How to Sell a Car Privately in Washington
Selling your car yourself in Washington comes down to a signed title, the right paperwork, and a few steps people often miss. This guide summarizes what the Washington State Department of Licensing and state law say, so you and the buyer can finish the transfer cleanly.
Transferring the title
- The seller signs the release of interest on the title (or an approved release form) and gives the buyer the title or latest proof of ownership. app.leg.wa.gov
- The title must be signed by all owners listed on it. dol.wa.gov
- The buyer must apply for a new title within 15 days of receiving the vehicle. app.leg.wa.gov
- A late buyer pays $50 on day 16 plus $2 per day after that, up to $125, and failing to apply within 45 days is a misdemeanor. dol.wa.gov
- The buyer can pay an extra $50 for a Quick Title office to issue the title immediately or by mail within a few business days; otherwise expect about 6 to 8 weeks. dol.wa.gov
Bill of sale
- Buyer and seller should both sign a bill of sale before the buyer applies for a new title, unless the sale price and date are written on the title. dol.wa.gov
- DOL provides a Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale form that records the vehicle, sale date, price and both parties' names and addresses. dol.wa.gov
- The bill of sale price is used to calculate the buyer's use tax, and a gift or inheritance is entered as zero. dol.wa.gov
- Each party should keep a copy, and the form does not transfer the title or serve as the seller's report of sale. dol.wa.gov
Notarization
- The buyer should not sign the Vehicle Title Application until a licensing agent can notarize it, otherwise the buyer must sign in front of a notary. dol.wa.gov
- An Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest does not need a notary if signed in front of a vehicle licensing agent. dol.wa.gov
- Trustees must also submit a separately notarized or certified Certificate of Fact. dol.wa.gov
Odometer disclosure
- An odometer disclosure is required for 2011 and newer model years, and 2010 and older models are exempt. dol.wa.gov
- The seller completes the odometer statement and the buyer acknowledges it, and neither side may give power of attorney to the other party. app.leg.wa.gov
- If the title has no odometer section, the separate odometer form must be obtained at a licensing office because it is printed on tamper-proof paper and cannot be downloaded. dol.wa.gov
License plates
- The seller must remove the license plates, and the buyer cannot use them. dol.wa.gov
- The seller may move the plates to another vehicle of the same type or surrender them at a vehicle licensing office. dol.wa.gov
- Removing plates protects the seller from towing charges, parking tickets, speed camera tickets and toll bills. dol.wa.gov
- The buyer must get new plates, except for Washington plates received from a spouse, partner, family gift or inheritance, or certain trusts. dol.wa.gov
- A buyer driving home without plates can buy a $36 trip permit, valid 3 days, in person at a vehicle licensing office. dol.wa.gov
Telling the state you sold the car
- The seller must report the sale to DOL, a county auditor or an authorized agent within five business days. app.leg.wa.gov
- The report must include the sale date, both parties' names and addresses, the VIN and plate number, and the fee. app.leg.wa.gov
- The seller can file online without logging in, or mail or bring the Vehicle Report of Sale form and a check to a licensing office; the fee is $18. dol.wa.gov
- Filing the report protects the seller from towing charges and civil or criminal liability incurred by the new owner, and processing can take 7 to 10 business days. dol.wa.gov
Loans and liens
- Once the loan is paid off, the lender must release its interest by assigning the title to the owner or directly to the buyer along with the owner's release of interest. app.leg.wa.gov
- A lender that fails to act within ten days after a proper demand owes $100 to the owner or buyer if that failure causes a loss. app.leg.wa.gov
- The buyer is advised to call DOL at 360-902-3770 to confirm the title is valid and free of liens. dol.wa.gov
- A financed vehicle's title must show the legal owner of record. dol.wa.gov
Easy-to-miss rules in this state
- Washington sellers must file a separate Report of Sale, and signing the bill of sale does not do this. dol.wa.gov
- DOL recommends meeting at a vehicle licensing office to take payment and sign over the title. dol.wa.gov
- Quick Title is unavailable for certain vehicles, including stolen, insurance or wrecker-destroyed, and WA Rebuilt vehicles. dol.wa.gov
- A replacement title can take 4 to 8 weeks, but an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest or Affidavit in Lieu of Title can be used instead. dol.wa.gov
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a notary to sell a car in Washington?
The buyer should not sign the Vehicle Title Application until a licensing agent can notarize it, otherwise the buyer must sign in front of a notary. An Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest does not need a notary if signed in front of a vehicle licensing agent.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Washington?
Buyer and seller should both sign a bill of sale before the buyer applies for a new title, unless the sale price and date are written on the title. DOL provides a Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale form that records the vehicle, sale date, price and both parties' names and addresses.
Is an odometer disclosure required when selling a car in Washington?
An odometer disclosure is required for 2011 and newer model years, and 2010 and older models are exempt. The seller completes the odometer statement and the buyer acknowledges it, and neither side may give power of attorney to the other party.
What happens to the license plates when I sell my car in Washington?
The seller must remove the license plates, and the buyer cannot use them. The seller may move the plates to another vehicle of the same type or surrender them at a vehicle licensing office.
Do I have to tell the state I sold my car in Washington?
The seller must report the sale to DOL, a county auditor or an authorized agent within five business days. The report must include the sale date, both parties' names and addresses, the VIN and plate number, and the fee.
Official Washington resources
- DOL: Sell your vehicle
- DOL: Buy and register a vehicle
- DOL: Transfer title, buying from a private party
- DOL: Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale form
- DOL: Use tax
- RCW 46.12.650 (sale and report of sale)
- Ecology: Emission checks ended
Next steps
Once you know the rules, create a free listing and print a QR code sign for the car window. For the general process, see our step-by-step private sale guide, the paperwork checklist, and how to get paid safely. Need paperwork? Use our free bill of sale generator.