Check the Title and Required Signatures
Washington generally requires a valid title or an applicable
DOL-accepted alternative before a vehicle can be sold.
Check that the vehicle identification number matches the RV
and confirm whose names appear as registered owners or legal owners.
The seller generally releases ownership by signing the appropriate
part of the title or using an approved release-of-interest document.
For a separate Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest,
Washington DOL requires the applicable legal and registered owners
to provide the necessary releases.
Special ownership situations can require additional documentation.
Notarization rules depend on the document being used.
A buyer's Vehicle Title Application and certain separate release forms
require notarization or certification by an authorized vehicle licensing agent.
Do not assume that every ordinary title endorsement follows
the same signature procedure.
Washington DOL's
official vehicle-selling instructions
explain the standard process.
Prepare a Bill of Sale When Required
Washington DOL generally requires a bill of sale unless the sale
price and date appear on the title.
A bill of sale records information about the RV, buyer, seller,
and transaction. Both parties should keep copies.
It does not replace the title assignment or the seller's separate
Report of Sale. Washington provides an
official Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale form
.
Report the Sale Within Five Business Days
Washington requires sellers to report covered vehicle transfers to DOL
within five business days after the sale or transfer.
This applies to registered vehicles, including trailers,
and also covers certain trades, donations, gifts, and other disposals.
You can use the state's online reporting system, visit a vehicle licensing
office, or submit the official form by mail.
Under RCW 46.12.650, DOL must receive a properly completed report
within the five-business-day period.
If mailing it, account for delivery time.
Information needed includes the vehicle identification number,
plate information, transaction date, and the required seller and buyer details.
Keep confirmation of the filing.
A registered dealer may file on a seller's behalf in some circumstances,
but you should verify that the report was actually submitted.
The Report of Sale is separate from the buyer's title transfer.
The buyer generally has 15 days to apply for the new title under Washington law.
Useful references:
Washington Vehicle Report of Sale form
and
RCW 46.12.650, Ownership Transfer Requirements
.
Remove Your Washington License Plates
Washington DOL requires sellers to remove license plates
from vehicles they no longer own.
Plan to remove the applicable plates as part of the handover.
Do not assume the buyer can legally drive or tow the RV using your old plates.
Some plates can be retained or transferred under applicable rules,
while certain specialty plates have additional return requirements.
Review
Washington DOL's plate disposal instructions
.
Motorhome Odometer Rules Differ From Trailer Rules
Washington treats motorhomes as motor vehicles for applicable odometer
disclosure requirements. Ordinary travel trailers and fifth wheels
are not self-propelled and are exempt from motor-vehicle odometer disclosure.
Under Washington law currently effective through 2030:
-
Motor vehicles from model year 2010 or earlier are exempt.
-
Motor vehicles from model year 2011 onward generally require
an odometer disclosure unless another exemption applies.
-
Motor vehicles with a declared gross vehicle weight above
16,000 pounds are exempt.
-
Non-self-propelled vehicles are exempt.
Washington has also enacted a revised age-based exemption
scheduled to take effect in 2031.
The rules can therefore differ substantially between a lighter motorhome,
a heavy motorhome, and a towable RV.
Consult
RCW 46.12.665
or a Washington vehicle licensing office for the requirements
applicable to your vehicle.
What if Your Washington Title Is Missing?
Washington DOL offers a process for replacing a lost or damaged title.
A replacement typically involves an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest
with the required signatures notarized or certified
by an authorized licensing agent.
If you are still making payments and a lender holds the legal
ownership interest, DOL instructs that the lienholder must apply
for a replacement title.
Washington also recognizes certain alternative ownership documents
and an ownership-in-doubt process, but these are subject
to specific requirements.
They do not mean an RV can automatically be sold without
sufficient proof of ownership.
Start with the
Washington DOL replacement-title instructions
.
Selling a Washington RV With an Outstanding Loan
A financed RV may have a lender recorded as its legal owner.
Washington's Electronic Titles Program allows participating lenders
to hold an electronic title record instead of a paper certificate
while the lien remains in place.
When a participating lender releases the lien electronically,
DOL describes issuing a paper title to the owner.
Other situations may require a released title or an appropriately
completed lien-release document.
Before agreeing to sell, identify the lender, confirm the outstanding
balance, and ask how the lien and payment arrangements must be handled.
Do not assume that an RV buyer will automatically pay the lender
or that a title transfer can proceed without addressing the lien.
See
Washington DOL's electronic-title guidance
for additional information.
Out-of-State Titles and Special Ownership Situations
Washington DOL recognizes certain sales involving titles issued by other states.
The paperwork will depend on the issuing state, the ownership record,
and any recorded lien.
A motorhome without an existing Washington title record may also need
additional weight information when applying for Washington registration
or title, depending on the documents available.
If you are selling an inherited RV or one registered to multiple people,
confirm who has legal authority to release ownership before signing documents.
These situations can require paperwork beyond an ordinary sale.
A Washington vehicle licensing office can help identify
the applicable DOL requirements.