Washington motorcycle — quick answer
In Washington, a motorcycle bill of sale is required and notarization of the title transfer is situational. The state form used for titled vehicles is 420065. Titling and registration are handled by the Washington DOL.
Is a motorcycle bill of sale required in Washington?
Required. Washington uses Form 420065 (Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale); the seller files a Report of Sale within 5 days.
Seller signs the title; the buyer titles and registers, and the seller files a Report of Sale.
Does a Washington motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Situational (situational). The transfer signature must be notarized if pre-signed; instead, you can sign in front of a vehicle-licensing agent (no notary needed in person).
What to include on a Washington motorcycle bill of sale
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Year, make, model, and engine size (cc)
- 17-character VIN
- Odometer reading
- Sale price and date
- Both signatures
How to transfer a motorcycle in Washington
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, odometer, and date. Both parties sign and date.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller signs the title; the buyer titles and registers, and the seller files a Report of Sale.
- 3File a notice of sale / release of liability.
The seller files Report of Sale — file within 5 days to remove liability.
- 4Register with the Washington DOL.
The buyer titles and registers the motorcycle, bringing Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires a written odometer disclosure when title is transferred for vehicles less than 20 years old. As of 2026 that means model year 2011 and newer; model year 2010 and older are generally exempt. Record the exact mileage — never round it. See the NHTSA rule.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the Washington DOL before you sign. Not legal advice.
Washington Motorcycle Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a motorcycle bill of sale required in Washington?
A bill of sale is required in Washington. Washington uses Form 420065 (Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale); the seller files a Report of Sale within 5 days.
Does a Washington motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Sometimes. The transfer signature must be notarized if pre-signed; instead, you can sign in front of a vehicle-licensing agent (no notary needed in person).
Does a motorcycle bill of sale need a VIN?
Yes. The 17-character VIN uniquely identifies the motorcycle and is required to register it. Our tool checks that the VIN is the correct length.
Is a motorcycle bill of sale the same as a title?
No. The title proves and transfers ownership; the bill of sale documents the sale and price. You typically need both to register the motorcycle.
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.