SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1302
As of March 23, 2023
Title: An act relating to the vehicle report of sale.
Brief Description: Concerning the vehicle report of sale.
Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Timmons, Hutchins, Barkis, Orcutt and Ramel).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/2/23, 98-0.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/23/23.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Allows a vehicle dealer to file a report of sale on behalf of an owner who trades in or sells a vehicle to the dealer. 
  • Requires a vehicle dealer who files a report of sale on behalf of an owner to collect and remit the required fees from the owner.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)
Background:

Owner Releasing Interest.  An owner releasing interest in a vehicle must: 

  • sign the release of interest section provided on the certificate of title or on a release of interest document or form approved by the Department of Licensing (DOL);
  • give the certificate of title or evidence of ownership document to the person gaining interest in the vehicle;
  • give the person gaining interest in the vehicle an odometer disclosure statement if one is required; and
  • report the vehicle sold.

 

Report of Sale.  An owner must notify DOL, the county auditor or other agent, or subagent in writing within five business days after a vehicle is sold, given as a gift to another person, traded privately or to a dealership, donated to charity, turned over to an insurance company or wrecking yard, or disposed of.

 

A report of sale is properly filed if it is received by DOL, the county auditor or other agent, or subagent within five business days after the date of sale or transfer and it includes certain information, including:

  • the date of sale or transfer;
  • the name and address of both the owner of the vehicle and the person acquiring the vehicle;
  • the vehicle identification number and license plate number; and
  • payment of a $4.50 filing fee, a $0.25 license plate technology fee, a $0.50 license service fee, and a $8 service fee.
Summary of Bill:

A vehicle dealer may, but is not required to, file a report of sale on behalf of an owner who trades in, sells, or otherwise transfers ownership of a vehicle to the dealer.  A vehicle dealer who files on behalf of an owner must collect and remit the required fees from the owner.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

PRO: By allowing auto dealers to process reports of sales for the customer trading in their car, this will avoid bad situations for everyone involved down the road.  This will also result in more reports of sale being filed which avoids people getting unwarranted parking tickets, tolls, or other charges.   This will be convenience for customers including those that do not know they have the obligation to report the sale.  This is good for consumers and businesses.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Joe Timmons, Prime Sponsor; Scott Hazlegrove, WA State Auto Dealers Association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.