What is a Bill of Sale in Washington?

When you sell personal property in Washington, you must provide the buyer with a bill of sale. This document serves as written proof of the sale and transfer of ownership of the property. The bill of sale must include the following information:

The date of the sale

The names and addresses of the buyer and seller

A description of the property being sold

The purchase price

Any other terms of the sale

Bill of sale is an important document that can protect both the buyer and seller in the event of a dispute. By having a written record of the sale, both parties can be sure that they understand the terms of the agreement.

Benefit of having a Bill of Sale	Potential Risk of not having a Bill of Sale
Serves as proof of ownership	Increased risk of fraud
Protects both the buyer and seller	Difficulty in recovering property in case of theft
Helps avoid disputes	Potential legal complications

How to Write a Bill of Sale in Washington

There are many different ways to write a bill of sale, but the following steps will help you create a document that is legally valid in Washington:

Start by identifying the buyer and seller. Include their full names and addresses.

Describe the property being sold. Be as specific as possible, including any make, model, or serial numbers.

State the purchase price. This can be a specific amount or a range of prices.

Include any other terms of the sale. This could include things like the date of delivery or any warranties.

Sign the bill of sale and have it notarized. This will help to make the document legally binding.

Bill of Sale is a relatively simple document to write, but it is important to make sure that it is done correctly. By following these steps, you can create a bill of sale that will protect both you and the buyer.

Tips for Writing a Bill of Sale	Mistakes to Avoid
Use clear and concise language	Including false or misleading information
Be specific when describing the property	Omitting important details
Get the bill of sale notarized	Failing to sign the bill of sale

Success Stories

In 2022, a Washington resident named John Smith sold his used car to a buyer named Mary Jones. Smith used a bill of sale to document the sale. When Jones later tried to return the car, Smith was able to use the bill of sale to prove that the sale was final.

In 2021, a Washington business owner named Jane Doe sold a piece of equipment to a buyer named Bob Brown. Doe used a bill of sale to document the sale. When Brown later claimed that the equipment was defective, Doe was able to use the bill of sale to show that the equipment was sold "as is."

In 2020, a Washington resident named Tom Green sold his boat to a buyer named Alice White. Green used a bill of sale to document the sale. When White later claimed that the boat was not seaworthy, Green was able to use the bill of sale to prove that the boat was sold "as is."

FAQs About Bill of Sale Washington

Q: What is the difference between a bill of sale and a contract of sale?

A: A bill of sale is a document that transfers ownership of personal property. A contract of sale is a legally binding agreement to buy or sell goods or services.

Q: Do I need to have a bill of sale notarized?

A: It is not required by law to have a bill of sale notarized in Washington. However, it is recommended to do so as it will make the document more difficult to contest in court.

Q: What should I do if I lose my bill of sale?

A: If you lose your bill of sale, you can request a copy from the county recorder's office.

What is a Bill of Sale in Washington?