How to Sell a Car in Washington State (Private Party)

Washington State requires a bill of sale to calculate use tax on private sales. Sellers must also submit a Report of Sale. Buyers have 15 days to transfer the title and register the vehicle.

Required Documents

Washington State Certificate of Title — signed by the seller on the assignment section with odometer reading
Bill of sale — required by WA DOL to document the sale price used to calculate use tax
Report of Sale — seller submits online at dol.wa.gov or at a vehicle licensing office to release liability
Valid government-issued ID for both parties

Title Transfer Process

Seller signs the back of the WA title, including the odometer reading and sale price
No notarization is required for a private sale in Washington State
Buyer submits the signed title, bill of sale, and use tax payment to a WA vehicle licensing office within 15 days
Seller must submit a Report of Sale at dol.wa.gov to remove liability for the vehicle

Taxes and Fees

Washington use tax is assessed at the same rate as local sales tax — typically 8.7%–10.6% depending on the county
Use tax is calculated on the higher of the sale price or the "fair market value" per RCW 82.14.202
Buyers pay use tax at the time of title transfer to a vehicle licensing office
$15.25 title fee paid by the buyer
No state income tax, but the use tax effectively functions as a sales tax

Timeline

Buyer must transfer title and pay use tax within 15 days of purchase
A $50 late penalty applies after 15 days, plus additional interest under RCW 82.14.202
Processing at a WA vehicle licensing office is typically same-day

Seller Tips

Submit the Report of Sale online at dol.wa.gov immediately after the sale — it is free and releases your liability
Washington license plates stay with the seller — remove them before handing over the vehicle
The bill of sale is critical in Washington because WA DOL uses it to calculate the buyer's use tax
Obtain a lien release from your lienholder before listing if the title shows a loan balance

How to create a bill of sale

Sign the assignment of title on the back of the WA title, including the odometer reading and sale price.
Complete a bill of sale with both parties' names, VIN, sale price, and sale date — required by WA DOL.
Hand the signed title and bill of sale to the buyer.
Submit the Report of Sale online at dol.wa.gov to release your liability.
Remove your Washington license plates — they stay with you.
Advise the buyer to submit the title and pay use tax at a WA vehicle licensing office within 15 days.

Frequently asked questions

Is a bill of sale required to sell a car in Washington State?

Yes. Washington State requires a bill of sale for private vehicle sales because the WA Department of Licensing uses it to determine the sale price for use tax calculation under RCW 82.14.202.

How long does the buyer have to transfer the title in Washington?

The buyer has 15 days from the purchase date to transfer the title and pay use tax at a WA vehicle licensing office. A $50 late penalty applies after 15 days.

What is the use tax rate on a private car sale in Washington?

Washington use tax equals the local sales tax rate, which varies by county — typically 8.7%–10.6%. It is assessed on the higher of the sale price or fair market value.

What is the Report of Sale in Washington?

The Report of Sale is a form submitted by the seller to WA DOL at dol.wa.gov. It records the sale date, buyer information, and releases you from liability for the vehicle after the sale.

Generate your Washington State bill of sale

Create a WA-compliant bill of sale required by WA DOL for use tax calculation — instant PDF download.

Create Bill of Sale