Washington Car Bill of Sale: Form TD-420-065 + Requirements
Washington recommends a bill of sale for private vehicle transfers. The state publishes Form TD-420-065 (Bill of Sale). Notarization is not required.
Is a bill of sale required in Washington?
Recommended but not strictly required.
Notarization
Not required.
State-specific form
Form TD-420-065 (Bill of Sale) is Washington's optional template. Available at dol.wa.gov.
The bill of sale should include:
- Seller's full legal name, address
- Buyer's full legal name, address
- Vehicle year, make, model, body type, VIN
- Odometer reading
- Sale price
- Date of sale
- Both signatures
Sales tax implications
Washington state sales tax: 6.5% + local. Major counties:
- King County (Seattle): ~10.25%
- Pierce County (Tacoma): ~10.3%
- Snohomish County (Everett): ~10.5%
Among the highest US vehicle sales tax rates.
The buyer pays at the WA DOL at title transfer.
State-specific seller disclosures
- Odometer disclosure: federally required for vehicles under 20 years old
- Sold notice: file at dol.wa.gov within 5 days
- No statewide emissions testing: WA discontinued its emissions program in 2020
- Salvage title disclosure: required if branded
Where to file
The buyer files at any Washington DOL office or vehicle licensing subagent within 15 days of sale.
For a more complete national reference, see the national bill of sale guide and our Seattle guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale in Washington?
Recommended but not strictly required.
Does WA require a notarized bill of sale?
No.
What's the sales tax on a private car sale in Washington?
6.5% state + local. Seattle (King County) total ~10.25%; Tacoma (Pierce) ~10.3%. Among the highest US rates.
What form do I use?
Form TD-420-065 (WA Bill of Sale), available at dol.wa.gov.
Where do I file the bill of sale in WA?
At any WA DOL office or vehicle licensing subagent, with the signed title. Within 15 days of sale.
Does Washington require emissions testing?
No. Washington discontinued its emissions inspection program in 2020.
What's the 5-day sold notice?
Sellers must file a sold notice with the DOL within 5 days of sale (similar to California's NRL filing). File at dol.wa.gov.
What if I lost the title in WA?
Apply for a duplicate at the WA DOL.
Should I disclose flaws on the bill of sale?
The "as-is" disclosure covers most. Disclose salvage or rebuilt status and major defects.
Selling a car in Washington?
Generate a Seattle-, Tacoma-, or Spokane-ready listing for Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Cars.com from one upload. About ten minutes total.
For Seattle specifically, see our selling in Seattle guide.