Document Genius

Free Washington Bill of Sale Template

A Washington bill of sale documents the transfer of ownership for a vehicle, boat, trailer, firearm, motorcycle, or other personal property. With the Document Genius template, you can create a clear, legally valid Washington bill of sale in minutes.

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1,109 Ratings
  • Duration 2 min
  • Download as PDF and Word
  • E-sign included

Written by Josh Sainsbury | Attorney-Reviewed by Document Genius Legal Team

How It works?

1

Choose Your Template

Select the correct bill of sale form for your item: vehicle, boat, trailer, firearm, or motorcycle.

2

Enter the Details

Add buyer and seller information, property details (VIN, HIN, or serial number), purchase price, and date of sale.

3

Sign and Notarize (if required)

Both parties sign. Notarization is optional in Washington but may be required if registering by mail.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is a Washington Bill of Sale?
  2. When Do You Need a Bill of Sale in Washington?
  3. Does a Washington Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized?
  4. Washington-Specific Rules & Tips

What Is a Washington Bill of Sale?

A Washington bill of sale is a legal document proving the transfer of ownership between a seller and buyer. It provides evidence of the transaction, protects both parties in case of disputes, and may be required for registration or titling through the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL).

A valid Washington bill of sale should include:

  • Buyer and seller names, addresses, and signatures
  • Description of the property (make, model, year, VIN/HIN/serial number)
  • Purchase price and date of sale
  • Notarization, if required

When Do You Need a Bill of Sale in Washington?

A Washington bill of sale is required or recommended for the following:

  • Vehicles: Required (unless price and date are on the title). Both parties sign it, each keeps a copy, and it’s separate from the seller’s Report of Sale (used to notify the DOL that you have sold, traded, or given up ownership of a car, truck, motorcycle, trailer, or other registered vehicle).
  • Boats: Required for registration. 
  • Trailers: Recommended for private sales. 
  • Firearms: Recommended for private sales; federal and state laws govern background checks and age restrictions.
  • Motorcycles: Recommended for private sales. 

Does a Washington Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized?

Notarization rules in Washington:

  • Vehicles: Required only if title paperwork is signed outside a licensing office.
  • Boats: Required if registering by mail; optional if registering in person.
  • Trailers: Required only if documents are signed outside a licensing office.
  • Firearms: Not required.
  • Motorcycles: Required only if paperwork isn’t signed at the licensing office.

Washington-Specific Rules & Tips

Keep these requirements in mind for Washington bill of sale transactions:

  • Vehicle registration: Completed at a vehicle licensing office using the title paperwork, identification, and payment of required fees.
  • Boat registration exemptions: Some examples include: human-powered craft, government vessels, small low-horsepower boats, tenders, and boats registered elsewhere for up to 60 days.
  • Trailer inspections: Homemade or unidentifiable trailers require a State Patrol inspection before title.
  • Firearm transfers: Semi-automatic rifles and pistols require buyers to be 21+; background checks are mandatory for most sales.
  • Insurance minimums: $25,000 bodily injury or death per person per accident, $50,000 or death of any 2 people per accident, and $10,000 of injury to or property damage per accident.