Below is a fictional example showing what a completed motorcycle bill of sale looks like for Bothell, Washington:
Seller
Jane Bothell
Buyer
Michael Bothell
Vehicle
2019 Motorcycle
VIN
1HGBH41JXMN109186
Mileage
45,230 miles
Sale Price
$12,500.00
Date
April 8, 2026
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.
Trade-in — What You Need to Know
The buyer offers their current vehicle as partial payment for another vehicle. Trade-ins typically occur at dealerships but can also happen in private party transactions.
Seller guidance
In a private trade-in, each party is simultaneously buyer and seller. Execute two separate bills of sale — one for each vehicle — with clearly stated values. Each party should receive a clean title for the vehicle they are accepting. Confirm that neither vehicle has an outstanding lien before trading.
Buyer guidance
At a dealership, the trade-in allowance is a negotiated discount on the purchase price. The dealer will handle the title transfer paperwork. For private trade-ins, ensure you receive a bill of sale that accurately states the value of the vehicle you are trading in — this determines your sales tax liability on the net purchase price in most states.
Legal note
Many states allow a sales tax credit for trade-in value (reducing taxable amount to the difference between new vehicle price and trade-in allowance). This "tax swap" benefit is governed by state law (e.g., available in most states, but not California, Michigan, or Hawaii for full-price vehicles). Each vehicle's lien (if any) must be paid off as part of the exchange.
Trade-in checklist
Prepare two separate bills of sale (one for each vehicle being exchanged)
Verify clean title and lien-free status on both vehicles
Establish fair market value for each vehicle for accurate tax reporting
Complete odometer disclosure on both vehicles
Confirm your state's trade-in sales tax credit rule to calculate net tax owed
Motorcycle Safety & Recall Information
Data sourced from NHTSA safety ratings and recall databases
Average Safety Rating
0 / 5
Avg. Price Range
$2,000–$20,000
Odometer Disclosure
Required
Safety checkpoints for motorcycle buyers
Check tire condition — motorcycle tires have a 5-year lifespan regardless of tread
Inspect brake pads and fluid condition on both front and rear systems
Verify chain/belt tension and sprocket wear
Test all lighting including turn signals and brake light
Check helmet lock and passenger peg integrity
Verify ABS function (where equipped) by feeling lever pulse during firm stop
Inspect frame for crash damage — look for paint cracks at steering head
Test horn and emergency cutoff switch operation
Common recall categories
Fuel SystemElectricalBrakesSteeringEngine
On average, each motorcycle model has approximately 2.4 recalls. Always check your specific vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls before completing a sale.
Washington Tax & Fee Summary
State Sales Tax Rate
6.5%
Title Transfer Fee
$12
Private Party Exempt
No
6.5% state plus local taxes (total up to ~10.4%)
Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases
Washington state rate 6.5% + estimated local taxes (verify with your county)
Notarization: NOT REQUIRED
Washington does not require notarization for private vehicle bills of sale. Buyer and seller signatures on the completed title assignment are sufficient.
Bothell Transfer Checklist
Complete a title transfer at your local Washington title office within the required timeframe
Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases
Both buyer and seller should retain a signed copy of the bill of sale
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of insurance
Before signing your trade-in bill of sale in Bothell, run a NHTSA recall check on the specific year and model. Recent-model motorcycles with the most open recalls:
Model + year
NHTSA recalls
Top categories
2019 Ducati Panigale V4
4
Engine And Engine Cooling, Fuel System, Power Train
2019 Polaris Slingshot
4
Seat Belts, Electrical System
2019 Indian Scout
3
Service Brakes
2022 Indian Chief
2
Fuel System, Structure
2024 Ducati Panigale V4
1
Power Train
Run a NHTSA VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls before purchase — open recalls are the seller’s responsibility to disclose under federal law, and unresolved campaigns are a routine negotiating point on the trade-in sale price.
Bothell Trade-in motorcycle example — when to file
Washington requires title transfer within 15 days of the sale date on the bill of sale. For trade-in transactions specifically, file at DOL Vehicle Licensing – Bothell (Visit https://www.dol.wa.gov for the nearest Bothell, WA office) during normal hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. 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 Bothell bill of sale, your government-issued ID, and payment for the $12.00 title transfer fee plus 8.00% 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 DOL Vehicle Licensing – Bothell; the seller keeps a duplicate to prove the date of transfer if a future liability question arises before the title fully retitles.
Frequently asked questions
What trade-in documents do I need for a motorcycle sale in Bothell, Washington?
For a trade-in motorcycle transaction in Bothell, you need: Prepare two separate bills of sale (one for each vehicle being exchanged); Verify clean title and lien-free status on both vehicles; Establish fair market value for each vehicle for accurate tax reporting; Complete odometer disclosure on both vehicles; Confirm your state's trade-in sales tax credit rule to calculate net tax owed.
What is the sales tax on a motorcycle private sale in Bothell, Washington?
The combined sales tax rate in Bothell is 8.00%. Washington state rate 6.5% + estimated local taxes (verify with your county)
Do I need to notarize a motorcycle bill of sale in Washington?
No, notarization is not required. Washington does not require notarization for private vehicle bills of sale. Buyer and seller signatures on the completed title assignment are sufficient.
What are common recalls for a motorcycle?
Common recall categories for motorcycles include: Fuel System, Electrical, Brakes, Steering, Engine. On average, each motorcycle model has approximately 2.4 recalls. Always check your specific vehicle at NHTSA.gov before completing a sale.
Trusted by private vehicle sellers nationwide
45% faster sale
Vehicles whose listings include a history report spend ~45% less time on site before selling, and report-viewers are 5x more likely to become a lead.