Forum Discussion

freestoneangler's avatar
freestoneangler
Explorer
Mar 16, 2014

WA Resident Buying Used in AZ

Has anyone on the forum, that is a WA state resident, purchased a new/used class A motorhome from AZ and registered it in WA? Specifically, how does the sales tax/registration work? We're real close to pulling the trigger on a coach from a private party and I haven't had time to call the WA DMV (which I dread given the circuitous phone options and seemingly lack of competence these days).

I found a few related scenarios for buying/registering in other states...but not AZ to WA.

If anyone has recently done such a transaction, I would like to hear how it went. I'm told WA will credit the sales tax amount paid in AZ...but wondering about any other hidden costs buying out of state will involve.

Thanks
Class A
  • Go_Dawgs1's avatar
    Go_Dawgs1
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2014
    As stated you will need a signed title, bill of sale, call you insurance company and have them fax or e-mail you proof of insurance, trip permit. When you arrive in WA go to the DMV and hand them the paperwork and pay the sales tax on the purchase price and whatever fees are required in your county and you will be good to go.
  • wildmanbaker's avatar
    wildmanbaker
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2014
    Sales Tax is what will have to be paid, plus a transfer fee. 2009 and newer vehicles require a emission test in some counties. A motorhome is probably exempt do to its weight. Go the Washington dol and print the vehicle/vessel bill of sale form, to ease the process. the WA dol site will have the necessary information for what is needed for licensing and title transfer.
  • Cottontop's avatar
    Cottontop
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2014
    I can tell you this if you are getting a good deal WA has a form for you to fill out that has to be signed by the seller.
  • path1's avatar
    path1
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2014
    Just call your lic place. (I'm in WA) Last time I was getting my tabs I did have to wait quite a awhile because person in front of us didn't have a "bill of sale". So get bill of sale where the sale takes place at and I would get contact info of seller, just in case other info is needed.

    Also being you'll be bring vehicle from out of state to be registered. Last time I did that (many years ago) I had to have vehicle "inspected" by WA state patrol. Which was nothing more than troopers making sure vin number matched paperwork.
  • Nutinelse2do's avatar
    Nutinelse2do
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2014
    If you buy from a private party in Az, the only thing you will need from the owner is a signed title ( make sure to verify vin ), a bill of sale showing vin, purhase date and purchase price, and a trip permit from the MVD. You will not pay tax here. When you register in Wa looks like you will have to pay a " use tax ", and possibly sales tax, but not sure. There is a number on you DMV to call and find out the fees prior to purchase.
    Phone number 360-902-3770.
  • Executive45's avatar
    Executive45
    Explorer III
    Mar 16, 2014
    You pay your money in Arizona, the seller signs off on the title, you return to Washington and spend several days at the MVD registering it and paying taxes there..:W...usually they will want to inspect it and verify the VIN....buying from a dealer is different as they are required to collect AZ taxes in most instances....Dennis
  • mmccwill's avatar
    mmccwill
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2014
    No AZ sales tax when buying from a private party -- You just have to deal with WA -- William Willard
  • freestoneangler's avatar
    freestoneangler
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2014
    2oldman wrote:
    freestoneangler wrote:
    I haven't had time to call the WA DMV (which I dread given the circuitous phone options and seemingly lack of competence these days)
    How about a visit to their website? I can give you a CO experience, but that's probably not relevant, although I can't imagine it would be much different.


    Funny you say that... I was 30+ layers into the website when the thought came to me "why not ask the forum". I'm still trying to get the answer via WA DMV website... if you find the answer there, please forward.
    Thanks

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