How to Sell a Car in Washington State: DOL Steps, Forms & Fees (2026)
9 min read • Updated July 7, 2026
Selling a car in Washington State involves a few specific DOL requirements—and missing one can leave you liable for the new owner's tickets and tolls. Here's the complete process, step by step.
Before You Sell: Get Your Documents Ready
- Certificate of Title — the original, with your name on it. Lost it? See our WA no-title guide, or sell without a title to a licensed buyer.
- Lien release — if you ever had a loan on the car, make sure the lien is released on the title.
- Valid ID — your WA driver's license or state ID.
- Odometer reading — required on the title for vehicles under 20 years old (2011 or newer as of 2026).
The 4 Steps to Sell a Car in Washington
- Agree on a price with the buyer. For private sales, check comparable listings. For junk or non-running cars, get quotes from licensed buyers—values typically range $100 to $15,000 depending on the vehicle.
- Sign over the title. Fill in the buyer's name, sale date, price, and odometer reading in the "transfer of ownership" section, then sign where indicated. Don't leave fields blank—an "open title" can come back to haunt you.
- Write a bill of sale (recommended). Include the VIN, year/make/model, sale price, date, and both parties' names and signatures. Keep a copy.
- Remove your plates. In Washington, license plates stay with the seller. Take them off before the car leaves, along with your registration and any personal items.
Selling a Junk or Non-Running Car? There's a Faster Option
Everything above assumes a private sale: listing the car, meeting strangers, handling paperwork yourself. If your car is old, damaged, or doesn't run, a licensed junk car buyer compresses the whole process into one visit:
| Step | Private Sale | Licensed Junk Car Buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Finding a buyer | Days to weeks of listings & no-shows | One phone call, 60-second quote |
| Title transfer & DOL paperwork | You handle both | Buyer handles all DOL paperwork |
| Transport | Buyer's problem (limits your market if it doesn't run) | Free towing, same-day |
| Payment | Cash, check, or scam risk | Cash on the spot |
Common Questions About Selling a Car in Washington
Is a bill of sale required in Washington State?
It's not legally required for private sales, but strongly recommended. It documents the price, date, and buyer information. If the vehicle is gifted or sold below fair market value, the buyer may need a bill of sale to calculate use tax.
Who pays the title transfer fee in Washington?
The buyer pays the title transfer fee and use tax when they register the vehicle. As the seller, your main responsibility is signing over the title.
What's the fastest way to sell a junk car in Washington?
Sell to a licensed junk car buyer. They handle the title transfer and all DOL paperwork for you, tow the vehicle for free, and pay cash the same day. The entire process takes 15-20 minutes at pickup.
Skip the Paperwork — We Handle Everything
Selling an old, damaged, or non-running car? One call gets you an instant quote, free same-day towing, and cash on the spot. We handle all DOL paperwork for you.