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Tacoma, Washington SUV Bill of Sale

Use this bill of sale when selling a suv in Tacoma, Washington. It documents the transfer and helps you complete DMV title paperwork.

Tacoma, WashingtonSUVPopulation rank #99

What to include

  • Buyer and seller names and addresses
  • SUV VIN and vehicle details
  • Sale price and date
  • Signatures from both parties

Next step

Create a compliant bill of sale and download the signed PDF immediately.

Local Requirements — Pierce County

DMV / Title Office

WA DOL – Tacoma Driver Licensing Office

Address

6402 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA 98408

Phone

(360) 902-3900

Office Hours

Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM

Transfer Fees & Taxes

Title Transfer Fee

$15.00

Sales Tax Rate

10.20%

Base Registration Fee

$43.75

Washington state 6.5% + Pierce County/Tacoma 3.7%

Notarization: NOT REQUIRED

Washington does not require notarization.

Tacoma Transfer Checklist

  • Bill of sale required
  • Use tax at DOL
  • Title transfer within 15 days
  • Seller should retain bill of sale

County Information — Pierce County

County Clerk / Recorder

Pierce County Auditor

Phone

(253) 798-7430

SUV market data and safety information

The most common suv makes in private-party sales are Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, Jeep. Average private-party suv prices range from $8,000–$45,000. The average NCAP safety rating for recent suv models is 4.3 out of 5 stars. Suvs average 3.4 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Airbags, Power Train, Electrical.

Safety checkpoints for buying a used suv

Before completing a suv bill of sale in Washington, verify these safety items:

  • Verify AWD/4WD system operation — transfer case and differential fluid should be serviced per schedule
  • Check for Takata airbag recall status (SUVs were heavily affected)
  • Inspect suspension components for wear — SUVs carry more weight than sedans
  • Test third-row seating mechanisms and latches if equipped

SUV insurance and depreciation in Washington

SUV insurance costs 5–15% more than sedans due to higher repair costs. Luxury SUVs can cost significantly more. Mid-size SUVs hold value well — Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Wrangler, and Lexus GX retain 65–75% after 5 years. Peak season for private suv sales is late summer to early fall as families prepare for school year and winter weather, with an average of 19 days on market.

SUV registration and titling

SUVs are classified as "Passenger vehicle (same as car in most states)" for registration purposes. Most SUVs fall under passenger vehicle registration. Full-size SUVs over 6,000 lbs GVWR may qualify for Section 179 business deductions. Federal odometer disclosure is required for suvs under 20 years old.

SUV sales in Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma residents completing a suv bill of sale should be aware of local requirements in addition to Washington state rules. The state sales tax rate is 6.5%, 6.5% state plus local taxes (total up to ~10.4%). The most popular suv makes in Washington include Toyota, Honda, Ford.

Washington bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 2,241 bill of sale documents for Washington transactions, with 60 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

Why Documentation Helps Protect Asking Price

45% faster sale

Vehicles whose listings include a history report spend ~45% less time on site before selling, and report-viewers are 5x more likely to become a lead.

Source: Experian / AutoCheck

$4,000 avg loss

NHTSA estimates 450,000+ vehicles per year are sold with rolled-back odometers — the average victim loses about $4,000 in downstream repair costs.

Source: NHTSA

17.5M private sales/yr

About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.

Source: Cox Automotive 2024

1 in 3 buyers

Roughly 1 in 3 used-car buyers say they suspect private sellers are hiding mechanical problems — documentation closes that trust gap.

Source: JW Surety Bonds (n=3,000)

Frequently asked questions

What county is Tacoma in, and which office handles title transfers?

Tacoma is in Pierce County. Title transfers are handled by the WA DOL – Tacoma Driver Licensing Office at 6402 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA 98408. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. Phone: (360) 902-3900.

What is the sales tax rate on a suv sale in Tacoma?

The combined rate is 10.20%. Washington state 6.5% + Pierce County/Tacoma 3.7%.

Is notarization required for a suv bill of sale in Tacoma?

No. Washington does not require notarization.

What fees should I expect when transferring a suv title in Tacoma?

Title transfer fee: $15.00. Base registration fee: $43.75. Sales tax at 10.20% is collected at the time of title transfer.