Washington Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
Washington State handles vehicle licensing through the Department of Licensing (DOL) rather than a traditional DMV, and the process for private party vehicle sales has some unique characteristics. A bill of sale is a required document for every vehicle transaction in Washington, recording the sale price, vehicle details, and the transfer terms between buyer and seller.
The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) oversees vehicle titling and registration, but most transactions are handled through a network of authorized subagent offices — private businesses licensed to provide DOL services. Washington has no state income tax, but its combined sales tax rates on vehicles can be among the highest in the country, ranging from 7% to 10.5% depending on location.
Buyers in the Sound Transit district (parts of King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties) also pay a Regional Transit Authority (RTA) tax based on the vehicle's depreciated value, which can add significant cost to vehicle ownership. Washington requires title transfer within 15 days of purchase — one of the shortest deadlines in the country — and does not require notarization of the bill of sale or title.
6.5%
State sales tax
15 Days
Transfer deadline
No
Notarization required
Select
Emissions (counties)
Washington DOL Requirements
Washington's vehicle transfer process is managed by the Department of Licensing (DOL), with most transactions handled through authorized subagent offices. Here are the essentials for completing a private party vehicle transfer.
Important: Washington's 15-Day Transfer Deadline
Washington has one of the shortest title transfer deadlines in the country — just 15 calendar days from the date of purchase. The date on your bill of sale starts this clock. Late transfers may result in penalties. Visit a DOL office or authorized subagent promptly after purchasing a vehicle to avoid fees and ensure you can legally drive.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Vehicle Title: The seller must sign the title assignment and fill in the buyer's name, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading
- Bill of Sale: A completed bill of sale with all transaction details (buyer/seller info, vehicle details, VIN, price, date, signatures)
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal requirement — the mileage and accuracy must be stated on the title
- Lien Release: If the vehicle had a loan, a release from the lienholder is required
- Release of Interest: The seller should file a Report of Sale with the DOL to release liability
What the Buyer Must Bring to the DOL or Subagent
- Signed Title: With the seller's signature and completed assignment
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both parties
- Valid Photo ID: Washington driver's license or state-issued ID
- Proof of Insurance: Washington minimum liability coverage
- Emissions Inspection: Required in certain Puget Sound and other counties
- Payment: Title fee ($15), registration ($30 base + RTA if applicable), and sales tax (6.5% state + local)
How to Fill Out a Washington Vehicle Bill of Sale
Follow these six steps to properly complete your Washington vehicle bill of sale. Our template ensures your document includes everything the Washington DOL needs for a smooth title transfer.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name exactly as it appears on the Washington title, current mailing address, and phone number. If the title lists multiple owners, check whether the title reads "and" (all owners must sign) or "or" (any owner can sign). The seller should also file a Report of Sale with the DOL to protect themselves from future liability.
Enter Buyer Information
Provide the buyer's full legal name as it should appear on the new Washington title, current address, and contact details. The buyer's address determines the local sales tax rate and whether the RTA tax applies (for addresses within the Sound Transit district).
Describe the Vehicle
Record the year, make, model, body style, and color. Enter the complete 17-character VIN from the dashboard or driver's door jamb — it must match the title exactly. Include the current Washington license plate number if applicable. Any VIN discrepancy will halt the transfer at the DOL or subagent office.
Record the Odometer Reading
Write down the current odometer mileage at the time of sale and indicate whether the reading is actual, exceeds mechanical limits, or does not reflect the true mileage. This is a federal requirement under NHTSA regulations. Vehicles 20 years old or older and those over 16,000 lbs GVWR are exempt from odometer disclosure.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Washington's sales tax is calculated on this amount, and the combined state and local rate can be as high as 10.5%. If the vehicle is a gift, write "$0 — Gift." Washington may still assess use tax on the fair market value for some gift transfers. Be accurate — the DOL may question sale prices that appear significantly below market value.
Sign and Date
Both the buyer and seller sign and date the bill of sale. Print at least two copies — one for each party. Washington does not require notarization. The buyer must visit a DOL office or authorized subagent within 15 days to complete the title transfer. The seller should file a Report of Sale with the DOL online to officially release their interest in the vehicle.
Washington Title Transfer Process
After completing the bill of sale and signing the title, the buyer must visit a DOL office or authorized subagent to finalize the transfer. Most Washington residents use subagent offices, which are widely available and often more convenient than DOL offices.
Complete the Sale
Sign the bill of sale, sign the title assignment, exchange payment and keys
Get Insurance & Emissions Test
Obtain Washington liability insurance and pass emissions test if required in your county
Visit a DOL Office or Subagent
Bring the signed title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, photo ID, and emissions certificate if needed
Pay Fees and Taxes
Title fee ($15), registration ($30 base + RTA tax if in Sound Transit area), and sales tax (6.5% state + local)
Receive Your New Title and Registration
Washington issues a new title in the buyer's name — you may receive temporary registration while the title is processed
Washington Vehicle Sales Tax & Fees
Washington charges a 6.5% state sales tax plus local taxes that can push the total to 10.5%. Residents in the Sound Transit district pay an additional RTA tax. Washington has no state income tax, but vehicle-related taxes and fees can be among the highest in the country.
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 6.5% of sale price |
| Local / County Tax | 0.5-4% additional (varies by location) |
| Title Transfer Fee | $15 |
| Registration Fee | $30 base + weight fee |
| RTA Tax (Sound Transit area) | 1.1% of vehicle's depreciated value (annually) |
| Emissions Inspection | $15 (select counties, every 2 years) |
| Duplicate Title | $30.75 (if title is lost) |
Sample Washington Vehicle Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Washington-specific vehicle bill of sale. Your completed document will include all fields required by the Washington DOL and authorized subagent offices.
STATE OF WASHINGTON
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Washington Address]
County: [County]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Washington Address]
County: [County]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Washington Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Washington vehicle bills of sale, title transfers, and DOL requirements.
Official Washington Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify requirements, find your nearest DOL or subagent office, and access government forms for your Washington vehicle transaction.
Washington Department of Licensing (DOL)
Title transfers, registration, and fee information
Washington DOL — Buy or Sell a Vehicle
Step-by-step guide for private party vehicle transfers
Washington DOR — Sales Tax Rate Lookup
Look up the exact sales tax rate for your address
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements and fraud reporting
NICB VINCheck — Free Vehicle History
Check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify year, make, model, and 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 Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Washington Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
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 Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your Washington-compliant document in minutes. Accepted at all DOL offices and subagent locations.
No account required. Free to create and preview.