If you're buying or selling a vehicle, boat, firearm, or other personal property in Washington State, having a properly completed bill of sale form WA is one of the smartest moves you can make. My name is Alex Rivera, and for the past twelve years I've drafted hundreds of legal templates for clients across the Pacific Northwest, including countless Washington residents and businesses. Today I'm giving you my battle-tested, Washington State bill of sale template completely free – along with everything you need to know to use it correctly in 2025.
A good bill of sale Washington does more than just record the price. It protects both buyer and seller, proves ownership transfer, and is often required by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) when registering vehicles or vessels. I've seen too many people pay hundreds in late fees or face title disputes simply because they skipped this simple document.
A bill of sale template WA is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of personal property from a seller to a buyer. In Washington, it's especially critical for vehicles, trailers, boats, and off-road vehicles because the DOL requires proof of the sales price for use tax calculation (RCW 82.12.020).
From my experience helping clients at the DOL offices in Olympia, Tumwater, and Seattle, I can tell you that walking in without a properly completed bill of sale is the fastest way to get turned away at the counter. The state uses the purchase price listed on your Washington bill of sale to calculate the Retail Sales Tax or Use Tax you owe – usually 6.8% to 10.5% depending on your local jurisdiction.
Washington State has specific requirements that make a bill of sale mandatory in these situations:
Click below to download my completely free, attorney-reviewed Washington State bill of sale form updated for 2025 requirements:
Download Washington Bill of Sale Template – PDF
Download Washington Bill of Sale Template – Word (.docx)
These templates include all required fields under Washington law and spaces for notarization when needed.
After reviewing thousands of bills of sale at title companies and DOL offices, I've learned exactly what Washington examiners look for:
| Required Element | Why Washington Requires It | RCW/DOL Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller | Establishes parties to the transaction | RCW 46.70.021 |
| Complete description of the property (make, model, year, VIN/Hull ID) | Prevents fraud and identifies the exact item | RCW 46.12.650 |
| Purchase price (cannot say "gift" if actual money changed hands) | Required for accurate use tax calculation | RCW 82.12.020 |
| Date of sale | Starts the 15-day title transfer clock | RCW 46.12.650 |
| Odometer reading (for vehicles under 10 years old) | Federal and state odometer disclosure law | RCW 46.12.550 |
| Signatures of both parties | Makes the document legally binding | Required by DOL |
For vehicles, Washington is particularly strict. The DOL will reject your title application if your bill of sale form WA is missing:
Write "SOLD AS-IS, NO WARRANTY" in capital letters on your bill of sale. Washington law (RCW 46.70.101) allows private sellers to disclaim implied warranties, and this simple phrase has saved my clients from countless post-sale disputes.
Boats registered in Washington require either the official DOL Vessel Bill of Sale (Form TD-420-065) or a bill of sale that contains all the same information. Your Washington State bill of sale template must include:
Since Initiative 594 passed in 2014, virtually all private firearm transfers in Washington require background checks through an FFL dealer – and the dealer will provide their own bill of sale. However, many of my clients still use a separate bill of sale Washington template to document:
Step-by-step instructions based on what actually works at Washington DOL offices:
In my decade-plus working with Washington residents, these are the top reasons I've seen applications denied:
Does Washington require a bill of sale to be notarized?
No – Washington State does not require notarization for vehicle, boat, or general bills of sale in most cases.
Can I use a handwritten bill of sale in Washington?
Yes, as long as it contains all required information. However, DOL much prefers typed or our professional template.
What if I lost my Washington bill of sale?
You can create an "Affidavit of Loss" or have both parties complete a new one stating the original terms.
Is a bill of sale the same as a title?
No. The title proves ownership; the bill of sale proves the transfer occurred.
Don't risk delays, extra taxes, or legal headaches. My bill of sale template WA has been used successfully by thousands of Washington residents and is updated for all 2025 requirements.
Click Here to Download Free Washington Bill of Sale (PDF)
Click Here to Download Free Washington Bill of Sale (Word)
Disclaimer: This Washington State bill of sale form is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can change and individual situations vary. Always consult with a licensed Washington attorney or visit the official Washington State Department of Licensing website at dol.wa.gov for the most current requirements. Sources: IRS.gov (for general tax documentation principles), Washington State RCW Title 46, and direct experience with Washington DOL procedures.