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.
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Quick answer
Buying a used car in Washington? Get the signed title and a completed Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale (Form 420-065) from the seller, plus an odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old. You have 15 days to transfer the title at a vehicle licensing office, where use tax (roughly 6.5% and up depending on location) is calculated from the sale price on the bill of sale. Washington ended its statewide emissions testing program in 2020, so no smog check is required. Verify current requirements with the Washington DOL.
Key facts
- 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 ↗
Key facts from official sources
The Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale (Form 420-065) records the sale price used to calculate the buyer's use tax.
Washington DOL — Buy and Register a Vehicle ↗The buyer has 15 days to transfer the title after buying or receiving a vehicle in Washington.
Washington DOL — Buy and Register a Vehicle ↗Washington no longer runs a statewide vehicle emissions testing program.
Washington DOL — Buy and Register a Vehicle ↗Quick reference
Notary required?
◆ConditionalBill of sale?
✓YesOdometer disclosure?
✓YesInspection 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.
Required Forms
Special requirements
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.
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.
Required by federal law for vehicles under 10 years old.
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
Source verification
This page covers 3 researched claims about Washington buy a used car:
Directly cited from official sources
Inferred — confirm with agency before acting
Researched from Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). Requirements can change — always verify with the official agency before submitting documents.
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.
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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