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As-is sale — Washington

Washington Side by Side bill of sale for as-is sale

Complete your Washington side by side bill of sale for a as-is sale transaction. Enter buyer and seller details, vehicle information, and generate a signed PDF in minutes.

WashingtonSide by SideAs-is sale
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Reviewed against state DMV requirementsLast reviewed: March 20266 min readEditorial policy

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.
  • Side by Side 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.

Washington Legal Requirements

As-is clauses are generally enforceable in private party vehicle sales under UCC § 2-316. However, most states carve out an exception for fraud: a seller who actively conceals or misrepresents a known defect cannot rely on the as-is language as a shield. Best practice is to provide a written disclosure of all known defects alongside the as-is bill of sale.

Washington Side by Side transfer fees and requirements

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

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

Side by Side market data and safety information

The most common side by side makes in private-party sales are Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki. Average private-party side by side prices range from $5,000–$30,000. Side by sides average 2.6 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Steering, Fuel System, Fire Hazard.

Safety checkpoints for buying a used side by side

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

  • Verify ROPS (cage) is intact and meets manufacturer specifications
  • Check all seat belts and door/net latching mechanisms
  • Inspect CV axles and boots — the highest-wear item on side-by-sides
  • Test power steering operation and differential lock engagement

Side by Side insurance and depreciation in Washington

Insurance averages $200–$600/year. Multi-passenger models cost more. Required for on-road use. Side-by-sides depreciate 30–40% in 3 years. Sport models (RZR, Maverick) depreciate faster than utility models (Ranger). Peak season for private side by side sales is spring for recreation, fall for hunting season, with an average of 25 days on market.

Side by Side registration and titling

Side by Sides are classified as "Off-highway vehicle (OHV) — some states allow street-legal conversion" for registration purposes. Side-by-sides range from 1,000–2,000 lbs. Multi-seat crew models weigh more. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to side by sides.

Washington requirements for as-is sale side by side sales

For side by side 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 side by side transactions

When completing a as-is sale side by side sale in Washington, always verify the vehicle against NHTSA recall databases. The most common side by side recall categories are Steering, Fuel System, Fire Hazard. Check recalls at NHTSA.gov/recalls before signing the bill of sale.

Checklist for as-is sale side by side sale in Washington

  1. Include "sold as-is, with all faults" language conspicuously in the bill of sale
  2. Attach a written list of known defects signed by the seller
  3. Complete a pre-purchase inspection before finalizing price
  4. Confirm odometer reading is accurate and document it
  5. Buyer signs acknowledgment of as-is condition
  6. Include as-is language conspicuously in the bill of sale
  7. Disclose all known material defects in writing
  8. Ensure use tax is calculated on the actual sale price at WA DOL

Need the printable workflow?

Use the main Washington side by side bill of sale flow when you are ready to generate the completed document.

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The 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

When should I use the as-is sale page?

Use this page when your side by side 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.

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 side by side 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 side by side makes are most commonly sold in Washington?

The most popular side by side makes in private-party sales are Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki. Average private-party prices range from $5,000–$30,000.

Do I pay sales tax on a as-is sale side by side sale in Washington?

Washington has a 6.5% state sales tax rate. Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases

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