Do I need a special bill of sale for a salvage rv in Washington?
Washington requires a bill of sale for all private party vehicle sales. A salvage rv may have additional disclosure requirements around condition, mileage, or title status.
Salvage vehicle bill of sale
Salvage RV Bill of Sale Washington
Selling a salvage rv in Washington? Salvage title vehicle sale — generate the right bill of sale for your transaction.
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Selling a salvage rv in Washington
When selling a salvage 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 salvage vehicles in Washington
Washington requires the owner or insurer to surrender the title to DOL within 15 days of the vehicle's destruction, writing 'Destroyed' and the date across the face of the title and mailing it to DOL (RCW 46.12.600). Before the vehicle can be re-titled for road use, it must pass a Washington State Patrol inspection that verifies the VIN, confirms no stolen parts were used, and attaches a permanent marker at the driver's door latch pillar (RCW 46.12.560). Original invoices or notarized bills of sale for all replacement parts must be presented at inspection. Note: the specific DOL mailing address (PO Box 9038, Olympia WA 98501) referenced in the original draft was not confirmed in the statute text; confirm the current mailing address directly with DOL.
Required disclosures
The salvage status and any 'WA REBUILT' brand on the title must be disclosed to the buyer in the bill of sale. Washington's Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale (DOL Form 420065) documents the transaction and is used to calculate use tax. The rebuilt brand prints as a banner on the certificate of ownership under WAC 308-56A-530 and is permanent.
Washington Required Form: DOL Form 420065 (Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale); WSP Inspection Certificate (WAC 308-56A-150)
Washington requires Form DOL Form 420065 (Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale); WSP Inspection Certificate (WAC 308-56A-150) for salvage vehicle transactions. No additional state inspection is required.
Washington steps for salvage vehicles
- Surrender the original title to DOL marked 'Destroyed' within 15 days of destruction (RCW 46.12.600)
- Repair all damaged major component parts before presenting the vehicle for WSP inspection
- Gather original invoices or notarized bills of sale for all replacement parts
- Schedule and pass a Washington State Patrol vehicle inspection (RCW 46.12.560)
- Submit Application for Certificate of Title, WSP inspection certificate, and parts documentation to DOL (WAC 308-56A-460)
- Receive 'WA REBUILT' branded title before driving on public roads
- Complete DOL Form 420065 (Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale) at point of sale
Buyer warning
A Washington salvage vehicle cannot legally be driven or parked on public highways until a new title is issued after WSP inspection (confirmed by DOL). Quick Titles are not available for vehicles with 'WA Rebuilt' on the title. Confirm the WSP inspection has been completed and the 'WA REBUILT' marker is present at the driver's door latch pillar before completing the purchase.
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 salvage 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 salvage.
Is a salvage rv bill of sale legally binding in Washington?
Yes. A properly completed bill of sale is a legal document in Washington. For salvage vehicles, disclosing the condition protects both buyer and seller.
What are the Washington fees for transferring a salvage 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 salvage rv worth in a private sale?
Average private-party rv prices range from $15,000–$150,000. Salvage 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 salvage 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