Auction sale — Washington

Washington Side by Side bill of sale for auction sale

Complete your Washington side by side bill of sale for a auction sale transaction. Enter buyer and seller details, vehicle information, and generate a signed PDF in minutes.

WashingtonSide by SideAuction sale

BillOfSaleNow Legal Team

Reviewed against state DMV requirementsLast reviewed: March 20266 min readEditorial policy

What to know about auction sale sales in Washington

Auction sellers must disclose known material defects and any title issues before bidding opens. If the vehicle has a salvage, rebuilt, or branded title, this must be disclosed prominently in the auction listing. Reserve the right to require a deposit or full payment before releasing the vehicle. Provide the buyer a signed bill of sale and a copy of the title (or title assignment) once payment clears.

What to include in your bill of sale

Full legal names and addresses for both buyer and seller.
Side by Side make, model, year, VIN, and current mileage.
Agreed sale price, payment method, and transaction date.
Any auction sale-specific disclosures required in Washington.

Seller guidance

Buyer guidance

Auction vehicles are sold as-is — inspect thoroughly before bidding if possible. Verify the title is present and free of liens before the auction closes. If the title will be delivered after the sale, ensure the bill of sale documents the VIN, purchase price, and the seller's agreement to transfer clear title. Do not pay registration or sales tax until you have confirmed title delivery.

Legal considerations

Auction sales are governed by UCC Article 2 (§ 2-328 — sale by auction) and applicable state motor vehicle transfer laws. Under UCC § 2-328(3), each lot is a separate sale. An "as-is" disclaimer under UCC § 2-316 is effective in auction sales. Many states require the auction house to be a licensed dealer (e.g., California Business and Professions Code § 11700). Title branding laws require disclosure of salvage, flood, or lemon law buyback status.

Washington Side by Side transfer fees and requirements

In Washington, the title transfer fee is $12 and registration costs $30 plus RTA tax in certain areas. Side by Side sales are subject to 6.5% state sales tax plus local taxes (up to ~10.4%). Washington does not require notarization for private-party side by side transfers. Emission testing is required in Washington — verify the side by side 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 side by side purchases

Washington has a 6.5% state sales tax rate. 6.5% state plus local taxes (total up to ~10.4%). Private-party side by side sales in Washington are subject to sales tax. Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $12.

Side by Side market data and safety information

The most common side by side makes in private-party sales are Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki. Average private-party side by side prices range from $5,000–$30,000. Side by sides average 2.6 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Steering, Fuel System, Fire Hazard.

Safety checkpoints for buying a used side by side

Before completing a side by side bill of sale in Washington, verify these safety items:

Verify ROPS (cage) is intact and meets manufacturer specifications
Check all seat belts and door/net latching mechanisms
Inspect CV axles and boots — the highest-wear item on side-by-sides
Test power steering operation and differential lock engagement
Confirm headlights, taillights, brake lights, and (where required) turn signals function
Verify horn and reverse-warning beeper operation
Check that windshield (if equipped) is rated and unmodified
Inspect parking brake operation on a 15-degree slope

Side by Side insurance and depreciation in Washington

Insurance averages $200–$600/year. Multi-passenger models cost more. Required for on-road use. Side-by-sides depreciate 30–40% in 3 years. Sport models (RZR, Maverick) depreciate faster than utility models (Ranger). Peak season for private side by side sales is spring for recreation, fall for hunting season, with an average of 25 days on market.

Side by Side registration and titling

Side by Sides are classified as "Off-highway vehicle (OHV) — some states allow street-legal conversion" for registration purposes. Side-by-sides range from 1,000–2,000 lbs. Multi-seat crew models weigh more. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to side by sides.

Washington requirements for auction sale side by side sales

For auction sale side by side transactions in Washington, the buyer must pay 6.5% state sales tax plus local taxes (up to ~10.4%) and a $12 title transfer fee. Notarization is not required. Odometer disclosure is required.

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

Safety tips for auction sale side by side transactions

When completing a auction sale side by side sale in Washington, always verify the vehicle against NHTSA recall databases. The most common side by side recall categories are Steering, Fuel System, Fire Hazard. Check recalls at NHTSA.gov/recalls before signing the bill of sale.

Checklist for auction sale side by side sale in Washington

Verify the vehicle title is present, clean, and matches the VIN before bidding
Confirm any title branding (salvage, rebuilt, flood, lemon) is disclosed in the listing
Inspect the vehicle in person or hire a third-party inspector before the auction
Obtain a signed bill of sale from the auction house or seller on the day of purchase
Confirm the title delivery timeline in writing if the title is not available same-day
Pay applicable sales tax and registration fees within your state deadline

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Use the main Washington side by side bill of sale flow when you are ready to generate the completed document.

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The Private Vehicle Sale Market

17.5M private sales/yr

About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.

Source: Cox Automotive 2024

Frequently asked questions

When should I use the auction sale page?

Use this page when your side by side sale in Washington fits a auction sale scenario. It walks you through the specific disclosures and details that apply to this type of transaction.

Why does the auction sale scenario have its own page?

Different sale scenarios — such as private party, dealer, or gifted transfers — have different documentation requirements. This page focuses on what buyers and sellers need for a auction sale transaction specifically.

What should be included in this bill of sale?

Include the buyer and seller details, vehicle identifiers, sale price, date, signatures, and any notes specific to the auction sale transaction.

What are the Washington fees for a auction sale side by side transfer?

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 for most transfers.

What side by side makes are most commonly sold in Washington?

The most popular side by side makes in private-party sales are Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki. Average private-party prices range from $5,000–$30,000.

Do I pay sales tax on a auction sale side by side sale in Washington?

Washington has a 6.5% state sales tax rate. Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases

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