When should I use the as-is sale page?
Use this page when your motorcycle sale in Washington fits a as-is sale scenario. It walks you through the specific disclosures and details that apply to this type of transaction.
As-is sale — Washington
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What to know about as-is sale sales in Washington
Include explicit "as-is" language in the bill of sale. Under UCC § 2-316(3)(a), writing "as-is" or "with all faults" in the contract effectively disclaims all implied warranties, including the implied warranty of merchantability under UCC § 2-314. Still disclose known material defects — concealing known defects can constitute fraud even in an as-is sale.
What to include in your bill of sale
- Full legal names and addresses for both buyer and seller.
- Motorcycle make, model, year, VIN, and current mileage.
- Agreed sale price, payment method, and transaction date.
- Any as-is sale-specific disclosures required in Washington.
Seller guidance
Include explicit "as-is" language in the bill of sale. Under UCC § 2-316(3)(a), writing "as-is" or "with all faults" in the contract effectively disclaims all implied warranties, including the implied warranty of merchantability under UCC § 2-314. Still disclose known material defects — concealing known defects can constitute fraud even in an as-is sale.
Buyer guidance
An as-is sale gives you no recourse for undisclosed defects after closing. Order a pre-purchase inspection from a licensed mechanic before agreeing to price. Review any known issue list the seller provides and get it in writing.
Washington-Specific Note
Washington allows private party as-is sales. The Washington Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86) prohibits unfair or deceptive acts regardless of as-is disclaimers. Washington does not require a state safety inspection for private sales. Use tax on the sale price applies regardless of the vehicle's condition — the as-is status does not reduce the taxable amount.
Legal considerations
Washington allows private party as-is sales. The Washington Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86) prohibits unfair or deceptive acts regardless of as-is disclaimers. Washington does not require a state safety inspection for private sales. Use tax on the sale price applies regardless of the vehicle's condition — the as-is status does not reduce the taxable amount.
Motorcycle-Specific As-Is Considerations
Motorcycles sold as-is carry additional disclosure considerations beyond standard vehicles. Frame damage is especially critical to disclose because it directly affects rider safety and may not be visible without professional inspection. Salvage title history should be verified, as rebuilt motorcycles may have compromised structural integrity. Aftermarket modifications that affect roadworthiness—such as extended forks, engine swaps, or exhaust modifications that violate emissions standards—should be documented in the bill of sale. While odometer rollback is less common on motorcycles, VIN verification is particularly important because motorcycles have a higher theft rate than passenger vehicles. Confirm the VIN on the frame matches the title and engine case number.
Washington Motorcycle transfer fees and requirements
In Washington, the title transfer fee is $12 and registration costs $30 plus RTA tax in certain areas. Motorcycle sales are subject to 6.5% state sales tax plus local taxes (up to ~10.4%). Washington does not require notarization for private-party motorcycle transfers. Emission testing is required in Washington — verify the motorcycle 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 motorcycle purchases
Washington has a 6.5% state sales tax rate. 6.5% state plus local taxes (total up to ~10.4%). Private-party motorcycle sales in Washington are subject to sales tax. Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $12.
Motorcycle market data and safety information
The most common motorcycle makes in private-party sales are Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki. Average private-party motorcycle prices range from $2,000–$20,000. Motorcycles average 2.4 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Fuel System, Electrical, Brakes.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used motorcycle
Before completing a motorcycle bill of sale in Washington, verify these safety items:
- Check tire condition — motorcycle tires have a 5-year lifespan regardless of tread
- Inspect brake pads and fluid condition on both front and rear systems
- Verify chain/belt tension and sprocket wear
- Test all lighting including turn signals and brake light
Motorcycle insurance and depreciation in Washington
Motorcycle insurance averages $700–$1,500/year for full coverage. Sport bikes cost significantly more to insure than cruisers. Motorcycles depreciate 35–50% in the first 3 years. Harley-Davidson and BMW models hold value best. Peak season for private motorcycle sales is late winter to early spring (february–april) as riding season approaches, with an average of 30 days on market.
Motorcycle registration and titling
Motorcycles are classified as "Motorcycle" for registration purposes. No weight-based exemption for motorcycles. All motorcycles under 20 years old require federal odometer disclosure. Federal odometer disclosure is required for motorcycles under 20 years old.
Washington requirements for as-is sale motorcycle sales
For motorcycle as-is sale transactions in Washington, the buyer must pay 6.5% state sales tax plus local taxes (up to ~10.4%) and a $12 title transfer fee. Notarization is not required. Odometer disclosure is required.
- 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
Safety tips for as-is sale motorcycle transactions
When completing a as-is sale motorcycle sale in Washington, always verify the vehicle against NHTSA recall databases. The most common motorcycle recall categories are Fuel System, Electrical, Brakes. Check recalls at NHTSA.gov/recalls before signing the bill of sale.
Checklist for as-is sale motorcycle sale in Washington
- Include "sold as-is, with all faults" language conspicuously in the bill of sale
- Attach a written list of known defects signed by the seller
- Complete a pre-purchase inspection before finalizing price
- Confirm odometer reading is accurate and document it
- Buyer signs acknowledgment of as-is condition
- Include as-is language conspicuously in the bill of sale
- Disclose all known material defects in writing
- Ensure use tax is calculated on the actual sale price at WA DOL
Need the printable workflow?
Use the main Washington motorcycle bill of sale flow when you are ready to generate the completed document.
Open Washington Motorcycle bill of saleThe Private Vehicle Sale Market
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
Frequently asked questions
Why does the as-is sale scenario have its own page?
Different sale scenarios — such as private party, dealer, or gifted transfers — have different documentation requirements. This page focuses on what buyers and sellers need for a as-is sale transaction specifically.
What should be included in this bill of sale?
Include the buyer and seller details, vehicle identifiers, sale price, date, signatures, and any notes specific to the as-is sale transaction.
What are the Washington fees for a as-is sale motorcycle transfer?
Washington charges a $12 title transfer fee. Registration costs $30 plus RTA tax in certain areas. Sales tax: 6.5% state sales tax plus local taxes (up to ~10.4%). Notarization is not required for most transfers.
What motorcycle makes are most commonly sold in Washington?
The most popular motorcycle makes in private-party sales are Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki. Average private-party prices range from $2,000–$20,000.
Do I pay sales tax on a as-is sale motorcycle sale in Washington?
Washington has a 6.5% state sales tax rate. Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases
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