WA🔑 Buy a Used Car

Washington Used Car Buyer's Paperwork Checklist

Use this checklist to prepare for buying a used vehicle from a private seller in Washington. Confirm the latest requirements with the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) before completing your transaction.

Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) ↗

Quick answer

To complete a buy a used car in Washington, contact the Washington State Department of Licensing. You have 15 days to complete the filing.

State: Washington
Agency: Washington State Department of Licensing
Process: Buy a Used Car
Notary required: Conditional
Bill of sale: Yes
Odometer disclosure: Yes
Filing deadline: 15 days
Last verified: 2026-05-13
Official source: Washington State Department of Licensing ↗

⚠ Independent Checklist — Not an Official SourceThis is an independent checklist based on official state motor vehicle sources. Requirements in Washington can vary by vehicle type, lien status, county, and transaction details. Always confirm with your official state motor vehicle agency before submitting documents or fees. This is not legal advice and is not affiliated with any DMV or government agency.

📋 Data note: Some fields on this page are based on general guidance and may not reflect the latest state requirements. Confirm specific details with the official state agency.

Quick reference

Notary required?

◆Conditional

Bill of sale?

✓Yes

Odometer disclosure?

✓Yes

Inspection required?

✗No

⏱ Important Deadlines

15-day deadline: The buyer has 15 days from the date of sale to transfer the title at a vehicle licensing office. Penalties apply after day 15. The seller must separately submit a Report of Sale within 5 days.Official source ↗

Buyer Checklist

Items the buyer typically needs to prepare or provide.

Signed title from sellerRequired(buyer)

The seller must have signed the title over to you. Check that the odometer reading is noted.

Bill of saleRecommended(buyer)

Proof of purchase with VIN, price, and both parties' information.

Government-issued photo IDRequired(buyer)

Required when submitting title transfer paperwork.

Payment for title transfer feesRequired(buyer)

Fees vary by state. Check your state's official DMV fee schedule.

Proof of insuranceRequired(buyer)

Most states require proof of minimum liability insurance before issuing plates.

Sales tax paymentConditional(buyer)

Sales or use tax is typically due when registering the vehicle. Rate and basis vary by state.

Required Forms

Signed title from sellerRequired(buyer)

The seller must sign the title over to you. Verify the VIN and odometer reading.

Title transfer applicationRequired(buyer)

Form required to apply for a new title in your name. Requirements vary by state.

Special requirements

Notarization◆Conditional

Notarization is required for the Vehicle Title Application if the buyer signs outside of a vehicle licensing office. If the buyer signs the application in person at a licensing office, the agent certifies the signature and no notary is needed.

Bill of Sale✓Yes

Washington requires both buyer and seller to complete the Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale (Form 420-065) for all private-party vehicle sales. The sale price on this form is used to calculate use tax.

Odometer Disclosure✓Yes

Required by federal law for vehicles under 10 years old.

Inspection✗No

Washington ended its statewide vehicle emissions testing program on January 1, 2020. No emissions or safety inspection is required from the seller for a private-party sale.

Step-by-step process

1Run a vehicle history report (e.g., CARFAX or NMVTIS) before purchase.
2Verify the seller's name matches the name on the title.
3Ensure the title is free of liens or confirm the lien will be resolved.
4Have the seller sign the title over to you and complete odometer disclosure.
5Obtain a bill of sale from the seller.
6Submit the signed title, application, fees, and proof of insurance to your state DMV.
7Pay any applicable sales tax.

Common mistakes to avoid

✗Not verifying that the seller is the titled owner.
✗Failing to check for outstanding liens before purchase.
✗Missing the deadline to register the vehicle after purchase.
✗Not getting a bill of sale.

Official links

↗Washington DOL — Buy and Register a Vehicledol.wa.gov

Always verify with the official state agency before submitting documents. Requirements change.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to register after buying a used car?

Deadlines vary by state. In Washington, confirm the registration deadline with the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) to avoid late fees.

What if the title has errors?

Do not accept a title with correction fluid or scratched-out information. Ask the seller to obtain a corrected title from the DMV before completing the sale.

Can I drive the car home before registering it?

Many states offer a short window or allow a temporary permit. Check your state agency for guidance.

Other Washington vehicle tasks

🚗Sell a Car→📄Title Transfer→📋Replace Lost Title→🗺️Out-of-State Registration→

Tools and resources

🧮Estimate title transfer costs in Washington→🧮Estimate registration costs in Washington→📄Washington bill of sale generator→📊Compare buy a used car across all 50 states→📖What is a car title?→📖What is a lien release?→

Last reviewed: 2026-05-13 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice