A Washington, DC, Bill of Sale is a legal form used to transfer ownership of an item from one person to another, according to the specific laws of Washington, DC. The transferred item can be any personal property purchased or traded for another valuable item.
You should use a Bill of Sale in Washington, DC if you’re buying or selling a car, a boat, a motorcycle, or any other type of vehicle, as well as a gun/firearm.
Bill of Sale – By Type (5)
Use a Washington, DC vehicle bill of sale form to buy or sell a motor vehicle in Washington, DC. In many states, a bill of sale is required to register a vehicle at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Check out Washington, DC Vehicle Bill of Sale
Washington, DC Vehicle Bill of Sale
Use a Washington, DC general bill of sale to buy or sell personal property in Washington, DC. This form can be used to transfer ownership of any valuable item between a buyer and seller.
Check out Washington, DC General Bill of Sale
Washington, DC General Bill of Sale (Personal Property)
Use a Washington, DC boat bill of sale to transfer ownership of recreational water vehicles (such as motorboats, sailboats, yachts, and jet skis) in Washington, DC.
Check out Washington, DC Boat Bill of Sale
Washington, DC Boat Bill of Sale
Use a Washington, DC trailer bill of sale to buy or sell a trailer (or any non-motorized vehicle pulled by another vehicle) in the state of Washington, DC and register it at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Check out Washington, DC Trailer Bill of Sale
Washington, DC Trailer Bill of Sale
Use a Washington, DC firearm bill of sale to transfer ownership of a gun (such as a handgun, rifle, or shotgun) in Washington, DC, and avoid legal or criminal issues involving the weapon after it is sold.
Check out Washington, DC Firearm Bill of Sale
Washington, DC Firearm Bill of Sale
Use a Washington, DC horse bill of sale to record the transfer of a horse or pony in the state of Washington, DC. By detailing information about the animal being sold, you can protect yourself from fraudulent sales.
Check out Washington, DC Horse Bill of Sale
Washington, DC Horse Bill of Sale
Requirements
In Washington, DC, a bill of sale is not required to sell or purchase a vehicle, though it may aid in selling a vessel. It is still handy to have and can serve as a receipt for future purposes.
While the state does not provide an official bill of sale on its website, you can use one of our templates.
Language Requirements
Since there is no official bill of sale form, you may draft it in any language you like as long as each party has a copy they can understand. However, the DMV provides interpretation services in over 170 languages, called Language Line Services, free to use on-demand and over the phone.
Number of Copies
Since the district does not require a copy of the original bill of sale for registration, one copy for the seller and one for the buyer should suffice.
Information and Notarization Requirements
Motor Vehicle Bills of Sale in Washington, DC, do not need to be notarized or witnessed, as they are not legally required.
Vehicle Registration Forms
In addition to drafting an appropriate bill of sale, many different steps and documents are involved in registering a vehicle in Washington, DC. Here is a primer on the process:
Dealership Sales
If you are purchasing a brand-new vehicle, you will have to visit the DMV in person with the following documents:
- Manufacturer’s certificate of origin
- Bill of Sale
- Odometer statement
- Certificate of Title/Temporary Registration and Tag Application, or Form DMV-CTA-001
- Lien or lessee contract (if applicable)
- Valid photo ID or driver’s license
- Registration fees
Private Sales
All vehicles housed and operated in the district must be registered at the DMV in person. If you are new to the district, you will have 30 days to register and title your vehicle. There is no option to register by mail, phone, or online.
- Bill of Sale
- Original Certificate of Title
- Certificate of Vehicle Inspection
- Vehicle Registration Application (VSA-14) or Application for Certificate of Title and Registration (VSA 17A)
- Valid photo ID or driver’s license
- Registration fees
- Proof Insurance
If someone else is signing for you, provide a motor vehicle power of attorney (Form DMV-VSPA-01).
Boat Registration Forms
All watercraft must be registered in Washington, DC, including canoes, kayaks, powerboats, US Coast Guard documented vessels, rental, and clubs.
New Vessels:
- Application for Boat Certificate of Title/Registration (PD 330)
- Bill of Sale
- Manufacturer Statement of Origin (MSO) or Certificate of Origin
- Valid photo ID
- Registration fees
Used Vessels:
- Application for Boat Certificate of Title/Registration (PD 330)
- Bill of Sale
- Proof of Ownership
- Lien Satisfaction when a lien is noted on the title
- Valid photo ID
- Registration fees
Firearm/Gun Registration Forms
In Washington, DC, you must carry a permit and register with The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to purchase a firearm. While you must have the registration certificate to transfer firearm ownership lawfully, a Bill of Sale is still optional. However, they are good to have as a sales transaction record if needed.
Samples
Download a general Washington, DC bill of sale template below:
