Washington Boat, RV & Powersports Guide

Private-party title transfer, registration, lien search, sales tax, and USCG documentation rules for Washington.

Title Required

❌ No

Registration only

Bill of Sale

✅ Required

For all transfers

Sales Tax

6.50%

On boat purchases

State Agency

Official Site ↗

Title & Registration in Washington

Washington does not issue titles for recreational boats. Instead, vessels are registered with the state. The registration certificate and bill of sale serve as proof of ownership.

Washington does not title boats. Register with WDFW within 60 days and pay applicable sales/use tax through the DOL.

Lien Search in Washington

Before completing any private-party purchase, run a lien search to confirm the vessel has no outstanding loans or encumbrances.

Washington Official Lien Search ↗

For USCG-documented vessels, also search the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC).

Bill of Sale Requirements

Washington requires a bill of sale to transfer title. Your bill of sale should include:

Hull Identification Number (HIN) or VIN
Make, model, and year of the vessel
Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller
Purchase price and date of sale
Odometer reading (motorhomes/RVs)
Signatures of both parties
Notarization if required by Washington

Sales Tax on Boats & Powersports in Washington

Washington charges 6.50% sales tax on boat and powersports purchases. Sales tax is typically collected when you register the vessel with the state. Some counties add additional local taxes. Check with your local Washington agency for the full rate.

USCG Documentation in Washington

Puget Sound, the Columbia River, and Pacific Ocean access make USCG documentation common for WA vessels over 26 ft.

USCG-documented vessels carry a Certificate of Documentation (COD) issued by the National Vessel Documentation Center. This is recognized internationally and is preferred by lenders for boats over 26 ft. Even with USCG documentation, Washington may still require state registration for operation on in-state waters.

Apply for USCG Documentation →