Free Washington Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale
Every covered transfer carries the federal written disclosure of 49 U.S.C. § 32705. The covered set: model year 2011 and newer, each until 20 model years old — with 2010-and-older vehicles, 16,000-lb-plus GVWR trucks, and new vehicles before first retail sale excluded. 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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Odometer disclosure is a federal requirement under 49 CFR §580, not just a best practice — and falsifying mileage is a federal crime. Our guide explains exactly what each field requires, when the 10-year exemption applies, and what to do if the odometer has rolled over. Read: Odometer Disclosure Statement: What It Is & What to Write →
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.
- Complete the certification choice — actual reading, rollover beyond mechanical limits, or not-actual for a known mileage discrepancy.
- 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.
- Preserve the paperwork for no less than five years.
Common Pitfalls
- The as-is clause allocates condition risk — it cannot waive the federal odometer disclosure.
- 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.
- Leave the disclosure off a covered vehicle and the seller faces federal charges: $10,000 fines and up to three years.
- Defrauded buyers recover treble damages civilly — a $1,500 minimum applies 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 — exempt by model year: 2010 and older vehicles carry no federal disclosure duty. The obligation belongs to 2011-and-newer models until they reach two decades of model years.
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. The buyer's civil claim yields triple damages, never below $1,500 per violation.