Free Washington Gift Bill of Sale
Washington's 6.5% use tax is one of the highest vehicle transfer taxes in the United States — on a $40,000 vehicle, that's $2,600. Gifting a vehicle to an immediate family member avoids this tax entirely, but Washington requires a written statement of the family relationship submitted with the DOL title application. The transfer must be completed within just 15 days, making Washington one of the faster-deadline states in the country.
Free PDF includes a small watermark at the bottom. Remove it for $4.99.
Washington Gift Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Primary Form
Standard bill of sale
Primary ID Field
VIN
Sales Tax
0%
Title Required
Yes
Title must be transferred within 15 days of the gift date. Include a written statement of the family relationship with the DOL title application. Washington's 15-day window is among the shortest in the US.
Inspection
Not required
Inspection Requirements
Washington has no statewide safety or emissions inspection requirement. Local jurisdictions may have specific requirements — check with the recipient's county.
Washington Gift Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Prepare a written statement (signed by both donor and recipient) confirming the family relationship and that the transfer is a genuine gift with no monetary consideration
- Donor signs the back of the existing Washington title, completing the assignment to the recipient
- Recipient obtains the DOL title transfer application (available at any vehicle licensing office or online)
- Attach the written family relationship statement to the title application
- Recipient brings the signed title, completed application, relationship statement, proof of insurance, and photo ID to a Washington vehicle licensing office
- Complete the transfer within 15 days of the gift date to avoid late fees
- Pay applicable title and registration fees (6.5% use tax waived for qualifying family gifts)
Common Pitfalls
- Failing to include a written statement of the family relationship — without documentation, Washington DOL will assess 6.5% use tax on the vehicle's fair market value
- Missing the 15-day transfer deadline — Washington's window is shorter than most states and late penalties apply
- Any monetary consideration changing hands (even partial payment) voids the gift exemption and makes the full 6.5% use tax applicable
- Gifting to extended family such as cousins, aunts, uncles, or in-laws — only spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, and grandchild qualify
- Not accounting for Washington's higher excise tax on vehicles over certain values — confirm all applicable fees at the licensing office
Pro Tip
Washington's 15-day deadline and the written relationship statement requirement are the two details that trip up most gift transfers — address both immediately to save the full $2,600+ in use tax.
Washington Gift Bill of Sale — FAQs
How much does Washington's 6.5% use tax cost on a typical vehicle, and how does a gift save that?
On a $40,000 vehicle, Washington's 6.5% use tax equals $2,600. A properly documented family gift eliminates this entirely — making the written relationship statement one of the most valuable documents in the transfer process.
What should the written family relationship statement include?
The statement should include both parties' full names and addresses, the vehicle's year, make, model, and VIN, a clear statement that the transfer is a gift with no money exchanged, and the specific family relationship (e.g., 'I, [donor], am gifting this vehicle to my daughter, [recipient]'). Both parties should sign and date it.
Which family members qualify for Washington's use tax exemption on gifted vehicles?
Spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, and grandchild qualify. In-laws, cousins, and non-family members do not. The relationship must be documented in writing.
Why does Washington have a 15-day transfer deadline?
Washington state law requires title transfer within 15 days of a vehicle sale or gift. This is one of the shortest deadlines in the US — recipients should visit a vehicle licensing office promptly after receiving the vehicle.
Does Washington require a safety or emissions inspection for a gifted vehicle?
Washington has no statewide safety or emissions inspection requirement. The vehicle can be registered without passing an inspection, though it must meet federal safety standards.
Other Washington Templates
🚘Vehicle Bill of Sale🚗Car Bill of Sale🚙Used Car Bill of Sale🏍️Motorcycle Bill of Sale⛵Boat Bill of Sale🚛Trailer Bill of Sale🐴Horse Bill of Sale🏎️ATV Bill of Sale🔫Gun / Firearm Bill of Sale🏕️RV Bill of Sale📄General Bill of Sale🖨️Free Printable Bill of Sale📏Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale⚠️As-Is Bill of Sale