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)
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
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
