Free Washington Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale
The federal Truth in Mileage Act (49 U.S.C. § 32705) requires a written odometer disclosure on every qualifying vehicle transfer. Vehicles 25 or more model years old (2001 and older as of 2026), those with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs, and new vehicles before first retail sale are exempt. In Washington State, the odometer disclosure is made directly on the certificate of title itself, the buyer has 15 days from the date of sale to submit the title to the DOL, and the 6.5% sales tax is paid to the county auditor or DOL office at the time of transfer.
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Washington Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Primary Form
Standard bill of sale
Agency
WA DOL
Washington State Department of Licensing
Primary ID Field
VIN
Sales Tax
0.065%
Title Required
Yes
Inspection
Not required
Washington Odometer Disclosure Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Locate the odometer disclosure section printed on the Washington State certificate of title.
- Record the exact mileage at the time of sale — this disclosure appears on the title itself, not a separate form.
- Select the correct certification: 'Actual mileage,' 'Exceeds mechanical limits (rollover),' or 'Not actual mileage (discrepancy known).'
- Both seller and buyer must sign and date the title's odometer disclosure section.
- Prepare a bill of sale with the vehicle description, parties, date, and purchase price to support the 6.5% sales tax.
- The buyer must submit the completed title to the county auditor's office or a DOL licensing office within 15 days of the sale and pay the 6.5% use tax.
- Retain copies of all documents for at least five years.
Common Pitfalls
- An 'as-is' clause does not waive the seller's federal odometer disclosure obligation under TIMA.
- Missing Washington's 15-day deadline for title submission results in late fees and does not relieve the odometer disclosure requirement.
- Confusing 'not actual mileage' with 'exceeds mechanical limits' is a misclassification — use the rollover certification whenever the odometer has cycled past its maximum digit.
- Omitting the odometer disclosure on an eligible vehicle exposes the seller to federal criminal penalties of up to $10,000 and three years in prison.
- Civil liability for odometer fraud is treble actual damages with a statutory minimum of $1,500 per violation.
Washington Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale — FAQs
Where exactly is the odometer disclosure made on a Washington title?
Washington State prints the odometer disclosure section directly on the certificate of title. There is no separate state form — both parties complete and sign the section on the title itself before it is submitted to the DOL.
How long does the buyer have to transfer the title in Washington?
Washington requires the buyer to submit the signed title to the county auditor or a DOL licensing office within 15 days of the purchase date. Late submissions incur penalty fees.
What is the sales tax rate on vehicle purchases in Washington?
Washington imposes a 6.5% state use tax on vehicle purchases. Local taxes may also apply, potentially increasing the combined rate. The buyer pays the tax when submitting the title for transfer.
Is a 2001 model-year vehicle exempt from odometer disclosure in Washington?
Yes. The federal 25-year rule exempts vehicles with a model year of 2001 or earlier as of 2026 from TIMA's odometer disclosure requirement.
What penalties apply to odometer fraud in Washington?
Federal criminal penalties include fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment up to three years per violation. Civil liability allows the buyer to recover treble actual damages, with a statutory minimum of $1,500 per violation.