Washington Bill of Sale Form

Washington bill of sale is a document proving that an item is sold from one party to another. Creating the form for all private sales may not be required, but having one guarantees the sale’s security and keeps you from any legal issues related to the transaction in the future.

You will find different bill of sale forms in Washington, like a Washington horse bill of sale or a Washington equipment bill of sale. So, it’s worth knowing which one you need to work with for each sale.

To avert issues with the legality of this form in Washington, use our printable template as a basic sample for your own bill of sale. We’ve also gathered all the information you might need to help you understand the document’s functions and purpose.

Washington-motor-vehicle-bill-of-sale-template

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Document Details

Document Name Washington Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Form
Other Names Washington Car Bill of Sale, Washington Automobile Bill of Sale
DMV Washington State Department of Licensing
Vehicle Registration Fee $43.25 + vehicle weight fee (at least $25); electric car – $150 additionally
Bill of Sale Required? Yes
Avg. Time to Fill Out 7 minutes
# of Fillable Fields 24

Washington Bill of Sale Forms by Type

Washington bills of sale differ according to the sale types and conditions under which the purchase is made. You will need the correct template for each transaction to be applied and recorded successfully within the state. You should not underestimate these bill of sale types and choose the one that fits the occasion best because each document contains specific terms and information to cover.

Washington motor vehicle bill of sale template

Washington bill of sale for a motor vehicle records the vehicle sale between a seller and buyer. The document verifies the accuracy of all vehicle details, including its make, model, identification number (VIN), and most recent mileage. Before the sale is settled, you may need to prove your vehicle condition by having it inspected to make sure both parties of the sale are aware of it.

Alternative Name Car Bill of Sale
Seller’s Signature Required
Buyer’s Signature Required
Notarization Optional
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Washington boat bill of sale template

Washington boat bill of sale helps prove the transfer of ownership of a boat. The document should cover such information as boat registration numbers, make, model, year of manufacture, and any additional features making your boat stand out. As a rule, you do not need the bill of sale to register a newly purchased vessel. However, you are recommended to have one for personal records to protect yourself from any legal troubles related to the transaction.

Alternative Name Vessel Bill of Sale
Seller’s Signature Required
Buyer’s Signature Required
Notarization Optional
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Washington firearm bill of sale template

Washington bill of sale for a firearm allows recording when a firearm changes ownership. In this document, you have to specify the model, make, and caliber of the firearm, as well as the price, serial number, and individual information of the purchaser and seller (including the DLNs). Washington requires a criminal record check conducted through a licensed dealer before the transaction.

Alternative Name Gun Bill of Sale
Seller’s Signature Required
Buyer’s Signature Optional
Notarization Optional
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Washington general bill of sale template

Washington general bill of sale can be used for almost all private transactions if only there’s no particular bill of sale required. You will probably decide on going with a general bill of sale for you and the other party to be protected even in those events where it’s not necessary to have a bill of sale form. Consider using these bills of sale to record such transactions as equipment, supplies, or tools sales. Being less specific than other types, general bills of sale need to indicate all the purchase details accurately.

Alternative Name Generic Bill of Sale
Seller’s Signature Required
Buyer’s Signature Optional
Notarization Optional
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How to Write a WA Vehicle Bill of Sale

If there is a need to sell or purchase a vehicle in Washington, you’re encouraged to use the official bill of sale template developed by the Washington State Department of Licensing. Here is a simple guide to completing this document with ease.

Step 1: Describe the vehicle

At the beginning of the document, you need to select the “Vehicle” option to show that you’re selling your motor vehicle (this bill of sale can also be used to sell vessels). Next, you will need to provide the full description of the vehicle, indicating:

  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Model
  • Make
  • Model year (MY)

Section for filling out vehicle's particulars of vehicle bill of sale form for Washington

Step 2: Enter the date and price

The second step is to specify the transaction date and sale price assigned for the vehicle transfer.

Section for filling out the transaction date and purchase date of vehicle bill of sale form for Washington

Step 3: Specify the seller’s information

The following section is devoted to the seller. You are expected to specify such details as:

  • Full name
  • Street address
  • City
  • State
  • Zip code

Section with seller's particulars of a Washington car bill of sale document

Step 4: Provide the buyer’s information

After identifying the seller, it’s necessary to provide the buyer’s contact information, including:

  • Full name
  • Street address
  • City
  • State
  • Zip code

Section with buyer's particulars of a Washington car bill of sale document

If the vehicle is a gift from a family member, it’s required to specify the relationship between the seller and buyer.

Step 5: Sign the form

Both the buyer and seller must sign the document to make it valid. The notary’s public signature is optional.

Signature section of a Washington car bill of sale document

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Registering a Vehicle in Washington

The transfer of ownership title should take place within 15 days after the motor vehicle’s acquisition. In case the new owner fails to register the vehicle within this period, they will need to pay fines for the delay in the amount of $50 (if the registration takes place on the 16th day after the purchase) and $2 per day for every next delayed day with the maximum set at $125.

Once the transaction takes place, the motor vehicle should be registered in the local office of the Washington State Department of Licensing. The vehicle’s seller should provide the report of sale to the DOL, including the following information:

  • Odometer Disclosure Statement (for vehicles less than ten years old)
  • License plate number
  • Sale price
  • Name and address of the person to whom the motor vehicle is sold, gifted, or donated
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The seller should file a report within five days after the transfer of ownership, paying a fee of $13.25. It can be done online or at the local office with the help of licensing agent. For vehicle owners who don’t have the title, the odometer disclosure statement may be obtained only in a local vehicle licensing office. Those who have the title may receive it digitally.

The previous owner should remove license plates from the vehicle during the sale. The new owner will initiate the vehicle’s registration to get new plates and utilize the vehicle on Washington roads. To get the vehicle registered, the new owner should file the following documents to the Washington DOL:

  • Completed bill of sale for the vehicle
  • Vehicle Certificate of Ownership (Title) Application (Form 420-001)
  • The current title of the motor vehicle
  • A receipt of paid taxes and fees for the vehicle registration
  • In some cases – an emissions certificate is needed

As a rule, a new title is issued within 8-10 weeks after the application. For those who need a title faster, a quicker procedure presupposes an application to the Quick Title office and a $50 express fee payment. The service is available for regular items only, excluding snowmobiles, boats, etc.

The registration fees are different for different vehicle categories. For instance, the title transaction fee is $15, while the title with registration will cost $23. License and registration fees for mopeds are $30, for trailers – $15, for ATVs – $30, and for all regular motor vehicles, it is set at $30.

Newcomers to Washington should keep in mind that their car registration process will take around 90 days.

Relevant Official Forms

(Vehicle/Vessel) Bill of Sale
(Vehicle) Form TD-420-001
(Vehicle) Form TD-420-001A
(Vehicle) Form TD-420-062
(Vehicle) POA
(Boat) Form TD-420-289
(Boat) Form TD-420-289A
(Boat) Form TD-420-811
(Boat) Form TD-420-063
(Firearm) Form FIR-652-001
(Firearm) Form FIR-652-012

Official Washington bill of sale for a vehicle/vessel.

(Vehicle/Vessel) Bill of Sale

Vehicle Title Application.

(Vehicle) Form TD-420-001

Vehicle Title Application – Additional Owners is used if there are several owners or lienholders of the vehicle).

(Vehicle) Form TD-420-001A

Vehicle Report of Sale notifies that the vehicle is sold or traded.

(Vehicle) Form TD-420-062

Needed to appoint another person to act on your behalf when registering your vehicle.

(Vehicle) POA

Vessel Title Application.

(Boat) Form TD-420-289

Vessel Title Application – Additional Owners (for several registered owners or lienholders).

(Boat) Form TD-420-289A

Vessel Registration Exemption certifies why your vessel is exempt from registering in Washington.

(Boat) Form TD-420-811

Vessel Report of Sale notifies that the vessel is sold or traded.

(Boat) Form TD-420-063

Firearm Transfer Application (for pistols and semiautomatic assault rifles).

(Firearm) Form FIR-652-001

Firearms Record Certification Request is used to request a certification of a concealed pistol or a handgun purchase history.

(Firearm) Form FIR-652-012

Short Washington Bill of Sale Video Guide

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Other Bill of Sale Forms by State

Published: Jul 2, 2022
Mara Erlach
Mara Erlach
Writer & Attorney
Mara has been practicing estate planning and trust law in California since 2003, taking pride in helping clients of all backgrounds and asset profiles form a complete and customized estate plan. Her specialties are: estate planning, wills and trusts, trust and probate administration.