Selling or buying a vehicle in Washington? The buyer has just 15 days to complete registration — and the seller must file a Report of Sale with the DOL within 5 business days.
This free template is formatted for Washington’s requirements and works alongside the Certificate of Title at any Washington vehicle licensing office.
Click Get This Template below to open it in Google Docs, then click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive.
For templates for all 50 states, visit the Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Templates →
On this page:
- What Is a Washington Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
- Is a Bill of Sale Required in Washington?
- Washington-Specific Requirements
- Free Washington Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
- How to Fill Out the Template
- How to Transfer a Car Title in Washington
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Washington Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A Washington motor vehicle bill of sale is a written record of a private vehicle sale.
Washington’s official form is Form TD-420-065 (Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale). It is required when the buyer has owned the vehicle for less than 90 days, or when the original title does not include the sale price and date. Both buyer and seller must sign.
Is a Bill of Sale Required in Washington?
The Washington DOL requires a bill of sale to apply for a vehicle title unless the sale price and date are already listed on the title. In practice, a bill of sale is required for almost all private party sales and enables the buyer to apply for a title and pay the correct taxes and fees. A bill of sale is not required if the original title clearly shows the sale price and date.
Washington-Specific Requirements
1. 15-Day Registration Deadline
Washington has one of the shortest registration deadlines in the country — the buyer must register the vehicle within 15 days of the date of purchase. Late titling fees apply after 15 days. New residents from out of state have 30 days to register their vehicle after establishing Washington residency.
2. Seller: File Report of Sale Within 5 Business Days
The seller must file a Report of Sale with the Washington DOL within 5 business days of completing the sale. This protects the seller from liability for parking tickets, tolls, and other violations after the sale date. The Report of Sale can be filed online through the DOL’s website.
3. Title Application Must Be Notarized
The Vehicle Certificate of Ownership Application (Form TD-420-001) must be notarized, or the buyer must sign in front of a DOL employee. The bill of sale itself does not require notarization.
4. Sales Tax
Washington charges sales tax on private vehicle purchases. The rate varies by county. Tax is paid at the vehicle licensing office at the time of registration. The purchase price on the bill of sale is used to calculate the tax.
5. Where to Register
Vehicle registration in Washington is handled at any vehicle licensing office — either in person or by mail. If registering in person, plates are issued on the spot. If mailing, plates are mailed to the buyer.
6. Emissions Inspections
Washington ended its statewide vehicle emissions inspection program on January 2, 2020. Emissions tests are no longer required statewide — however, certain counties may still have requirements. Check with your local licensing office.
7. Bill of Sale Does Not Require Notarization
Washington does not require notarization for the bill of sale itself. The title application (Form TD-420-001) must be notarized or signed in front of a DOL employee — but the bill of sale is a separate document that does not need to be notarized.
Free Washington Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
This template opens in Google Docs. Click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive, fill it out digitally, or print and complete by hand.
How to Fill Out the Template
Enter the seller’s name exactly as it appears on the Certificate of Title. Enter the buyer’s name and address exactly as they want it on the new title.
In Section 3, copy the VIN and include the license plate/registration number. Enter the full agreed purchase price in Section 4 — Washington calculates sales tax on this figure.
Both parties sign Section 11. The seller must file the Report of Sale with the DOL within 5 business days. The buyer must complete and notarize Form TD-420-001 before submitting to the licensing office.
For a complete field-by-field walkthrough of every section, see: How to Fill Out a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale →
How to Transfer a Car Title in Washington
For the Seller
Sign the back of the title, including the buyer’s name and address, odometer reading, and sale price. File the Report of Sale with the Washington DOL within 5 business days at dol.wa.gov.
For the Buyer
Within 15 days of purchase, visit a Washington vehicle licensing office (or mail) with the signed title, this bill of sale, notarized Form TD-420-001, copy of your current title, valid Washington ID, proof of insurance, and payment for the $18 title service fee, sales tax, and registration fees.
Lost Title
The seller must apply for a duplicate title before proceeding. Contact the Washington DOL at dol.wa.gov or (360) 902-3770.
Frequently Asked Questions
15 days from the date of purchase — one of the shortest deadlines in the country. Late titling fees apply after 15 days. New residents from out of state have 30 days to register after establishing Washington residency.
A filing the seller must submit to the Washington DOL within 5 business days of completing the sale. It protects the seller from liability for parking tickets, tolls, and other violations after the sale date. The Report of Sale can be filed online at dol.wa.gov.
Yes. The Vehicle Certificate of Ownership Application (Form TD-420-001) must be notarized, or the buyer must sign it in front of a DOL employee. The bill of sale itself does not need to be notarized.
Yes, in most cases. The Washington DOL requires a bill of sale unless the sale price and date are clearly listed on the title. Form TD-420-065 is the official Washington vehicle bill of sale, but any document containing the required information is acceptable.
Washington ended its statewide vehicle emissions inspection program on January 2, 2020. Emissions tests are no longer required statewide. Check with your local vehicle licensing office for any county-specific requirements.
Yes. Washington’s official form is TD-420-065, but any bill of sale containing the buyer’s and seller’s details and signatures, vehicle and sale information is acceptable. The purchase price must be documented for sales tax calculation. The bill of sale does not need to be notarized.
This template and all information on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Contact the Washington DOL at dol.wa.gov or (360) 902-3770 to confirm current requirements before completing your transaction.