BillOfSaleNow

How to Fill Out a Washington RV Bill of Sale

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Reviewed against state DMV requirementsLast reviewed: April 20266 min readEditorial policy

Follow this checklist to complete the form correctly in Washington.

How to fill out a Washington rv bill of sale

Total time: 5–10 minutes

You will need:

  • Signed vehicle title
  • Government-issued ID for both parties
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  1. Enter seller and buyer names

    Write the full legal names and current addresses of both the seller and buyer exactly as they appear on their government-issued IDs. Errors here can delay the Washington DMV title transfer.

  2. Add vehicle details

    Record the rv's year, make, model, and color. Double-check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from the dashboard or door jamb.

  3. Record the sale price and date

    Write the agreed sale price in both numerals and words to prevent disputes. Enter the exact date the ownership changes hands — this date triggers the Washington title transfer deadline.

  4. Disclose the odometer reading

    Write the exact mileage shown on the odometer at the time of sale. Federal law (49 CFR Part 580) requires this disclosure for most motor vehicles under 20 years old — omitting it can void the sale.

  5. Both parties sign the bill of sale

    Seller and buyer both sign and date the completed form. Each party keeps a signed original. Washington may require the signed bill of sale at the DMV to complete the title transfer.

  6. Download and print a copy for each party

    Print at least two copies — one for the buyer to submit to the DMV and one for the seller to keep as proof the vehicle was sold. Store your copy for at least three years.

Washington RV transfer fees and requirements

In Washington, the title transfer fee is $12 and registration costs $30 plus RTA tax in certain areas. RV sales are subject to 6.5% state sales tax plus local taxes (up to ~10.4%). Washington does not require notarization for private-party rv transfers. Emission testing is required in Washington — verify the rv passes before completing the sale.

  • Department of Licensing (DOL) handles titles and registration
  • Emissions testing required in parts of King, Pierce, Snohomish, Clark, and Spokane counties
  • Use tax applies to private party purchases
  • Electric vehicle fee of $225 per year

Washington sales tax on rv purchases

Washington has a 6.5% state sales tax rate. 6.5% state plus local taxes (total up to ~10.4%). Private-party rv sales in Washington are subject to sales tax. Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $12.

RV market data and safety information

The most common rv makes in private-party sales are Winnebago, Thor, Forest River, Coachmen, Jayco. Average private-party rv prices range from $15,000–$150,000. Rvs average 4.2 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Electrical, Propane/LP Gas System, Tires.

Safety checkpoints for buying a used rv

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

  • Test all LP gas appliances and check propane system for leaks
  • Inspect roof and seams for water damage — the #1 destroyer of RV value
  • Verify generator run hours and service history
  • Check slide-out mechanism operation and seal condition

RV insurance and depreciation in Washington

Full-timer RV insurance differs from recreational-use coverage. Average $1,000–$3,000/year depending on class. RVs depreciate 40–50% in the first 5 years. Class B vans and Airstream trailers retain value best. Peak season for private rv sales is late winter to early spring (january–march) before camping season, with an average of 60 days on market.

RV registration and titling

RVs are classified as "Recreational vehicle (some states register as motorhome, others as special-purpose)" for registration purposes. Class A motorhomes (26,000+ lbs) may require a non-commercial Class B license in some states. Class C and B motorhomes under 26,000 lbs require a standard license. Federal odometer disclosure is required for rvs under 20 years old.

Odometer disclosure for rv sales

RVs with a GVWR under 16,000 lbs and under 20 years old require federal odometer disclosure. Larger Class A motorhomes over 16,000 lbs GVWR are exempt under 49 CFR 580.17(a).

  • Applicable law: 49 CFR 580.17(a) — Odometer exemption for vehicles over 16,000 lbs GVWR

Required disclosures for rv sales in Washington

When selling a rv in Washington, the following disclosures apply:

  • Slide-out mechanism condition and leak history should be disclosed — slide-out seal failures are a leading cause of water damage in RVs.
  • Propane, electrical, and plumbing system condition may need to be noted, especially for full-time-use RVs.
  • Generator hours and maintenance history are not legally required but are standard in RV transactions.

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.

Generate your document

If you prefer to generate a completed Washington rv bill of sale automatically, you can create one here.

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)

Informational purposes only. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and individual circumstances differ. Consult a licensed attorney for jurisdiction-specific guidance on vehicle transfers, title requirements, or related legal matters.