Washington trailer — quick answer
In Washington, a trailer 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 trailer 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 trailer 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 trailer bill of sale
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Year, make, and trailer type
- VIN or serial number
- Length, number of axles, and empty weight
- Price, date, and signatures
How to transfer a trailer in Washington
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, 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 trailer, bringing Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the Washington DOL before you sign. Not legal advice.
Washington Trailer Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a trailer 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 trailer 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).
Do I need to title a trailer?
It depends on the trailer’s weight and your state. Heavier trailers usually require a title and registration; many small utility trailers only need registration. Check your state page.
What if my trailer has no VIN?
Homemade or older trailers may need a state inspection to be assigned a VIN before they can be titled. The bill of sale still documents the sale in the meantime.
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.