Washington D.C. Bill of Sale Forms

A Washington D.C. bill of sale form equips a buyer and seller with physical evidence of a transaction that took place. It shows that both parties acknowledge the accuracy of the provided information and agree to carry out their part of the deal. Most states consider a bill of sale legally binding, meaning that either person can use it in court if ever needed.

Summary

Notarization is only needed for private boat sales.
Buyers must register their trailer after purchasing.
Residents must register their guns and have a purchase permit.

Types (5)

Boat Bill of Sale – A form that serves as verification of a fair deal between a buyer and seller concerning a vessel.

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Firearm Bill of Sale – Substantiates a handgun, shotgun, or rifle transaction.

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General Bill of Sale – Meets the criterion for transferring ownership of a generic item.

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Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale – A testament of the trade pact between two (2) individuals for a car.

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Trailer Bill of Sale – Warrants the legal handover of a utility trailer from a seller to a buyer.

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Signing Requirements

Bill of Sale Type	Buyer Signature	Seller Signature	Notarization
Boat	Required	Required	Ma
Firearm	Required	Required	Not required
General (others)	Required	Required	Not required
Motor Vehicle	Required	Required	Not required
Trailer	Required	Required	Not required

What is a Washington D.C. Bill of Sale?

A Washington D.C. bill of sale certifies that two (2) individuals came together to initiate an even exchange of goods or personal property. The form signifies that the buyer and seller settled on the terms and conditions of the transfer without dispute. It also ensures that the previous owner has provided truthful information about the item and notified the new owner of any needed repair work or damages.

Each document is specifically designed for the sale item. For example, motor vehicle bill of sale forms include fields for the odometer reading and vehicle identification number. On the other hand, firearm bill of sales contains spaces for the type of gun (i.e., revolver, pistol, shotgun, rifle, etc.) and its serial number. Other types of bill of sales, such as those for vessels or trailers, also allow for the successful transfer of information and ownership.

Registration Forms: Boats

Washington D.C. residents can register their boats online through the online vessel registration system (OVERS).

Bill of Sale – Required for registration and must be notarized if the sale occurred privately (i.e., not through a business or dealer).
Application for Boat Certificate of Title/Registration Number (Form PD-330) –
Title – Must include buyer’s name, sale date, and purchase price.
Identification (ID) – An ID issued by the government.
Payment – Costs for registration and title, along with a 6% tax fee.

Additional (Optional) Documents

Boater’s Safety Card – For in-state new or used boats.
Fair Market Value – To calculate taxes for out-of-state boats.
First Assignment – For brand new boats from a dealer only.
Lien Release (or Satisfaction) – Only needed if the name of the lien is on the title.
Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) – A form from the shipbuilder containing information about the origin of the boat.

Registration Forms: Firearms

Washington D.C. has strict gun laws compared to other states. Residents must obtain a permit to purchase and register each of their firearms. Gun registration must occur with the state’s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Individuals can make an appointment through their online locator and must bring the following forms upon registration.

Application for Firearms Registration Certificate (Form PD-219) – The person desiring gun registration must fully and accurately complete this document.
Payment – Fees associated with the application, fingerprints, and any licenses.
Firearms Registration Certificate Information Update Form – Allows the MPD to add the gun registration information to the resident’s records.
Notification of Fingerprinting Services – Gives permission to the MPD to use the applicant’s fingerprints to conduct a background check and verify identity.
Concealed Carry Pistol License – Only necessary for individuals who want a concealed carry license in addition to registering their gun(s).
Firearms Application Addendum Used Firearm Explanation – Required for individuals who obtained a firearm through a private sale (rather than a dealer).
Firearm Safety Course – A completed class taught by a certified instructor.

Registration Forms: Vehicles

First-time registrations must occur at a DC DMV service center location. Use the DMV’s document verification guide to learn of any additional documents to bring to the registration and titling appointment.

Bill of Sale – Proves the new owner obtained a car from a legal seller.
Payment – Fees for registration, titling, and inspection.
Inspection – Required prior to car registration. The owner must pay the associated fees at the DMV when registering.
Insurance (Minimum Liability Coverage) –
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 for 2 or more people
- Property Damage: $10,000
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 for 2 or more people
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage: $5,000 ($200 deductible)
Title – The official certificate of ownership for a car.
Identification (ID) – An official DC driver’s license or state ID card.

Additional (Optional) Documents

Certificate of Title/Temporary Registration and Tag Application (Form DMV-VTA-001) – Needed for owners with expired tags to have their vehicle inspected.
DMV Lienholder Out-of-State Title Request (Form DMV-VS-LH) – For new residents with an out-of-state lienholder. Notifies the lienholder to send the title to the DMV.
MCO – For new boats only.
Washington D.C. Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney (Form DMV-VSPA-01) – When in possession of the assigned person, they can use it to take care of DMV or private car matters for the owner.

Registration Forms: Trailers

Residents must register their trailer at a DC DMV service center.

Bill of Sale – To certify the buyer as the legal owner.
Payment – Depends on the weight of the utility trailer.
Identification (ID) – A valid government ID.

DMV Service Centers: By Location

SERVICE CENTER	PHONE NUMBER	OFFICE ADDRESS
Benning Ridge	(202) 737-4404	4525 Benning Rd., SE Washington, DC 20019
Georgetown	(202) 737-4404	3270 M. St., NW Canal Level, Ste. C200 Washington, DC 20007
Rhode Island	(202) 737-4404	2350 Washington Pl., NE, Ste 112N Washington, DC 20018
Southwest	(207) 737-4404	95 M St., SW Washington, DC 20024