How to Sell a Boat Privately in Washington (2026)
| Titling agency | Washington DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 15 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.5% (Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | TD-420-069 or Title (lien section) |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Washington — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Washington requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Washington DMV only. Boats 26 ft+ may need USCG documentation (federal title) in addition to state registration. Check vessel length and use.
- 3Clear any liens — if the boat was financed, request a payoff and lien release letter. Washington uses TD-420-069 or Title (lien section).
- 4Gather documentation — current Washington registration card, state title (if titled), USCG documentation (if applicable), trailer title, engine serial number records.
- 5Price the vessel — check NADA Guides (boats), BUCValu, or recent Washington dealer comps. Factor in trailer condition, engine hours, and recent service.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — HIN, vessel make/year/length, engine make/model/serial, trailer VIN (if included), sale price, sale date, both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title or registration — endorse the back of the Washington registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Washington DMV — buyer must register within 15 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Washington DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Washington lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes Form TD-420-069 or the lien release section on the existing Washington title.
- Owner submits the lien release with the title and title application at a Washington DOL office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Washington title.
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Start My Washington Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Washington
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Washington?▾
Yes. Washington requires a written bill of sale for private boat transfers to document the hull identification number (HIN), engine details, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the vessel with Washington DMV.
What is the Washington boat title transfer deadline?▾
Washington requires the buyer to transfer registration within 15 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in Washington?▾
Washington charges 6.5% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Washington DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Washington boat bill of sale?▾
Washington does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. However, USCG-documented vessels (26+ feet) require notarization on Form CG-1340 regardless of state.
How does a buyer register a boat purchased privately in Washington?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Washington DMV and pays the registration fee plus 6.5% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 15 days of the sale date.
Source: Washington DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07