What Is a Washington, DC Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A Washington, DC vehicle bill of sale is a document that shows the transfer of a private car from the seller to the buyer. It documents the sale and records other important details, such as:
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Vehicle description
- Date of transfer
- Total price paid
- Odometer reading
During the vehicle title and registration process, the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) may request a vehicle bill of sale as proof of ownership and to verify the purchase price. For example, the DMV may request a vehicle bill of sale when the vehicle title does not display the purchase price or when they want to verify the purchase price. Note that a vehicle bill of sale does not replace a vehicle title in DC. The title is still the primary legal document that confirms ownership of a car.
When to Use a Washington, DC Vehicle Bill of Sale
You may need a DC vehicle bill of sale in several situations when the DC DMV requests documents that show who owns the car and the amount paid. A bill of sale may be required in order to title the vehicle in DC. Here are the most common situations where you may need to use one:
- When Registering a Vehicle Purchased from a Private Seller: The DC DMV may request a bill of sale to confirm the transfer and the purchase price of the vehicle when you buy from a private seller.
- When the Title Does Not List the Purchase Price: If the vehicle title does not list the car’s sale price, the DC DMV may use a car bill of sale to verify the amount that was paid.
- When You Need to Verify the Price for Taxes: DC charges a vehicle excise tax based on the purchase or fair market value, whichever is higher. If the listed price seems too low, the DC DMV may use market value instead.
- When Transferring Ownership Between Family Members: A Washington, DC vehicle bill of sale form helps document the transfer for your records and shows when the change in ownership took place clearly.
- When Removing or Adding a Co-Owner on a Title: The DC DMV may request a vehicle bill of sale or similar proof whenever someone is added or removed from a vehicle title.
Does a Vehicle Bill of Sale Need to be Notarized in Washington, DC?
No, notarization is not required for a vehicle bill of sale in DC. The DC DMV accepts the document as long as it includes all the details needed. Even though notarization is not required, buyers and sellers may choose to notarize the car bill of sale for added protection.
A notary’s signature can help confirm the identities of both parties. It can also reduce the risk of disputes later on by confirming that both parties entered into the agreement and signed the document willingly.
If you decide to notarize your car bill of sale, you can use Legal Templates’s free Washington, DC notary acknowledgment form to add notarized signatures to your form.
Sample Washington, DC Vehicle Bill of Sale
View a sample Washington, DC vehicle bill of sale template below to see what your completed form should look like. When you’re ready, fill out our guided questionnaire to customize a free DC vehicle bill of sale and download it in PDF or Word format. You can also get a free printable vehicle bill of sale that complies with all the DC DMV requirements.
