How to Complete a Bill of Sale in Washington State: A Step-by-Step Guide
Why You Can Trust EverQuote
EverQuote powers millions of shopper requests every month, teaming up with industry-leading insurance specialists to address real-world challenges faced by people every day. We partner with the largest insurance providers in the nation, and our content is carefully crafted by experts and reviewed by licensed insurance agents for accuracy and relevance.
Buying and selling cars is a little more complicated than exchanging money for a set of keys. In Washington State, this legal document is essential for transferring vehicle ownership. Here's what you need to know about the Washington State Bill of Sale.
Introduction to the Bill of Sale in Washington State
A Bill of Sale form records the details of a personal property transaction. This is used in many personal property transactions, but the Washington State vehicle Bill of Sale form is essential to the process of buying or selling a vehicle.
Key Information Required in a Bill of Sale in Washington
A Bill of Sale in Washington State must contain specific information to be legally binding, and these are detailed below.
Vehicle Details
A list of the details about the vehicle being sold needs to be on any Bill of Sale for cars in Washington State. This includes:
- Vehicle make
- Vehicle model
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
This information shows the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that this car has legally transferred ownership from one private party to another.
Sale Price and Payment Method
A Washington State Bill of Sale should list the sales date, purchase price, and payment method, which serves as proof of payment.
Buyer and Seller Information
To complete the transaction, the buyer and seller must provide their names, addresses, and signatures on the Bill of Sale. The state's DMV recommends meeting at a vehicle licensing office, in a safe public location, or with a trusted third-party present to sign over the title.
When is a Bill of Sale Necessary in Washington State?
Washington State requires a Bill of Sale when selling a vehicle or vessel. The buyer must show a signed Bill of Sale to officially transfer the title into their name and proceed with vehicle registration. The new buyer should also show proof of auto insurance in Washington State to register.
Steps to Create a Bill of Sale in Washington State
Creating a Washington State Bill of Sale is very simple. There's no official template, although the Washington State Department of Licensing does provide a form if you'd like to use it.
For a valid sale, the seller should:
- Remove all license plates.
- Have the physical or electronic title (or contact a vehicle licensing office for a replacement).
- Complete the Bill of Sale with the vehicle make, model, VIN, and possibly an odometer disclosure statement.
- List the purchase price and sales date on the Bill of Sale
- Sign the Bill of Sale (along with the buyer) and accept payment.
- Submit a Report of Sale within 5 days of the sale date to get released from liability.
The Title Transfer Process in Washington State
Executing a proper Bill of Sale in Washington State is crucial to avoid issues down the line, like disputes or improper title transfers. To transfer a vehicle title in Washington State, you must submit the following information to a vehicle licensing office:
- Valid Washington driver's licenses for each registered owner
- Current vehicle title or signed Affidavit in Lieu of Title
- Bill of Sale
- Odometer disclosure statement
- $15.50 title transfer fee
- Any outstanding vehicle taxes or registration fees
Once the DMV has all this information, it can begin the title transfer process, which typically takes 6-8 weeks. If you want it faster, you can pay an additional $50 for a Quick Title to get it in a few business days.
Avoiding Common Mistakes When Creating a Bill of Sale
Some of the most common mistakes when creating a Bill of Sale for Washington State include:
- Inputting incorrect information
- Not including all registered seller(s) or buyer(s)
- Not getting signatures from all owners
- Failing to pay fees and taxes
- Failing to update auto insurance
Many of these issues can be resolved by simply being more detail-oriented when creating a Bill of Sale. As car insurance in Washington State is legally required, a new buyer will need to update their auto insurance policy before registering the vehicle with the state.
Shop Smart: Compare Insurance Quotes and Save!
Car insurance is required in Washington State with legally mandated minimum coverages. Add-ons like collision coverage and comprehensive coverage can help cover the repair or replacement of your vehicle in the event of an accident or theft.
Want to find cheap car insurance in Washington State? Use EverQuote's comparison tools to get real-time quotes from insurance providers to find the best coverage options for your vehicle and your budget. You can compare prices across providers, coverages, deductibles, and more filters to find the perfect insurance policy for your situation.