Sep 4, 2025
Importance of Reporting Vehicle Sales
The Kalispel Tribal Court would like to remind the community the importance of reporting a sale of a vehicle to the Washington State Department of Licensing. When parking tickets are issued, the driver of the vehicle is usually not present to receive the ticket. Therefore, most of the time the last known registered owner of the vehicle will be the person to receive the ticket, and they may be financially responsible for any monetary penalties imposed. This includes fines, court costs and costly impound fees. Filing a Report of Sale protects you from being liable to these penalties.
A seller can follow the steps below to report the sale and release their financial liability:
- Locate the title for the vehicle - If you can't find the title, contact the vehicle licensing office to discuss your options.
- Complete a bill of sale - Either a separate bill of sale, or the section of the title must be completed reporting the sale with the date and price included on the title. Each party should keep a copy.
- Collect payment and sign over the title - You may want to collect payment from the buyer before signing over the title.
- Remove license plate - DOL can transfer the plates to a different vehicle you own but it must be the same type of vehicle (car plate to another car, truck plate to another truck).
- Remove all personal items - Protect your privacy and remove all items with personal information. This includes registration and proof of insurance.
- File a Report of Sale - As the seller, you are legally obligated to submit a Report of Sale within 5 days of the sale date.
- Remove the vehicle from your License Express account - If applicable.
Need more help? All forms and detailed information about filing a Report a Sale can be found at:
Sell a vehicle | Washington State Department of Licensing or call: (360) 902-3770
PLEASE NOTE: This is being provided solely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as legal advice.