What Is a Washington State Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A Washington state vehicle bill of sale legitimizes a vehicle sale by recording the key details. It includes a description of the vehicle, the sales price, and the names of the parties involved. This document also specifies whether the sale comes with warranties or the car comes as-is.
Why Is a Washington Car Bill of Sale Important?
The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) requires the buyer to present a bill of sale before they can apply for a vehicle title and pay the relevant taxes and fees. Without this document, a buyer will experience delays as they acquire the title for their recently purchased vehicle.
A WA motor vehicle bill of sale is not required if the original title includes the sales price and date. Even if the title has these details, a bill of sale still provides the following benefits:
- Creates a paper trail
- Prevents disagreements over the vehicle’s condition
- Serves as proof for tax or insurance purposes
A WA vehicle bill of sale is different from the Report of Sale, which the seller must file with the DOL within five business days of the sale.
Does a Washington Vehicle Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized?
A Washington vehicle bill of sale does not need to be notarized. However, having a notary public complete a notary acknowledgment form can enhance the legitimacy of the bill of sale and minimize disputes. It confirms the identities of both the buyer and seller and proves they agreed to the ownership transfer.
While a WA vehicle bill of sale doesn’t need notarization, the Vehicle Title Application (Form 420-001) needs notary acknowledgment if it’s signed outside a licensing agent’s office.
Washington State Vehicle Bill of Sale Sample
View our free sample of a Washington state vehicle bill of sale to see how you can create a solid record of a car sale. Then, write your own using Legal Templates’s guided form and input your unique details. It’ll be available for download in PDF or Word format, allowing you to keep a copy in your records.
