Washington, D.C. Bill of Sale
Washington, D.C. requires a bill of sale in common situations, such as when the title does not show the purchase price. Washington, D.C. does not require notarization. Two signatures are enough. Pick what you are selling, fill in the form, and download a free PDF that the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles will accept.
Seller
Buyer
Vehicle details
Price and terms
Washington, D.C. bill of sale forms by item
Each form below asks only for what that item needs, and carries Washington, D.C.'s notary note and agency details in the footer.
- Washington, D.C. Vehicle Bill of SaleProves the sale date, so the seller is off the hook for tickets, tolls and accidents after the handoff.
- Washington, D.C. Motorcycle Bill of SaleMotorcycles change hands often and informally; a signed bill of sale settles who owned the bike on which date.
- Washington, D.C. Boat Bill of SaleBoats, motors and trailers can be three separate pieces of property; one bill of sale ties them to one sale.
- Washington, D.C. Trailer Bill of SaleMany trailers under a certain weight are not titled, so the bill of sale is the ownership record.
- Washington, D.C. Firearm Bill of SaleProves the date the firearm changed hands if it later turns up somewhere it should not.
- Washington, D.C. Mobile Home Bill of SaleMobile homes are titled like vehicles in most states; the bill of sale supports the title transfer.
- Washington, D.C. RV Bill of SaleRVs are high-value and often sold with generators, hitches and furnishings that should be listed.
- Washington, D.C. ATV / UTV Bill of SaleOff-highway vehicles are often sold without a title, so the bill of sale is the ownership chain.
- Washington, D.C. Dirt Bike Bill of SaleMost dirt bikes have no title; this document is the ownership record.
- Washington, D.C. Golf Cart Bill of SaleGolf carts are rarely titled; the bill of sale is proof of ownership.
- Washington, D.C. Jet Ski Bill of SaleBoat registration offices want the price for tax and the HIN for the record.
- Washington, D.C. Snowmobile Bill of SaleSnow states register snowmobiles and tax the purchase price.
- Washington, D.C. Scooter / Moped Bill of SaleScooters over the state's cc limit are titled and registered like motorcycles.
- Washington, D.C. Equipment Bill of SaleBusinesses need a bill of sale to book the asset and claim depreciation.
- Washington, D.C. Tractor Bill of SaleTractors are not titled; this is the ownership paper.
- Washington, D.C. Horse Bill of SaleBreed registries (AQHA, APHA, Jockey Club and others) need it to transfer papers.
- Washington, D.C. Dog Bill of SaleProof of ownership for licensing, vet records and microchip registration.
- Washington, D.C. Livestock Bill of SaleBrand inspection states will not clear cattle for movement or sale without proof of ownership.
- Washington, D.C. General Bill of SaleA written receipt for anything worth arguing about.
- Washington, D.C. Business Bill of SaleTransfers the assets at closing in one signed document.
Selling privately in Washington, D.C.: what to know
DC DMV says buyers in a private sale should obtain a bill of sale, and all owners must be listed on the title, the bill of sale and any lien paperwork. The District charges excise tax at titling, with a gift exemption form for family transfers. Private-sale titling can be done through a hybrid online and mail process.
- Bill of sale: required in common cases.
- Notary: notarization optional.
- Official form: none published.
- Agency: District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Odometer: federal disclosure applies to vehicles under 20 model years old, on the title or a separate statement.
Want the paperwork finished in one sitting? The $9 ready-to-sign pack adds seller and buyer copies, the odometer statement and a Washington, D.C. notary page.
Washington, D.C. at a glance
- Bill of sale
- Required in common cases
- Notary
- Notarization optional
- Official state form
- None published; any signed bill of sale is accepted
- Where the buyer registers
- District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (dmv.dc.gov)
- License plates
- Stay with seller
DC DMV says buyers in a private sale should obtain a bill of sale, and all owners must be listed on the title, the bill of sale and any lien paperwork. The District charges excise tax at titling, with a gift exemption form for family transfers. Private-sale titling can be done through a hybrid online and mail process.
Checked October 2026 against the state's own guidance. Rules change; confirm before you file.
Common questions
Does Washington, D.C. require a bill of sale?+
Washington, D.C. requires a bill of sale in common situations, such as when the title does not show the purchase price. DC DMV says buyers in a private sale should obtain a bill of sale, and all owners must be listed on the title, the bill of sale and any lien paperwork. The District charges excise tax at titling, with a gift exemption form for family transfers. Private-sale titling can be done through a hybrid online and mail process.
Does a bill of sale have to be notarized in Washington, D.C.?+
Washington, D.C. does not require notarization. Two signatures are enough.
Is there an official Washington, D.C. bill of sale form?+
No. Washington, D.C. does not publish a mandatory bill of sale form, so any complete, signed bill of sale is accepted. The one generated here includes every field the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles looks for.
What do I need to register a vehicle bought privately in Washington, D.C.?+
The signed title, the bill of sale, proof of insurance where required, your ID, and payment for sales or use tax plus title and registration fees, filed with the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles within the state deadline.