Do I need a special bill of sale for a high mileage rv in Washington?
Washington requires a bill of sale for all private party vehicle sales. A high mileage rv may have additional disclosure requirements around condition, mileage, or title status.
High Mileage vehicle bill of sale
High Mileage RV Bill of Sale Washington
Selling a high mileage rv in Washington? High mileage vehicle sale — generate the right bill of sale for your transaction.
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Selling a high mileage rv in Washington
When selling a high mileage rv through a private party sale in Washington, a bill of sale protects both the buyer and seller by documenting the transaction details and the vehicle's condition at the time of sale.
Legal considerations for high mileage vehicles in Washington
For vehicles model year 2011 or newer, complete the Odometer Disclosure section on the title (RCW 46.12.665). For vehicles 2010 model year or older, odometer disclosure is not required under Washington law. When odometer mileage is 100,000 miles or more, certify whether it reflects actual mileage, non-actual mileage, or exceeds the odometer's mechanical limits. The Odometer Disclosure Statement form is on tamper-proof paper available only at a vehicle licensing office. Also file a Report of Sale within 5 business days of the sale (RCW 46.12.650).
Required disclosures
The odometer reading at time of sale must be documented in the Odometer Disclosure section of the title for model year 2011 and newer vehicles. The disclosure must include the vehicle's make, model, year, body type, VIN, and mileage certification. Complete DOL Form 420065 (Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale) for the transaction.
Washington Required Form: Odometer Disclosure Statement (available at licensing office, tamper-proof paper); DOL Form 420065 (Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale)
Washington requires Form Odometer Disclosure Statement (available at licensing office, tamper-proof paper); DOL Form 420065 (Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale) for high mileage vehicle transactions. No additional state inspection is required.
Washington steps for high mileage vehicles
- Complete odometer disclosure on the title for vehicles model year 2011 and newer (RCW 46.12.665)
- Obtain Odometer Disclosure Statement on tamper-proof paper from a vehicle licensing office if title lacks the section
- Both buyer and seller must sign the odometer disclosure
- For 100,000+ mile vehicles, certify whether odometer reading is actual, non-actual, or exceeds mechanical limits
- File a Report of Sale within 5 business days (RCW 46.12.650)
- Buyer must apply for title transfer within 15 days at a DOL vehicle licensing office
Buyer warning
For Washington vehicles model year 2011 or newer, insist on the completed odometer disclosure. For 100,000+ mile vehicles, confirm the disclosure states 'actual' mileage and that the odometer has six-digit capability. High-mileage vehicles are more frequently targeted in odometer rollback fraud. If the seller cannot provide a completed disclosure for an eligible vehicle, that is a red flag. Apply for title within 15 days of delivery or face late fees.
Washington RV transfer fees and requirements
In Washington, the title transfer fee is $12 and registration costs $30 plus RTA tax in certain areas. RV sales are subject to 6.5% state sales tax plus local taxes (up to ~10.4%). Washington does not require notarization for private-party rv transfers. Emission testing is required in Washington — verify the rv passes before completing the sale.
- Department of Licensing (DOL) handles titles and registration
- Emissions testing required in parts of King, Pierce, Snohomish, Clark, and Spokane counties
- Use tax applies to private party purchases
- Electric vehicle fee of $225 per year
Washington sales tax on rv purchases
Washington has a 6.5% state sales tax rate. 6.5% state plus local taxes (total up to ~10.4%). Private-party rv sales in Washington are subject to sales tax. Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $12.
RV market data and safety information
The most common rv makes in private-party sales are Winnebago, Thor, Forest River, Coachmen, Jayco. Average private-party rv prices range from $15,000–$150,000. Rvs average 4.2 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Electrical, Propane/LP Gas System, Tires.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used rv
Before completing a rv bill of sale in Washington, verify these safety items:
- Test all LP gas appliances and check propane system for leaks
- Inspect roof and seams for water damage — the #1 destroyer of RV value
- Verify generator run hours and service history
- Check slide-out mechanism operation and seal condition
- Confirm smoke, CO, and LP detectors are operational and within manufacturer date
- Test fire extinguisher charge and accessibility
- Verify emergency exit window operation and condition
- Inspect tire DOT date codes — RV tires age out before they wear out
RV insurance and depreciation in Washington
Full-timer RV insurance differs from recreational-use coverage. Average $1,000–$3,000/year depending on class. RVs depreciate 40–50% in the first 5 years. Class B vans and Airstream trailers retain value best. Peak season for private rv sales is late winter to early spring (january–march) before camping season, with an average of 60 days on market.
RV registration and titling
RVs are classified as "Recreational vehicle (some states register as motorhome, others as special-purpose)" for registration purposes. Class A motorhomes (26,000+ lbs) may require a non-commercial Class B license in some states. Class C and B motorhomes under 26,000 lbs require a standard license. Federal odometer disclosure is required for rvs under 20 years old.
RV title transfer rules
RV title transfer follows motor vehicle rules but GVWR weight class matters. Class A motorhomes often exceed 16,000 lbs GVWR and may be odometer-exempt. Class B and C motorhomes under that threshold require standard odometer disclosure. RV titles list the body type (motorhome, camper van, etc.) and GVWR. Some states classify large RVs as commercial vehicles for registration purposes. Verify the title body type matches the actual unit.
Required disclosures for rv sales in Washington
When selling a rv in Washington, the following disclosures apply:
- Slide-out mechanism condition and leak history should be disclosed — slide-out seal failures are a leading cause of water damage in RVs.
- Propane, electrical, and plumbing system condition may need to be noted, especially for full-time-use RVs.
- Generator hours and maintenance history are not legally required but are standard in RV transactions.
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.
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Create Washington RV Bill of SaleFrequently asked questions
What should I include when selling a high mileage rv?
Include buyer and seller details, vehicle identifiers (VIN, year, make, model), sale price, date, signatures, and a clear description of the vehicle condition as high mileage.
Is a high mileage rv bill of sale legally binding in Washington?
Yes. A properly completed bill of sale is a legal document in Washington. For high mileage vehicles, disclosing the condition protects both buyer and seller.
What are the Washington fees for transferring a high mileage rv?
Washington charges a $12 title transfer fee. Registration costs $30 plus RTA tax in certain areas. Sales tax: 6.5% state sales tax plus local taxes (up to ~10.4%). Notarization is not required.
How much is a high mileage rv worth in a private sale?
Average private-party rv prices range from $15,000–$150,000. High Mileage vehicles typically fall in the lower range. The most common makes are Winnebago, Thor, Forest River, Coachmen, Jayco.
What safety items should I check on a high mileage rv?
Test all LP gas appliances and check propane system for leaks Inspect roof and seams for water damage — the #1 destroyer of RV value