Vehicle owners typically fill out a bill of sale in Washington during a vehicle sale transaction. A vehicle bill of sale is an affidavit that outlines the specifics of the sold vehicle and the personal data of the buyer and the seller. Due to the importance of the information contained in a WA car bill of sale form, it may prove useful in a number of situations.

The state Department of Licensing (DOL) may also require the submission of this document during the process of buying a car and registering it. Furthermore, it is important to note that there is an official bill of sale template used by the DOL for legal purposes. You can learn how to complete this DMV bill of sale document in WA by reading the sections outlined below.

When is a bill of sale necessary in Washington?

Providing a Washington bill of sale PDF or printout to the state DOL is a requirement in a select number of vehicle transactions. This document is necessary during the standard car title transfer procedure, for instance, as the state DOL needs the vehicle sale price information for purposes of calculating the tax.

Note that in addition to the motor vehicle bill of sale form, the titling process will also require the submission of the standard car title application form, the current vehicle registration certificate, and the applicable fee payments. You will also be required to submit a bill of sale even if you have received the new vehicle as a gift or inheritance.

This credential may also be required when titling and registering reassembled vehicles in order to prove the origin of the components used in the construction process. Bills of sale, receipts, invoices and title certificates can be utilized as proof of ownership in such cases.

To successfully register this type of vehicle, however, customers will be required to complete other steps, as well. Since the WA bill of sale template may be necessary for other official purposes, you should contact the department to review the vehicle-related transactions that require the submission of this form.

Who needs a Washington bill of sale?

Keeping a physical Washington DMV bill of sale after buying or purchasing a vehicle is an important step to take, regardless of whether or not you require one to conduct business with the state DOL. Due to the fact that this document contains such important information, you can utilize it to resolve any issues that may arise regarding the details of the vehicle sale. If you are the buyer, for example, you can present your bill of sale form in WA as a reliable proof that you are the current owner of the vehicle.

On the other hand, if you are in the role of a seller, retaining a WA car bill of sell after the transaction will maintain your access to the information about the sold vehicle. This data is necessary to fill out the report of sale, which protects you from future financial, civil and criminal liability issues involving the vehicle.

You may also be able to utilize the car bill of sale as an additional security measure against liability disputes, even if you report the sale to the state DOL. Therefore, saving a copy of the bill of sale PDF file may prove beneficial should you require it for both official and general purposes, regardless of whether you are in the roll of a transferor or a transferee.

How to Complete a Bill of Sale Form in Washington

Prior to signing a sample bill of sale in Washington, car owners must ensure that all fields of the form are completed correctly, since submitting a fraudulent credential to the state DOL is punishable by law. A bill of sale form must contain the following information:

  • The names and addresses of the seller and the buyer (a state ID card or valid Washington drivers license can be used for identification purposes)
  • Details about the vehicle on sale, such as:
    • The license plate and registration number.
    • The vehicle identification number.
    • The vehicle model year, make and model.
    • The sale price and the date of sale.
  • The legal signatures of the buyer and the seller.

Note: Prior to filling out a bill of sale template, the state DOL recommends completing a vehicle history check to evaluate the vehicle in question.

When completing a DOL procedure that requires the submission of a bill of sale receipt in WA, customers will generally be required to submit a paper form to a nearby vehicle licensing office. For instance, if you are delivering a bill of sale as part of the standard titling procedure, you can submit the necessary forms and fee payment either in person or by mail. However, depending on the type of transaction you are completing, you may only be able to submit the paperwork in person.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.