Selling a car privately in Washington
Washington puts a legal deadline on the seller: file a Report of Sale with the Department of Licensing within 5 business days. The online version processes immediately and is the thing that shields you from the buyer's tolls, camera tickets, and towing bills. Filing it at handoff, before the buyer drives off, is the strongest position a Washington seller can be in.
Sign the title's release of interest with the odometer disclosure; signatures on the title itself do not need notarization (separate release-of-interest forms submitted by mail do). The buyer has 15 days to transfer title and pays use tax based on fair market value, not just the stated price, which is worth telling buyers expecting a bargain tax bill. Remove your plates; they stay with you and can transfer to a same-type vehicle.
The checklist
- 1
Sign the release of interest with odometer disclosure (Washington)
All owners on the title sign the release of interest; complete the odometer disclosure for vehicles that require it.
- 2
File the Report of Sale within 5 business days
File online for immediate processing, ideally at the handoff itself. This is Washington's core seller protection.
- 3
Remove your license plates
Washington requires the seller to remove the plates; transfer them only to a same-type vehicle you own.
- 4
Verify your title status
Locate the physical title and confirm it is in your name with no undisclosed liens. If the title is lost, request a duplicate before listing.
- 5
Complete a bill of sale
Recommended for every private sale even where not required. Record buyer/seller names, VIN, price, date, and an as-is acknowledgement. Both parties keep a copy.
- 6
Complete the odometer disclosure
Federal rules require odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 model years old. Usually done on the title itself; some states use a separate form.
- 7
File a release of liability / notice of sale
If your state offers it, file promptly after the sale so you are not liable for tickets or incidents after the buyer drives away.
- 8
Handle plates per your state's rules
In most states the seller removes the plates; in some, plates stay with the vehicle. Confirm your state's rule before handing over the keys.
- 9
Pay off any lien before or at transfer
If a lien remains, coordinate payoff with the lender so the buyer can receive a clear title. Do not sign over a title with an unreleased lien.
- 10
Confirm payment before signing the title
Verify cash, or use a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or complete the transfer inside the buyer's bank. Never release the signed title before funds are confirmed.
- 11
Keep copies of everything
Photograph or copy the signed title (both sides), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and the buyer's ID if they consent.
- 12
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
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Does a Washington car title need to be notarized?
Signatures releasing interest on the title certificate itself do not need notarization. A separate Release of Interest form mailed in does, so signing the actual title (or signing at a licensing office) is the simpler path.
What is Washington's Report of Sale deadline?
5 business days from the sale, and the online filing is processed immediately. It is what protects you from the buyer's tickets, tolls, and towing liability.
What tax does the buyer pay in a Washington private sale?
Use tax at transfer, based on the vehicle's fair market value rather than only the stated price, plus title and registration fees. They have 15 days before penalties.
Do I keep my plates when I sell a car in Washington?
Yes, remove them; Washington requires it. Plates can transfer to another vehicle of the same type you own.
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 13, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.