Selling your car can be an exciting process, whether you’re upgrading to a new model or simply no longer need a vehicle. However, the process isn’t truly complete the moment you hand over the keys. To protect yourself from potential liabilities and ensure a smooth transition of ownership, it’s crucial to file a report of sale. This is especially important when you Car Sell privately, trade-in, or even donate your vehicle.
Why Reporting Your Car Sell is Non-Negotiable
In many jurisdictions, including Washington state, filing a report of sale is not just a recommendation – it’s a necessity. Ideally, you should aim to file this report within 5 days of the vehicle changing hands. While there isn’t a direct late fee for reporting after this period, the risks associated with delay far outweigh any perceived convenience. Failing to report your car sell promptly can leave you potentially liable for financial, criminal, or civil issues that the new owner might incur. Imagine receiving traffic tickets or toll violations for a car you no longer own – this is a situation easily avoided by simply filing a report of sale immediately after you car sell your vehicle.
You are required to report the sale of your vehicle in various scenarios, including when you:
- Car sell privately to an individual.
- Sell your car on consignment through a third party.
- Car sell out of state.
- Trade your vehicle to a dealership.
- Trade with a private buyer.
- Gift your car to someone.
- Donate your vehicle to charity.
- Give your car to a wrecking yard for disposal.
- Transfer ownership to an insurance company, for instance, in a total loss situation.
- Dispose of your vehicle in any other manner.
While registered vehicle dealers in Washington may file the report on behalf of an owner when you trade-in or car sell to them, it remains your responsibility as the seller to confirm that this report has been submitted. Don’t assume it’s been taken care of – verify to protect yourself.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Your Car Sell Report
Reporting a car sell might sound daunting, but it’s a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you complete it correctly:
1. Remove Your License Plates
The first crucial step is to remove your license plates immediately after you car sell your car. This action strongly encourages the new owner to register the vehicle in their name. Leaving your plates on the vehicle after you car sell significantly increases your risk of being held responsible for impound fees, traffic violations, toll charges (like Good to Go! tickets), and other liabilities associated with the vehicle. Think of removing your plates as the first line of defense after you car sell.
2. Gather Necessary Information
Before you begin the reporting process, collect all the required information. This will make the filing process quicker and smoother. You will need:
- License Plate Number: Ensure you have the complete license plate number, including all letters and numbers.
- Date of Sale or Transfer: The exact date you car sell or transferred ownership of the vehicle.
- Sale Price: Enter the agreed-upon selling price. If you gifted or inherited the vehicle, enter “zero.”
- Buyer Information: The full name and address of the individual or organization who purchased or received the vehicle when you car sell.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Locate and note down the VIN. This unique identifier is crucial for accurately reporting your car sell.
Double-check all the information for accuracy before submitting your report. If you make a mistake after filing, you’ll need to visit a vehicle licensing office in person to rectify the error. The original report will be deleted, and you’ll have to submit a new one, causing unnecessary delays.
3. File Your Report of Sale
You have multiple convenient options for filing your car sell report: online, in person, or by mail. Regardless of the method you choose, ensure your report is complete and accurate to avoid potential liabilities after you car sell your vehicle.
Online Filing
The quickest and most convenient method is usually filing online. Visit the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) website and look for the “Report of Sale” section. The online system will guide you through each step, prompting you for the information you gathered in step 2. Online filing offers immediate confirmation that your car sell report has been submitted.
In-Person or Mail Filing
If you prefer in-person or mail filing, follow these steps:
- Obtain the Form: Download and print the Vehicle Report of Sale form from the DOL website or pick one up at a vehicle licensing office.
- Complete the Form: Fill out all sections of the form accurately, providing the information you gathered earlier.
- Payment (if required): Check if there is a fee associated with filing by mail or in person. Include a check or money order payable to the “Department of Licensing” if a fee is required.
- Submit Your Report: Mail the completed form and payment (if applicable) to the address specified on the form or visit a vehicle licensing location to file in person. You can find a vehicle licensing location near you on the DOL website.
4. Update Your Good To Go! Account
If you have a Good To Go! electronic tolling pass linked to the vehicle you car sell, it’s essential to update your account information with the Department of Transportation. This step prevents toll charges from being incorrectly billed to you after you car sell your car. You can update your Good To Go! account online through the Good To Go! website or by calling their customer service line at 866-936-8246.
After Filing Your Car Sell Report
Once you’ve filed your car sell report, it’s wise to keep a record for your files as proof of submission. You have a few options to obtain a copy for your records:
- Print Confirmation: If you filed online, print a copy of the confirmation page or the completed Report of Sale form.
- Request Vehicle Record Online: You can request a vehicle or boat record online for a fee.
- Mail-in Record Request: Alternatively, you can mail a completed Vehicle/Boat Record Request form along with the required fee to the DOL.
In the unlikely event that you decide to keep the vehicle after filing a report of sale (perhaps the sale fell through), it’s crucial to visit a vehicle licensing office to have the report of sale deleted from their records. This ensures accurate ownership information is maintained.
Reporting your car sell is a critical step in the vehicle selling process. By following these steps, you can protect yourself from potential liabilities and ensure a smooth and legally sound transfer of ownership when you car sell your car. Don’t overlook this important administrative task – it’s a small effort that provides significant peace of mind.
