Washington TD-420-065 — Bill of Sale

About TD-420-065

Official name: Washington Form TD-420-065 — Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale

Issued by: Washington Department of Licensing

Purpose: Documents a private vehicle sale in Washington State and establishes the use-tax base (the higher of price or fair market value). Submitted at a DOL licensing office or subagent for title transfer.

When required: Buyers must title the vehicle within 15 days of purchase — a $50 penalty on the 16th day plus $2/day up to $125. Sellers must file a Report of Sale within 5 business days at dol.wa.gov.

What TD-420-065 does, and what it does not

TD-420-065 (R/4/24) is the Washington Department of Licensing's Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale. It collects the details of the sale in one place.

The form states plainly that completing it does not transfer the title and does not count as a Report of Sale. Each side still has its own step to finish, below.

What it asks for

• Whether you are selling a vehicle or a vessel, the plate or registration number, and the VIN or hull ID number.
• Model year, make, model, date of sale and sale price.
• The sellers' names and address, and the buyers' names and address.
• Whether the buyer is an immediate family member receiving the vehicle as a gift, and if so, the relationship.
• Signatures from the buyers and the sellers (there is room for two of each).

The seller's steps

• Take the license plates off the vehicle at the time of sale.
• Report the sale to DOL. Washington law gives five business days (RCW 46.12.650); the form says within 5 days of the sale. The Report of Sale is what releases you from liability for the vehicle.
• You can report online at dol.wa.gov (vehicles only), in person at any vehicle licensing office (vehicles only, fees apply), or by mail with the Vehicle or Vessel Report of Sale and a check or money order payable to the Department of Licensing.

The buyer's steps

• Take the certificate of title and this bill of sale to any vehicle licensing office, and pay the fees and taxes.
• Apply within 15 days of getting the vehicle. Late transfer fees start at $50 and rise to $125, and not applying within 45 days is a misdemeanor.
• Your signature on the vehicle title application must be notarized, unless you sign it in front of a vehicle licensing agent.
• Use tax is charged on the higher of the price you paid or the vehicle's fair market value.

What to Include in a Washington Bill of Sale

A complete bill of sale usually includes:

• Seller name, address
• Buyer name, address
• Year, make, model
• VIN
• Odometer
• Sale price
• Date of sale
• Both signatures