Free Washington Boat Bill of Sale
Washington runs boats through the same Department of Licensing machinery as cars — one agency, one TD-420-065 bill of sale (it's literally titled "Vehicle/Vessel"), one Release of Interest for the seller to file, and the same use-tax math on the HIGHER of price or fair market value at the buyer's combined local rate (6.5% to over 10% around Seattle). Even federally documented (USCG) vessels don't escape the tax: they skip the state title but still owe Washington use tax at registration. The trailer under the boat is its own separate DOL title, and itemizing the two prices on the bill of sale keeps the tax math clean on both.
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Washington Boat Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
Same 6.5% state + local tax as cars (8.5–10.4%). Paid to WA DOL at title.
Washington Boat Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Verify HIN on transom.
- Complete TD-420-065 with HIN, length, year/make, motor serial, sale price.
- Trailer separate — trailer uses separate WA DOL title.
- Seller signs vessel title over; files Release of Interest.
- Buyer completes Vessel Title Application at DOL.
- Buyer pays 6.5%+local Use Tax.
- USCG-documented vessels: federal title, WA use tax still applies.
Common Pitfalls
- Going to a separate marine agency — WA uses DOL (same as cars).
- Forgetting the trailer is separate.
Pro Tip
Washington boats: one agency (DOL), one form (TD-420-065), the seller's Release of Interest — and a use tax that reads market value even when the vessel's title is federal.