Cancel a car purchase in Washington
General information, not legal advice. Laws change. Facts last checked on 13 November 2026 against the sources linked.
We name no lender and sell nothing.
Cancelling the car purchase
The Washington Attorney General says there is no 3-day right to cancel a car purchase.
It also says that if a deal depends on financing and the dealer has not settled the financing within 4 working days of purchase, there is no binding contract.
Washington Attorney General guidance and the statute quoted below. Your contract says what applies to you.
“You DO NOT have a three day right of cancellation on vehicle purchases or lease contract”
More from the law (4)
“By law, the dealer has 4 working days from the time of purchase (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) to find financing or resolve the contingency and finalize the sale.”
Washington Attorney General, Buying a car
“If that is not done, there is no binding contract and the dealer must offer to return your contract documents, down payment and trade-in vehicle”
Washington Attorney General, Buying a car
“If you have taken possession of the car, you must promptly return it.”
Washington Attorney General, Buying a car
“the ’bushing’ period, which is four calendar days, exclusive of Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday”
Not covered yet
These pages do not yet cover paint and fabric protection, tire and wheel protection, key replacement, theft etching or prepaid maintenance plans, and state no rule for them. For questions, read the contract or ask the offices below.
- Paint and fabric protection
- Tire and wheel protection
- Key replacement
- Theft etching
- Prepaid maintenance plans