Just Sold My Boat in Washington — What’s Next? (2026)
Need Washington bill of sale documentation?
If you haven’t generated a Washington-compliant bill of sale yet, do it now — your proof-of-sale window closes the moment the buyer leaves.
Start My Washington Boat Bill of Sale →Washington boat sale facts
| Titling agency | Washington DMV ↗ |
| Title transfer deadline | 15 days from sale |
| Release of liability | File with Washington DMV within 5 days |
| Buyer’s sales / use tax | 6.5% (Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Title fee (buyer pays) | $12 |
| Boat identifier | HIN (Hull Identification Number) |
Your Washington boat post-sale checklist
- 1
Keep your signed Washington bill of sale
This is your proof that you sold the boat on the sale date. If the buyer gets a ticket, is in an accident, or fails to transfer the title within 15 days from the sale date, the Washington bill of sale shields you from liability. Keep both your copy and a scan for at least 5 years.
- 2
File a release of liability with Washington DMV
Most Washington sellers file this online through Washington DMV within 5 days of the sale. Filing removes you from records as the registered owner so any post-sale tickets, tolls, or accidents become the buyer's responsibility, not yours. Washington requires the buyer to title the boat within 15 days — your release filing protects you if the buyer misses that deadline.
- 3
Cancel or transfer your boat insurance
Contact your insurer the same day you hand over the keys. Washington does not require you to maintain insurance on a vehicle you no longer own, but you must not cancel before the sale is complete. If you are replacing the boat with another, transfer the policy instead — many insurers offer a short grace period to bind coverage on the new vehicle.
- 4
Remove your registration decal and registration decal
In Washington, the registration decal stays with the seller, not the boat. Remove the decal before handover and return any current registration to the Washington boating authority. The buyer will register the vessel in their name and receive new decals.
- 5
Verify the 15-day title transfer window
Washington requires the buyer to retitle the boat at Washington DMV within 15 days of the sale date. If you have not received confirmation that the title has been transferred by day 20, contact Washington DMV with your bill of sale and release-of-liability filing number to confirm the change of ownership.
- 6
Confirm your Washington tax obligations (seller's side)
Washington charges 6.5% sales/use tax on private-party boat sales — the buyer pays this at Washington DMV when titling. Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. Sellers generally do not owe Washington sales tax, but if the boat sold for more than your original purchase price you may owe federal capital gains tax. Consult a tax advisor.
- 7
Watch for liens or loan payoff confirmation
If you had a loan on the boat, confirm the lender received the buyer's payoff and has released the lien on the Washington title before you deliver the title. Washington uses TD-420-069 or Title (lien section) as the lien release form — your lender will file this with Washington DMV to clear the title record.
Boat-specific note
Boats use a Hull Identification Number (HIN) instead of a VIN — confirm the HIN on the transom matches the title and bill of sale. If the vessel is U.S. Coast Guard documented (5+ net tons, typically 26ft+), file an abstract-of-title transfer with the National Vessel Documentation Center in addition to state registration.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions — Washington
How long do I have to file a release of liability in Washington?▾
Washington sellers should file a release of liability with Washington DMV within 5 days of the sale. Most Washington sellers can file this online directly through Washington DMV. Filing removes you from records as the registered owner so any post-sale tickets, tolls, or accidents fall on the buyer.
What is the Washington title transfer deadline for a boat?▾
Washington requires the buyer to title the boat within 15 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Do I owe Washington sales tax on the boat I just sold?▾
Washington charges 6.5% sales/use tax on private-party boat sales. Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The buyer typically pays this at Washington DMV when titling — sellers generally owe no Washington sales tax on the proceeds. You may owe federal capital gains if you sold for more than the original purchase price.
Does Washington require a notary on the boat bill of sale?▾
No. Washington does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' full names, addresses, signatures, and the date is sufficient for Washington DMV.
How does the buyer register the boat in Washington?▾
The buyer brings the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Washington DMV, pays the title fee (~$12) plus 6.5% sales/use tax, and receives a new Washington title in their name. Transfer must be completed within 15 days of the sale date.
What is U.S. Coast Guard documentation and do I need to file anything with the USCG?▾
USCG documentation is a federal title for vessels 5+ net tons (typically 26ft+) used in commerce or international waters. Recreational boats under 26 feet usually do not need USCG documentation — state registration and a bill of sale are sufficient. If your boat IS USCG-documented, file an abstract of title transfer with the National Vessel Documentation Center in addition to state registration.
Where do I find the HIN on my boat?▾
The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a 12-character serial stamped on the starboard side of the transom (back of the boat) above the waterline. It is also recorded on the title. Confirm the HIN on the transom matches your bill of sale and title before the buyer pulls away on the trailer.
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Source: Washington DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07