Sample Transaction Details
Below is a fictional example showing what a completed van bill of sale looks like for Bath, Washington:
Condition
As-Is, No Warranty
Key Sections Explained
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- The unique 17-character code assigned to every motor vehicle. Always verify this matches the title and the plate on the dashboard.
- Odometer Disclosure
- Federal law requires the seller to certify the mileage reading. Tampering with an odometer is a federal crime.
- As-Is Clause
- States the vehicle is sold without warranty. The buyer accepts all risk for future repairs unless otherwise noted.
- Signatures & Date
- Both parties must sign and date the document. Some states require signatures to be witnessed or notarized.
This is a sample only
Replace all names, vehicle details, and prices with your actual transaction information. Use our generator to create a legally compliant document for your real sale.
As-is sale — What You Need to Know
The vehicle is sold in its current condition with no warranty from the seller. The buyer accepts all risk of defects known or unknown at the time of sale.
Seller guidance
Include explicit "as-is" language in the bill of sale. Under UCC § 2-316(3)(a), writing "as-is" or "with all faults" in the contract effectively disclaims all implied warranties, including the implied warranty of merchantability under UCC § 2-314. Still disclose known material defects — concealing known defects can constitute fraud even in an as-is sale.
Buyer guidance
An as-is sale gives you no recourse for undisclosed defects after closing. Order a pre-purchase inspection from a licensed mechanic before agreeing to price. Review any known issue list the seller provides and get it in writing.
Legal note (Washington-specific)
Washington allows private party as-is sales. The Washington Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86) prohibits unfair or deceptive acts regardless of as-is disclaimers. Washington does not require a state safety inspection for private sales. Use tax on the sale price applies regardless of the vehicle's condition — the as-is status does not reduce the taxable amount.
As-is sale checklist
- Include "sold as-is, with all faults" language conspicuously in the bill of sale
- Attach a written list of known defects signed by the seller
- Complete a pre-purchase inspection before finalizing price
- Confirm odometer reading is accurate and document it
- Buyer signs acknowledgment of as-is condition
- Include as-is language conspicuously in the bill of sale
- Disclose all known material defects in writing
- Ensure use tax is calculated on the actual sale price at WA DOL
Van Safety & Recall Information
Data sourced from NHTSA safety ratings and recall databases
Average Safety Rating
4.1 / 5
Avg. Price Range
$5,000–$35,000
Odometer Disclosure
Required
Safety checkpoints for van buyers
- Test all sliding door mechanisms and automatic closing features
- Check rear entertainment system and climate controls if equipped
- Verify Stow ’n Go or fold-flat seating operation
- Inspect power liftgate struts and sensors
- Confirm all child-seat LATCH anchors in second and third rows
- Test rear A/C blower function on dual-zone systems
- Verify backup camera and parking sensors operate correctly
- Check all exterior lights including high-mount stop lamp
Common recall categories
ElectricalPower TrainAirbagsDoors/LatchesFuel System
On average, each van model has approximately 3 recalls. Always check your specific vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls before completing a sale.
Bath As-is sale van example — when to file
Washington requires title transfer within 15 days of the sale date on the bill of sale. For as-is sale transactions specifically, file at Washington DMV – Bath (Visit https://www.dol.wa.gov to find the nearest Bath office) during normal hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (verify hours with local office). Miss the 15-day window and Washington typically charges a late-transfer penalty plus accrued use tax, and the seller can remain on the title for civil liability until the buyer completes retitling. Bring the signed title, the completed Bath bill of sale, your government-issued ID, and payment for the $12.00 title transfer fee plus 6.5% sales tax on the purchase price.
Example reminder. Whether you keep your example as a reference example, both buyer and seller should leave the signing with an identical executed copy. The buyer needs the original to present at Washington DMV – Bath; the seller keeps a duplicate to prove the date of transfer if a future liability question arises before the title fully retitles.