Overview
Selling or buying a used vehicle in Washington? A bill of sale is your proof of the deal — it records who sold what, for how much, and on what date. Washington transfers ownership through the signed title and a Vehicle Title Application at the Department of Licensing, and unless the sale price and date are written on the title itself, a signed bill of sale (Form TD-420-065) is needed before the buyer can title and pay tax. It also protects both sides: it locks in the price, the exact handover date, and the fact that the seller is no longer responsible for tolls, tickets, or accidents once the keys change hands.
Washington requirements
Is a bill of sale required in Washington?
Usually yes. Unless the sale price and date are recorded on the title, the buyer and seller must sign a bill of sale (Form TD-420-065) before the buyer can apply for a new title and pay the use tax at the Department of Licensing.
Does it need to be notarized?
The bill of sale itself does not need to be notarized. The title transfer does — the seller must sign the title in front of a licensing agent at a vehicle licensing office or, if signing elsewhere, in front of a notary.
Title transfer deadline
The buyer must transfer the title within 15 days of the sale to avoid late fees. The seller must also file a Report of Sale with the Department of Licensing within 5 days to end their liability for the vehicle.
Motor vehicle sales/use tax
Washington charges 6.8% state motor vehicle sales/use tax (a 6.5% base plus a 0.3% motor-vehicle tax), plus local taxes that vary by location. On private-party sales the buyer pays use tax at the DOL, generally based on the vehicle's fair market value.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires the odometer reading at the time of sale for vehicles under 20 model years old. Record it on both the bill of sale and the title.
How to fill it out
- 1
Enter the sale date and the Washington county where the sale takes place.
- 2
Add the seller's and buyer's full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Describe the vehicle — make, model, year, color, and 17-character VIN.
- 4
Record the odometer reading and the federal odometer disclosure.
- 5
Enter the purchase price and choose 'as-is' or add warranty terms.
- 6
Both parties sign — then the buyer files a Vehicle Title Application with the WA DOL within 15 days.
Ready to create your Washington bill of sale?
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Open the free builderWhat to include
- Seller & buyer names and addresses
- Make, model, year, color & VIN
- Odometer reading + federal disclosure
- Purchase price & sales-tax note
- “As-is” statement or warranty terms
- Date of sale and signatures
Washington bill of sale by vehicle type
The same Washingtonbuilder works for more than cars — pick your vehicle and the form adapts: the right ID number (a VIN, a boat's HIN, or a serial number) and an odometer reading only where one applies.
- Car bill of sale
- Truck bill of sale
- SUV bill of sale
- Van bill of sale
- Motorcycle bill of sale
- ATV bill of sale
- RV bill of sale
- Camper bill of sale
- Trailer bill of sale
- Boat bill of sale
- Jet Ski bill of sale
- Snowmobile bill of sale
- Golf Cart bill of sale
- Tractor bill of sale
A few differ: boats and jet skis use a Hull ID Number (HIN) instead of a VIN and have no odometer; trailers, campers, snowmobiles, golf carts, and tractors have no odometer either; and boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles often register with a different agency (such as a wildlife, boating, or parks department) rather than the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). Confirm the details with the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).
Washington bill of sale FAQ
Does a Washington motor vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No, the bill of sale (Form TD-420-065) does not need to be notarized. The title is different — the seller must sign it in front of a licensing agent at a vehicle licensing office, or in front of a notary if signing elsewhere.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Washington?
Usually yes. Unless the sale price and date are written on the title, the buyer and seller must sign a bill of sale before the buyer can title the vehicle and pay use tax. It also proves the price, the date, and that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle.
Where do I transfer the title in Washington?
At the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) or a vehicle licensing office. The buyer brings the signed title, a Vehicle Title Application, the bill of sale, and payment for the title fee and use tax.
How long do I have to transfer the title in Washington?
The buyer has 15 days from the date of sale to transfer the title before late fees apply. Separately, the seller must file a Report of Sale within 5 days to end their liability for the vehicle.
How much is sales tax on a used car in Washington?
The state motor vehicle rate is 6.8% (a 6.5% base plus a 0.3% motor-vehicle tax), plus local taxes that vary by city and county. On private-party sales the buyer pays use tax at the DOL, usually based on the vehicle's fair market value, so an accurate sale price on your bill of sale matters.
Do both the buyer and seller need to sign?
Yes. Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale, and each keeps a copy. If there are two buyers or two sellers, every party signs.
Is a handwritten bill of sale valid in Washington?
Yes — Washington accepts a bill of sale with the key details, and you can use the DOL's Form TD-420-065 or your own. A complete, typed document like this one is simply cleaner and far less likely to be questioned at the licensing office.
Is this Washington bill of sale really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.