Washington has two papers people mix up: the bill of sale and the Report of Sale. This page helps you with both.
What it is
This is a general bill of sale for a car, light truck or van sold in Washington. Before the buyer can apply for a new title, you both need to sign a bill of sale unless the price and date are already on the title. DOL's own form is the Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale, and DOL says completing it does not transfer the title or count as a Report of Sale. The Report of Sale is the seller's separate notice to DOL, and the helper on this page collects the details it asks for.
What to include
- The date of the sale and the city or county in Washington where it took place.
- The full legal names and addresses of the seller and the buyer, written the way they appear on each person's ID.
- The year, make, model, body style and color of the car, so there is no doubt about which vehicle changed hands.
- The full 17-character VIN, copied from the title and checked against the plate on the dashboard or door frame.
- The odometer reading on the day of the sale and whether it shows the actual mileage.
- The sale price, how it was paid and whether it was paid in full on the day.
- Whether the car is sold as-is or with a warranty, and whether any loan or lien is still owed on it.
- Signatures and dates from both people, plus a notary block if your county or the buyer asks for one.
How to fill it in
- Check that the seller's name matches the title.
- Enter the sale date and the price.
- Fill in both people's details. If you have it, add the buyer's driver license number in the Report of Sale box. It stays out of the document.
- Enter the title number and the VIN.
- Enter the odometer reading and check the helper.
- Choose as is or a warranty, and answer the lien question.
- Check the preview, download the file, print two copies and sign.
- Sign the title and hand it over, and take off your plates.
- File the Report of Sale within 5 business days, using the helper to copy your details.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the bill of sale with the Report of Sale.
- Filing the Report of Sale late.
- Forgetting to take the plates off at the time of sale.
- Leaving the price and date off the title without signing a bill of sale.
- Not keeping the Report of Sale confirmation.
Selling something else?
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Washington?
Before the buyer can apply for a new title and pay fees or taxes, you both need to sign a bill of sale, unless the sale price and date are included on the title.
What is a Report of Sale?
It is a notice the seller files with the Department of Licensing to document the sale and release their liability. It is different from the bill of sale.
How long do I have to file it?
DOL's Report of Sale form says within 5 business days of the sale.
What does the Report of Sale ask for?
The title number, the date sold, the sale price (enter 0 for a gift or inheritance), and the seller and buyer details, including the buyer's driver license number if available. The helper on this page collects them.
Do I take the plates off?
DOL's bill of sale form says to remove the license plate from the vehicle at the time of sale.
Official sources
- Washington DOL: Sell a vehicle(opens in a new tab)
- Vehicle Report of Sale (DOL form)(opens in a new tab)
- Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale (DOL form)(opens in a new tab)
Last reviewed October 5, 2026
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Quicklet provides general document templates, not legal advice. Laws vary by location.