.5%)
Receive New Title and Plate
Washington issues a new title and motorcycle plate in the buyer's name
Washington Motorcycle Endorsement & Safety Courses
Washington requires a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license to ride on public roads. You must pass a written knowledge test and a riding skills test at a DMV office, or complete an approved motorcycle safety course to waive the skills test.
Motorcycle safety courses are available throughout Washington through MSF-approved training providers. The basic course covers fundamental riding skills and waives the DMV riding test. Completing the course may also qualify you for insurance discounts.
Motorcycle Endorsement
Required to ride on Washington public roads. Fee: $24
MSF Safety Course
Completing an approved course may waive the riding skills test
Washington Motorcycle Fees & Taxes
Breakdown of costs for transferring a motorcycle title in Washington:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sales Tax | 6.5% of sale price |
| Title Transfer Fee | $12 |
| Motorcycle Registration | $30+ |
| Motorcycle Endorsement | $24 |
| Late Transfer Penalty | Varies |
Sample Washington Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Preview of our Washington-specific motorcycle bill of sale template:
STATE OF WASHINGTON
MOTORCYCLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motorcycle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Washington Address]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Washington Address]
MOTORCYCLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Engine #: [Engine Number]
CC: [Displacement] Type: [Motorcycle Type]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Washington Motorcycle Bill of Sale FAQ
Common questions about Washington motorcycle bills of sale, title transfers, and registration.
Official Washington Resources
Official resources for your Washington motorcycle transaction:
Washington Department of Licensing
Title transfers, registration, and motorcycle info
WA DOL — Title Transfer
Transfer requirements for motorcycles
Motorcycle Safety Foundation
Find MSF-approved safety courses in Washington
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements
NICB VINCheck
Free check if a motorcycle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify motorcycle specifications
Other Washington Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Washington? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
Washington Vehicle Bill of Sale
Cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans
Washington Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Washington Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Washington Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Washington General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Washington ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Washington Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Washington Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Washington Motorcycle Bill of Sale
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