Legal Templates

Washington Motorcycle Bill of Sale

Create a motorcycle bill of sale for Washington so you can document the details of your transaction and prove motorcycle ownership.

Updated April 20, 2023 | Legally reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

If you are buying or selling a motorcycle in Washington, you will need a Washington Motorcycle Bill of Sale form.

A bill of sale form is required to transfer ownership of a motorcycle in the state of Washington.

Table of Contents

What is a Washington Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form?

A Washington motorcycle bill of sale is an official document showing proof of a motorcycle transfer from the previous owner (seller) to the buyer.

The Washington motorcycle bill of sale describes the vehicle and includes the names and addresses of the buyer and seller.

Is a Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form Required in Washington?

Washington requires a Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale form along with other documents to transfer the title and register a newly purchased motorcycle in the state.

Do You Need a Bill of Sale to Register a Motorcycle in Washington?

You need a bill of sale and other documents to register your motorcycle with the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).

How Do I Transfer Ownership of a Motorcycle in Washington?

Both the buyer and the seller must complete specific procedures when transferring ownership of a motorcycle in Washington. 

The seller must:

  • Sign the motorcycle’s Certificate of Title
  • Complete the Vehicle Report of Sale (TD-420-062) form and file it within five days from the date of the sale
  • Remove the license plates
  • Update seller’s “Good to Go!” electronic toll pass (if any)

You can mail the Vehicle Report of Sale form and the $13.25 filing fee, bring it to any vehicle licensing office, or complete it online.

Within 15 days of the sale, the buyer must submit the following:

  • Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale (TD-420-065)
  • Vehicle Title Application (TD-420-001) (must be notarized or signed at the licensing office)
  • Current Certificate of Title (signed by the previous owner)
  • Title fees and taxes

It will typically take 8 to 10 weeks to receive your new title. If you need it sooner, you can pay an additional $50 plus title fees and send or bring your forms to a Quick Title office.

Buyers are responsible for obtaining new license plates for their motorcycles unless the vehicle was a gift or inheritance.

Motorcycle Title Transfer With a Bill of Sale Only

If you do not have the title, you cannot use a bill of sale alone to transfer a motorcycle.

You can have the previous owner sign an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest (TD-420-040) form, which explains why the title is unavailable.

If the previous owner cannot complete the form, you may need a bonded title, which allows you to register the motorcycle for three years without a title.

This Bonded Title or Three-Year Registration Without Title Affidavit form requires you to explain why you cannot recover the title.

Does a Washington Motorcycle Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized?

A motorcycle bill of sale for Washington does not need to be notarized.

However, buyers and sellers may still wish to have the document notarized for legal purposes.

Buying and Selling a Motorcycle in Washington

Preparing Your Motorcycle for Sale

Make sure your motorcycle is clean and in mechanically good condition. Even an “as-is” motorcycle should be ready to be driven during the sale.

Washington has strict laws about selling totaled or salvaged vehicles, so you should check regulations before selling such a motorcycle.

Buyers should have the motorcycle inspected by a mechanic before paying for it. “As-is” or used sales are generally considered final unless there is evidence of fraud.

Determining the Value of Your Motorcycle

Check price guides like Kelley Blue Book or JD Power and review sales listings in your area before posting your motorcycle for sale.

You should know your motorcycle’s value and what local buyers are paying. This will help you when it’s time to negotiate a price.

If you’re not open to haggling, your ad should say “firm price” or “fixed price.”

Advertising Your Motorcycle

Online marketplaces, newspapers, and forums are helpful for local sales. Motorcycle shops may allow you to post flyers or ads.

If you have a vintage or specialty bike, such as a Harley or racing bike, you may want to post ads on national websites or have a broker handle the sale.

Meeting with the Potential Buyer

Negotiations for price and the transfer date should occur in public and during the day.

Avoid making the actual exchange the first time you meet the buyer unless you know one another beforehand. 

Buyers might request a test drive in an enclosed space or parking lot. If that’s not possible, the buyer should try to have a mechanic look at the motorcycle as soon as possible.

If you’re not mechanically savvy, have a mechanic or a friend who knows motorcycles come with you.

How to Write a Motorcycle Bill of Sale in Washington (What to Include)

The Washington motorcycle bill of sale includes all the seller, buyer, and vehicle information.

You can complete this form online and print or save it before you can title and register your motorcycle.

Step 1 – Fill in Motorcycle Information

Your motorcycle bill of sale for Washington should include the following information about the motorcycle:

  • License plate/registration number
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Make, model, and year
  • Date of sale
  • Sale price

Step 2 – Fill in Buyer and Seller Information

Contact information for all buyers and sellers should be on the bill of sale, including the following:

  • Name
  • Address
  • City, state, and ZIP

Step 3 – Odometer Disclosure

The seller must get an Odometer Disclosure form at their local vehicle licensing office if the title does not include the odometer reading.

The Odometer Disclosure form is printed on tamper-proof paper and cannot be downloaded or copied.

Step 4 – Buyer and Seller Signatures

If there is more than one buyer or seller, all parties must sign the bill of sale.

A motorcycle bill of sale does not need to be notarized.

Still, a seller transferring a vintage or modified motorcycle may want to have the document notarized in case of any legal issues after the sale.

Summary

Use our motorcycle bill of sale instructions and downloadable fill-in template to prepare your motorcycle transaction in Washington. 

Washington Motorcycle Bill of Sale Sample

Below is an example of a Washington motorcycle bill of sale form.

washington motorcycle bill of sale