Washington Private Car Sale Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare for a private vehicle sale in Washington. Requirements can vary by vehicle type, lien status, and situation, so always confirm with the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) before completing the transaction.
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Quick answer
To sell a car in Washington, sign the title over to the buyer and complete a Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale (Form 420-065) together. The most important Washington-specific step: file a Report of Sale with the Washington DOL within 5 business days of the sale — this releases you from liability for the vehicle. You can file it online. Verify current requirements with the Washington DOL.
Key facts
- State
- Washington
- Agency
- Washington State Department of Licensing
- Process
- Sell a Car
- Notary required
- Conditional
- Bill of sale
- Yes
- Odometer disclosure
- Yes
- Filing deadline
- 5 days
- Last verified
- 2026-07-06
- Official source
- Washington State Department of Licensing ↗
Key facts from official sources
Washington uses the Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale (Form 420-065); the sale price on it is used to calculate use tax.
Washington DOL — Buy and Register a Vehicle ↗The seller should file a Report of Sale with the Washington DOL within 5 business days of the sale to release liability.
Washington DOL — Sell a Vehicle ↗A Washington title application may need notarization if it is signed away from a vehicle licensing office.
Washington DOL — Buy and Register a Vehicle ↗Quick reference
Notary required?
◆ConditionalBill of sale?
✓YesOdometer disclosure?
✓Yes⏱ Important Deadlines
- 5-day deadline: The seller should file a Report of Sale with the Washington DOL within 5 business days of the sale to release liability.Official source ↗
Seller Checklist
Items the seller typically needs to prepare or provide.
Required Forms
Special requirements
The seller's title signature does not generally need notarization; notarization can apply to certain title applications signed away from a licensing office. Confirm your situation with the Washington DOL.
Washington uses the Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale (Form 420-065); the sale price on it is used to calculate the buyer's use tax.
Required by federal law for vehicles under 10 years old.
Step-by-step process
- 1Verify the title is clear of liens before selling.
- 2Sign the title over to the buyer in the designated section.
- 3Complete the odometer disclosure on the title.
- 4Provide the buyer with the signed title and any other required documents.
- 5Notify the state motor vehicle agency of the sale if required.
- 6Remove your license plates if required by your state.
- 7Cancel your insurance or transfer it to your new vehicle.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Not filing a Report of Sale within 5 business days — until you do, you can remain liable for tickets, tolls, or incidents involving the vehicle.
- ✗Skipping the Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale (Form 420-065), which the buyer needs for use-tax calculation.
- ✗Expecting an emissions certificate — Washington ended its emissions program in 2020.
- ✗Forgetting the odometer disclosure for a vehicle under 10 years old.
Official links
Source verification
This page covers 3 researched claims about Washington sell a 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
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car privately?
Requirements vary by state. In Washington, check with the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) for the current requirement. A bill of sale is always recommended as a record of the transaction.
What happens if the buyer doesn't transfer the title?
You could remain liable for tickets, tolls, and accidents. File a release of liability or notice of sale with your state agency as soon as the sale is complete.
Can I sell a car with a lien?
Yes, but the lien must be satisfied at or before closing. The lienholder must release the lien before a clean title can be issued to the buyer.
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Last reviewed: 2026-07-06 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice