A Washington bill of sale is a form that documents the sale or trade of an item from one person to another. To protect yourself, you should use a bill of sale in Washington whenever selling or purchasing a vehicle, gun, livestock, or other personal property.
How to Register a Vehicle in Washington
Present a bill of sale and supporting documents to the Washington Department of Licensing to complete your vehicle registration.
Bill of Sale – By Type (5)
A form to buy or sell a motor vehicle in the state of Washington. In many states, a bill of sale is required to register a vehicle at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Vehicle Bill of Sale
A document to transfer ownership of recreational water vehicles (such as motorboats, sailboats, yachts, and jet skis) in the state of Washington.
Boat Bill of Sale
A form to buy or sell a trailer (or any non-motorized vehicle pulled by another vehicle) in the state of Washington and register it at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Trailer Bill of Sale
A document to transfer ownership of a gun (such as a handgun, rifle, or shotgun) in the state of Washington, and avoid legal or criminal issues involving the weapon after it is sold.
Firearm Bill of Sale
A form to record the transfer of a motorcycle in the state of Washington. By detailing information about the bike being sold, you can protect yourself from fraudulent sales.
Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Requirements
In Washington, a bill of sale is required to sell, purchase, and register a vehicle or vessel. This document is a sales transaction record and must be submitted to the DOL for vehicle and vessel registration. The buyer must keep an original copy of a bill of sale if they need it for registration.
Language and Copy Requirements
- Language: A bill of sale must appear in English. If it’s in a different language, it must be accompanied by an English translation. The translator must provide a certified or notarized affidavit attesting to the translation’s accuracy.
- Number of Copies: The DOL requires a copy of the bill of sale whether you register a vehicle or a vessel in Washington. Therefore, you should make three copies, so the buyer and seller will also have a copy.
Vehicle Registration Forms
- Bill of Sale (TD-420-065)
- Vehicle Title Application (filled out in the presence of a notary or state licensing or DOL agent)
- Odometer Disclosure Form (if the vehicle is less than ten years old)
- Must obtain this form through the appropriate vehicle licensing office
- Registration fees and tax payments [1]
- Proof of insurance: [2]
- Property damage liability coverage per accident: $10,000
- Bodily injury liability coverage per person: $25,000
- Bodily injury liability coverage per accident: $50,000
- Motor vehicle power of attorney (if a third party is involved)
Boat Registration Forms
- Vessel Title Application
- Bill of Sale
- Out-of-state registration (if the boat was previously registered in another state)
- Out-of-state title (if the boat was previously titled in another state)
- In Washington, you must usually sign over the title in the presence of a state licensing agent
- Proof of payment of fees and taxes [3]
Sample
