Selling a car involves different steps which can be a daunting task for you, when you don’t know the exact procedures. Washington is a state of around 7.8 million residents. With that much amount of population, it is obvious that vehicles on road would be in heavy amount too. According to 2016 data, There were around 2.86 million registered cars on the road.
When it comes to selling of a car in Washington, rules and regulations are slightly different from the other states of USA. Although, it is relatively simple to sell your car in Washington. Let’s understand these rules to make your selling process, an easy one.
Steps for selling a car in Washington
Clean your car
It is highly recommended to clean your car from inside out, to catch the buyer’s eye. This involves getting rid of trash like any snack wrappers, old coffee cups, and crumbs on the floor from your favorite drive-through spot. Go to the car wash, throw out trash, and vacuum the mats and seats. Wipe down the dashboard, put on an air freshener, and take some great photos that clearly show the inside and outside of the vehicle.
Cleaning your car to impress the buyer so that the selling can be done, is same as how realtors stage houses to make them look nice before inviting for prospective buyers.
Have your car inspected
Before buying your car, the buyer will expect you to arrange a test drive to see if the car is in good condition or not. From cleanliness to the working conditions of the car, the buyer will try his best to check out the car that he is expecting to buy. It involves having your vehicle inspected by a third party to do a final maintenance check before you sell the vehicle. You and the buyer can coordinate on when and where the inspection should take place.
Complete the required paperwork
To make the transaction official, it is important to complete the paperwork done.
Here is the requirements of paperwork:
Read more: Paperwork Required Before Selling Your Car: Everything You Need To Know About
The Title: It is important for a buyer to know that the vehicle that he is buying is not stolen or totaled. Hence, vehicle title is necessary when selling the car as it shows the ownership. In case you have financed the car, getting rid of the lien is important. Get the lienholder to remove the lien so that you can sell the car.
If you’ve lost your vehicle title, you need to apply for a replacement title with the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) and pay $35.50. It takes about 8-10 weeks.
Washington Bill of sale: You will also need a bill of sale for the selling process. Form TD-420-065, which can be downloaded from the DOL’s website, can be used.
Odometer reading: Disclosing your car’s mileage is necessary, when transferring the ownership. You’ll need to list out the mileage from your odometer. Both you and the buyer need to sign using your full, legal names and date it as well.
Filing of report of sale
You’ll also need to submit a Vehicle Report of Sale (WA) to let the state of Washington know that you’ve sold the car and that you’re not liable for the car anymore. The Vehicle Report of Sale (WA) must be submitted within 5 days of selling the car. You’ll need to include make, model, date sold, sale price, as well as buyer and seller information.
To make it easier, you can submit the Vehicle Report of Sale (WA) online. You must pay a $13.25 fee when filing the report.
It removes your liability for civil and criminal liabilities incurred by the new owners. Also, this move also pressures the new owners to complete the transfer of ownership.
Transfer of Title
The buyer must transfer the title of car. This step is not your responsibility, but you should know what is involved. The buyer must complete the following for a private vehicle sale or vehicle gift within 15 days to avoid a fine.
The buyer must have a current title with your signature on it to release ownership.
License Plates
Your license plates is yours, it stays with you and not with the buyer. Remove your license plates before the new owner takes possession, even if the vehicle is not your primary one. Leaving the plates on even for a day or two exposes you to possible traffic fines, towing costs, etc. that should be the responsibility of the new owners.
FAQs
Q1. Is bill of sale important in Washington State?
A bill of sale is required to purchase, sell, or register a vehicle or vessel in Washington. The Washington Department of Licensing provides an official bill of sale form.
Q2. Do you pay taxes while selling the car in Washington?
RCW 82.08. 020(3) imposes an additional tax of three-tenths of one percent (0.3%) on the sale of motor vehicles.
Q3. What happens if you don’t report the sale of a vehicle in Washington state?
If you don't file, you may be held liable for tolling bills, towing charges, and other civil or criminal liabilities incurred by the new owner. The new owner is responsible for transferring the title. Go to www.dol.wa.gov for additional information.
