A Washington bill of sale is a form that documents the sale or trade of an item from one person to another.
Unlike a retail receipt, a bill of sale is commonly used between two people to prove a transfer of ownership of personal property has taken place.
To protect yourself, you should use a bill of sale in the state of Washington whenever selling or purchasing:
- a car, a boat, a motorcycle, or any other type of vehicle
- a gun/firearm
- or any livestock or animal such as a horse
On a bill of sale form, the person receiving the item is referred to as the buyer, and the person transferring ownership of the item is referred to as the seller.
Types of Bill of Sale
Washington Bill of Sale Requirements
In Washington, a bill of sale is required to sell, purchase, and register a vehicle or vessel. This document acts as a record of the sales transaction and must be submitted to the DOL for both vehicle and vessel registration.
The buyer must keep an original copy of a bill of sale if he or she needs it for registration.
Language Requirements
The DOL homepage can be translated via Google into Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese; however, all forms, including the bill of sale, come exclusively in English.
Number of Copies
The state requires a copy of the bill of sale whether you are registering a vehicle or a vessel In Washington. Therefore, you should make 3 copies, so the buyer and seller will also each have a copy.
Vehicle Registration Forms
- Bill of sale
- Vehicle Title Application (filled out in the presence of a notary or state licensing or DOL agent)
- Odometer disclosure statement (if vehicle is less than ten years old; you cannot obtain this form online, but must get it from a state licensing office [1] )
- Proof of payment of all taxes and registration fees [2]
Boat Registration Forms
- Vessel Title Application
- Bill of sale
- Out-of-state registration (if boat previously registered in another state)
- Out of state title (if boat previously titled in another state; in Washington, you must usually sign over title in the presence of a state licensing agent)
- Proof of payment of sales and use taxes [3]
Motorcycle Registration Forms
- Signed, and notarized Vehicle Certificate of Ownership (Title) Application (Form TD-420-001)
- Out-of-state title (if appropriate)
- Odometer disclosure statement for vehicles up to ten years old
- Bill of sale or dealer purchase agreement (if owned motorcycle for less than 90 days)
Washington Bill of Sale Sample
Below is an example of a Washington bill of sale form.
