How To Sell a Car in Washington

Selling a motor vehicle in Washington requires compliance with state regulations governing title transfer, documentation, registration, and seller obligations established by the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL). Both private-party sellers and those transacting with a dealership must follow specific procedures for title assignment, bill of sale preparation, filing of the report of sale, license plate removal, and odometer disclosure to ensure the sale is legally valid.

What You Need To Know Before Selling a Car in Washington

Title Law and Ownership Requirements

Under RCW 46.12.650, a certificate of title is required for nearly all motor vehicles before a valid sale may be completed. The registered owner must verify that the vehicle title is valid, current, and error-free prior to transferring the vehicle to a new owner. A valid title is the primary document establishing ownership and is necessary for the buyer to obtain a new certificate of title.

When multiple owners hold title to a vehicle, all registered owners must sign any release of interest or title transfer document. If the certificate of title shows joint owners connected by the word "and," both owners must sign the title release. If the names are connected by "or," either owner may sign on behalf of the others.

Vehicles Exempt From Title Requirements

Under WAC 308-56A-010, certain categories of vehicles may be registered or titled differently than standard motor vehicles. Farm tractors, farm equipment, off-road vehicles (ORVs), golf carts, dune buggies, and off-highway equipment that may be moved on public highways under special permit authority may obtain a certificate of ownership for title purposes only (TPO) without a registration certificate. Additionally, under RCW 46.12.520(2), vehicles owned by manufacturers or dealers and held for sale do not require a certificate of title, even if incidentally moved on the highway for testing and demonstration purposes. For vehicles where a secured party will not surrender an out-of-state certificate of ownership or where registration is required in Washington but title and registration are required by another state, the Department of Licensing may register the vehicle without issuing a Washington certificate of ownership. Most motor vehicles sold privately in Washington remain subject to title requirements regardless of age.

Satisfying an Existing Lien

If the vehicle carries an active lien or security interest recorded on the certificate of title, the lien must be fully satisfied and released before the vehicle can be legally transferred. The seller is responsible for contacting the lienholder to obtain a written lien release and, if applicable, the physical certificate of title. Once the loan is paid in full, the lienholder releases its interest, and the title is delivered to the seller.

If the lienholder fails to release the lien after payment, the seller may petition a Washington State superior court or district court to have the lien removed and a clear title issued by providing proof of full payment.

No Inspection or Emissions Test Required for Private Sales

Washington does not require private-party sellers to obtain a vehicle safety inspection or emissions test before completing a sale. No general vehicle inspection requirement applies to privately sold vehicles. A vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection by the Washington State Patrol may be required only in certain circumstances, such as when registering out-of-state vehicles or when the department determines ownership is in doubt.

Report of Sale Filing Obligation

Under RCW 46.12.650, the seller must file a Report of Sale with the Department of Licensing within five business days of the sale date. Filing this report is a legal obligation that protects the seller from liability for towing charges, parking citations, toll violations, and civil or criminal liabilities incurred by the new owner after the sale. Failure to file a Report of Sale within five business days exposes the seller to potential liability for actions taken by the buyer after the transfer date.

Documents Required To Sell a Car in Washington

Certificate of Title

The existing certificate of title is the primary document establishing legal ownership. The certificate must be delivered to the buyer at the time of sale. The back of the title includes a release of interest section where the seller indicates the transfer of the vehicle. The seller must sign this section exactly as the name appears on the face of the title. The release of interest section requires the seller to provide the date of sale or transfer. Washington law does not require the title transfer to be notarized. The state will reject any document that has been altered, including any use of correction fluid or similar means.

If the certificate of title has been lost or damaged, the seller must obtain a replacement title before the sale. A replacement title may be requested through a vehicle licensing office and typically takes four to eight weeks to arrive by mail. If a faster replacement is needed, quick title services are available through designated quick title offices at an additional cost. An Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest or Affidavit in Lieu of Title is also an acceptable alternative to a replacement title.

Bill of Sale

The Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale form is recommended for all private vehicle transactions. While not strictly required by state law when the sale price and date are included on the title itself, many county licensing officials request a bill of sale, and it is strongly recommended to provide a clear record of the transaction. The bill of sale should include the full name and address of both the seller and buyer, the date of sale, the vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make, model, body type, the sale price, and the signatures of both parties. The bill of sale does not require notarization. Each party should retain a signed copy for their personal records.

Odometer Disclosure Statement

Under RCW 46.12.665, the federal Truth in Mileage Act of 1986 requires odometer disclosure for vehicles model year 2011 or newer. The seller must complete the odometer disclosure statement by entering the current mileage reading and certifying whether the reading is actual, exceeds mechanical limits, or is not actual mileage. Both the seller and buyer must sign the statement at the time of transfer.

Vehicles model year 2010 or older are exempt from odometer disclosure requirements, as are vehicles with a gross vehicle weight over 16,000 pounds and non-self-propelled vehicles. Providing false odometer information may result in fines or imprisonment under federal law.

Lien Release Document

If the vehicle carries a lien or security interest that is being satisfied at the time of sale, the lienholder must provide a written release of interest or lien release letter. This document, along with the title, must be delivered to the buyer to allow the buyer to obtain a clear title without the lienholder's interest noted. The seller should contact the lienholder to ensure the release is provided at closing.

How To Transfer a Car Title in Washington

Step 1: Review the Title Before the Sale

Before listing the vehicle for sale, the seller must locate the current certificate of title and verify it is valid and free of alterations. If the title cannot be found, a replacement title must be obtained from a vehicle licensing office or a quick title office before the sale can proceed. The seller should also verify whether the vehicle is subject to any liens or security interests that must be satisfied. If multiple owners are listed on the title, the seller must determine whether the names are joined by "and" or "or" to understand signature requirements.

Step 2: Complete the Bill of Sale and Gather Required Information

Before the buyer takes possession of the vehicle, the seller and buyer should complete the Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale form. Both parties must sign the form. The seller should ensure that the buyer's full name, address, and contact information are recorded accurately, as the buyer will use this information to apply for the new title. The seller should also be prepared to provide the buyer with the vehicle's current mileage reading for the odometer disclosure.

Step 3: Complete the Odometer Disclosure

For vehicles with a model year of 2011 or newer, the seller must complete the odometer disclosure statement on the back of the certificate of title. The seller enters the current mileage reading and certifies its accuracy by signing and dating the disclosure section. The buyer must also sign this section at the time of transfer and receive a copy from the seller.

For vehicles with a model year of 2010 or earlier, no odometer disclosure is required because they qualify for the odometer exemption.

Step 4: Sign Over the Title and Collect Payment

The seller and buyer should meet to execute the title transfer. The Washington Department of Licensing recommends meeting at a vehicle licensing office to complete the transaction safely and to ensure proper execution of all documents. The seller signs the release of interest section on the back of the title, entering the date of transfer and signing exactly as the name appears on the front of the title. The seller may collect payment from the buyer before signing over the title.

If the buyer intends to drive the vehicle away from the location without a valid Washington license plate, the buyer must purchase a trip permit in advance from a vehicle licensing office to operate the vehicle legally.

Step 5: Deliver All Documents to the Buyer

At the time of sale, the seller delivers the following documents to the buyer:

• The original certificate of title, signed in the release of interest section
• A signed copy of the bill of sale
• The completed odometer disclosure statement (for vehicles 2011 or newer)
• Any lien release letter from the lienholder (if applicable)

The buyer must then present these documents to a vehicle licensing office to apply for a new certificate of title in the buyer's name.

Step 6: Buyer Submits Application for New Title

The buyer must apply for a new certificate of title within 15 days of the vehicle's delivery. A delay beyond 15 days results in a penalty fee. Failure to apply within 45 days of delivery is a misdemeanor offense. Applications are submitted to vehicle licensing offices operated by county auditors or authorized agents. The buyer must present an unexpired Washington driver's license and the signed title, along with the bill of sale and all supporting documents.

The Vehicle Title Application form must be notarized or signed in person at a vehicle licensing office in the presence of a licensing agent. The buyer also pays applicable title fees, registration fees, and taxes at the time of application.

Title Transfer Fee Schedule in Washington

The following fees apply to motor vehicle title transactions in Washington, in addition to applicable registration fees, taxes, and local surcharges:

County auditors and authorized vehicle licensing agents may also assess county-specific filing fees or service charges in addition to state fees. Individual licensing offices may charge additional fees for expedited services or for processing title applications by mail.

Sales Tax on Private Vehicle Sales

Private vehicle sales in Washington are subject to the state motor vehicle sales and use tax. Effective January 1, 2026, the state motor vehicle sales and use tax rate is 0.5% of the purchase price. This is applied in addition to the standard retail sales tax rate, which varies by location but is 6.5% statewide.

Under Washington's motor vehicle tax laws, the buyer pays the motor vehicle sales and use tax when registering the vehicle with the Department of Licensing. The tax is calculated based on the sale price entered on the bill of sale and the title application. If sales tax was not collected at the time of a private sale, the buyer must pay use tax to the Department of Licensing during registration.

Additionally, effective January 1, 2026, buyers purchasing motor vehicles with a fair market value exceeding $100,000 are subject to an 8% luxury tax on the amount over $100,000, in addition to all other applicable taxes.

Local jurisdictions may also impose additional local motor vehicle taxes. The buyer should verify the applicable tax rate for the county or city where the vehicle will be registered.

What To Do After Selling Your Car in Washington

Remove and Handle License Plates

The seller is legally obligated to remove the license plates from the vehicle immediately after the sale. This protects the seller from liability for future towing charges, parking tickets, speed camera citations, toll violations, and other expenses incurred by the buyer. The old plates may be transferred to a different vehicle owned by the seller, but only to the same type of vehicle (for example, a standard passenger car plate may only be transferred to another passenger car, not to a truck). Alternatively, the seller may voluntarily surrender the license plates at a vehicle licensing office. The buyer cannot legally use the seller's license plates.

File a Report of Sale

The seller must file a Report of Sale with the Department of Licensing within five business days of the sale date. The Vehicle Report of Sale form may be filed online, by mail, or in person at a vehicle licensing office. To file the report, the seller must provide the license plate number, the date of sale, the sale price (or zero if a gift), the buyer's full name and address, and the vehicle identification number (VIN).

Filing the report online through the Department of Licensing website is processed immediately. If filing by mail or in person, the seller must include a $13.25 check made payable to the Department of Licensing. The seller must keep a copy of the filed Report of Sale for their records. Processing of mailed applications typically requires seven to ten business days. Filing the Report of Sale within five business days protects the seller from liability for actions taken by the new owner after the transfer date.

The seller must file a Report of Sale for any vehicle transfer, including private sales, trades to dealerships, gifts, donations, and disposals.

Cancel Insurance Coverage

After confirming that the license plates have been removed and the Report of Sale has been filed, the seller should contact their automobile insurance provider to cancel coverage for the sold vehicle or to transfer the policy to a replacement vehicle. Maintaining insurance on a vehicle no longer owned is not required by law, and continuing unnecessary coverage may result in avoidable premium charges.

Retain Documentation and Remove from License Express Account

The seller should retain a copy of the completed bill of sale, odometer disclosure statement, Report of Sale, and any other transaction documents. These documents may be needed to prove the sale in the event of future liability disputes or inquiries from the Department of Licensing.

If the seller maintains a License Express online account with the Department of Licensing, the seller should remove the vehicle from the account after confirming that the vehicle's title has been transferred to the new owner. This is done by logging in to the License Express account, selecting the vehicle, and clicking the "remove from list" option.

Contact Information

Washington State Department of Licensing
PO Box 9020, Olympia, WA 98507-9020
Phone: (360) 902-3900
Official Website: Washington State Department of Licensing