Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma, Washington Scooter Bill of Sale

Use this bill of sale when selling a scooter in Tacoma, Washington. It documents the transfer and helps you complete DMV title paperwork.

Tacoma, WashingtonScooterPopulation rank #99

A Tacoma, Washington scooter bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership between a private buyer and seller in Tacoma. As of 2026, Washington requires both parties to sign the bill of sale, and the buyer must present it at the WA DMV to complete title transfer.

How to Complete a Scooter Bill of Sale in Tacoma

Verify the scooter VIN and run a history check
Complete all fields on the bill of sale — buyer name, seller name, sale price, date, and vehicle description
Both parties sign the bill of sale and retain a copy
Seller signs the back of the title, transferring ownership to the buyer
Buyer brings the signed title and bill of sale to the WA DOL – Tacoma Driver Licensing Office to complete title transfer

What to include

Buyer and seller names and addresses
Scooter VIN and vehicle details
Sale price and date
Signatures from both parties

Next step

Create a compliant bill of sale and download the signed PDF immediately.

Local Requirements — Pierce County

DMV / Title Office

WA DOL – Tacoma Driver Licensing Office

Address

6402 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA 98408

Phone

(360) 902-3900

Office Hours

Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM

Transfer Fees & Taxes

Title Transfer Fee

$15.00

Sales Tax Rate

10.20%

Base Registration Fee

$43.75

Washington state 6.5% + Pierce County/Tacoma 3.7%

Notarization: NOT REQUIRED

Washington does not require notarization.

Tacoma Transfer Checklist

Bill of sale required
Use tax at DOL
Title transfer within 15 days
Seller should retain bill of sale

County Information — Pierce County

County Clerk / Recorder

Pierce County Auditor

Phone

(253) 798-7430

Website

https://www.piercecountywa.gov/auditor

Scooter market data and safety information

The most common scooter makes in private-party sales are Vespa, Honda, Yamaha, Kymco, Genuine Scooters. Average private-party scooter prices range from $1,000–$6,000. Scooters average 1.3 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Fuel System, Electrical, Brakes.

Safety checkpoints for buying a used scooter

Before completing a scooter bill of sale in Washington, verify these safety items:

Check CVT belt and variator condition — the most common scooter maintenance item
Inspect front fork seals for leaks
Test disc brakes and ensure adequate pad thickness
Verify that engine size matches registration class
Confirm horn, turn signals, and brake light all function
Verify under-seat storage latch and security
Inspect kickstand cutoff switch for engine kill
Test mirror adjustment and verify both are mounted securely

Scooter insurance and depreciation in Washington

Scooter insurance averages $100–$350/year. Required in most states when registered as a motorcycle. Similar to mopeds — 40–55% depreciation in 3 years. Japanese and Italian brands hold value best. Peak season for private scooter sales is spring when urban commuters look for fuel-efficient transport, with an average of 22 days on market.

Scooter registration and titling

Scooters are classified as "Scooter or Motorcycle (varies by state based on engine size)" for registration purposes. Scooters over 50cc are classified as motorcycles in most states and require a motorcycle license. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to scooters.

Washington bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 2,241 bill of sale documents for Washington transactions, with 60 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

Why Documentation Helps Protect Asking Price

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.

Source: Experian / AutoCheck

$4,000 avg loss

NHTSA estimates 450,000+ vehicles per year are sold with rolled-back odometers — the average victim loses about $4,000 in downstream repair costs.

Source: NHTSA

17.5M private sales/yr

About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.

Source: Cox Automotive 2024

1 in 3 buyers

Roughly 1 in 3 used-car buyers say they suspect private sellers are hiding mechanical problems — documentation closes that trust gap.

Source: JW Surety Bonds (n=3,000)

5 Things to Check Before Buying a Scooter in Tacoma

Run a VIN history report — accidents, odometer rollback, salvage title
Confirm the title is in the seller's name and matches the VIN on the vehicle
Check for any active liens — call the lender or run a lien search with the Washington DMV
Meet at a safe, public location and bring a friend or mechanic
Never hand over cash until the title is properly signed and the bill of sale is complete

Frequently asked questions

What county is Tacoma in, and which office handles title transfers?

Tacoma is in Pierce County. Title transfers are handled by the WA DOL – Tacoma Driver Licensing Office at 6402 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA 98408. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. Phone: (360) 902-3900.

What is the sales tax rate on a scooter sale in Tacoma?

The combined rate is 10.20%. Washington state 6.5% + Pierce County/Tacoma 3.7%.

Is notarization required for a scooter bill of sale in Tacoma?

No. Washington does not require notarization.

What fees should I expect when transferring a scooter title in Tacoma?

Title transfer fee: $15.00. Base registration fee: $43.75. Sales tax at 10.20% is collected at the time of title transfer.

How long do I have to transfer a scooter title in Tacoma?

Washington requires the buyer to transfer the title within 30 days of the sale date. Late transfers may incur penalty fees at the DMV. Bring your signed bill of sale and the assigned title to the WA DOL – Tacoma Driver Licensing Office.

Can I sell a scooter without a title in Tacoma?

In most cases, no. Washington requires a clean title to complete a private vehicle sale. If the title is lost, the seller must apply for a duplicate title before selling. The bill of sale alone does not transfer legal ownership.

What documents do I need to buy a scooter in Tacoma?

You will need: (1) the signed title from the seller, (2) a completed bill of sale, (3) a valid government ID, and (4) payment for the title transfer fee ($15.00) and sales tax (10.20%). Bring all documents to the WA DOL – Tacoma Driver Licensing Office.

Is a bill of sale legally binding in Tacoma?

Yes. A properly signed bill of sale is a legally binding document that protects both the buyer and seller. It records the agreed-upon sale price, date, and vehicle details. Sellers should keep a copy to prove they are no longer liable for the vehicle after the sale date.