Chapter 308-56A WAC
Last Update: 1/3/24CERTIFICATES OF TITLE—MOTOR VEHICLES, ETC.
WAC Sections
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-006 | Quick titles—Issuance by subagents. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-010 | Title purpose only and no title issued. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-020 | Application for certificate of ownership required. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-021 | Assessment criteria for penalty fee. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-024 | Stolen vehicle check required for certificate of ownership. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-030 | Owner name and address—Recorded on the vehicle record—Application for certificate of ownership. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-040 | Name and address—Change of address. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-056 | Names separated by the words "and," "or," or the slash symbol "/." |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-060 | Ownership in joint tenancy. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-065 | Vehicles held in trust. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-070 | Leased vehicles. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-075 | Multiple legal owners. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-110 | New vehicles—Manufacturer's statement/certificate of origin. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-115 | Vehicles from a state or country other than Washington. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-140 | Department temporary license plate. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-150 | Certificate of vehicle inspection. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-160 | Model year—How determined. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-170 | Retail sales and use tax exemption criteria for clean alternative fuel vehicles. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-200 | Replacement Washington certificate of ownership. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-210 | Ownership in doubt—Bonded title or three-year registration without title. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-215 | Erasures, alterations, and incorrect information. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-250 | Signature of registered owner on application—Exceptions. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-265 | Releasing interest. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-270 | Forms of signature. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-275 | Certification of signature. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-295 | Vehicle sold—Reported stolen—Liability if abandoned. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-300 | Application for certificate of ownership for abandoned vehicles. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-305 | Law enforcement sale. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-310 | Personal property lien—Chattel. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-311 | Personal property lien—Landlord's lien for rent. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-312 | Personal property lien—Self-service storage facilities. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-315 | Name change. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-320 | Transfer by court order. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-325 | Owner incompetent. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-330 | Owner bankrupt. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-335 | Owner deceased. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-405 | Acquired from United States government. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-410 | No application required. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-415 | Application in dealers name. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-420 | Delivery of vehicle on dealer temporary license plate. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-425 | Obtaining dealer temporary license plates. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-450 | Glider kits. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-455 | Assembled and homemade vehicles. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-460 | Destroyed or wrecked vehicle—Reporting—Rebuilt. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-500 | Definitions. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-505 | Elimination of manufactured home certificate of ownership (title)—Eligibility. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-525 | Vehicle seller's report of sale. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-530 | Vehicles brands and comments. |
| HTMLPDF | 308-56A-640 | Odometer disclosure statement. |
DISPOSITION OF SECTIONS FORMERLY CODIFIED IN THIS TITLE
| 308-56A-005 | Title required. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-005, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 98-12-099, filed 6/3/98, effective 7/4/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.101. |
| 308-56A-015 | No title issued. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.101. WSR 98-12-099, § 308-56A-015, filed 6/3/98, effective 7/4/98; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-015, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 00-20-065, filed 10/3/00, effective 11/3/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.101. |
| 308-56A-022 | Conditions under which penalty fees are not assessed. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.101. WSR 98-12-099, § 308-56A-022, filed 6/3/98, effective 7/4/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.101 as amended by 1987 c 127 § 1. WSR 87-21-012 (Order TL/RG/36), § 308-56A-022, filed 10/9/87.] Repealed by WSR 00-20-065, filed 10/3/00, effective 11/3/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.101. |
| 308-56A-023 | Conditions under which penalty fees may be waived. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.101. WSR 98-12-099, § 308-56A-023, filed 6/3/98, effective 7/4/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.101 as amended by 1987 c 127 § 1. WSR 87-21-012 (Order TL/RG/36), § 308-56A-023, filed 10/9/87.] Repealed by WSR 00-20-065, filed 10/3/00, effective 11/3/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.101. |
| 308-56A-025 | General procedure for application. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-025, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 99-01-014, filed 12/7/98, effective 1/7/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. |
| 308-56A-035 | Form required for name and address—One name on application. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-035, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 99-01-014, filed 12/7/98, effective 1/7/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. |
| 308-56A-045 | Form required for name and address—Address, nonresident. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-045, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 99-01-014, filed 12/7/98, effective 1/7/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. |
| 308-56A-050 | Form required for name and address—Last registered owner shown on application. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-050, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 99-01-014, filed 12/7/98, effective 1/7/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. |
| 308-56A-055 | Form required for name and address—Owners in common. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-055, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 99-01-014, filed 12/7/98, effective 1/7/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. |
| 308-56A-080 | Refusal by department to release title. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-080, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 98-12-099, filed 6/3/98, effective 7/4/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.101. |
| 308-56A-085 | Error in title issued by department. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-085, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 98-12-099, filed 6/3/98, effective 7/4/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.101. |
| 308-56A-090 | Disclosure of individual vehicle owner information. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.276 and 46.01.110. WSR 10-11-030, § 308-56A-090, filed 5/11/10, effective 6/11/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 06-15-059, § 308-56A-090, filed 7/12/06, effective 8/12/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.010, 46.12.370, and 46.12.380. WSR 05-18-002, § 308-56A-090, filed 8/25/05, effective 9/25/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.101, 88.02.070. WSR 02-01-123, § 308-56A-090, filed 12/19/01, effective 1/19/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.101. WSR 00-20-065, § 308-56A-090, filed 10/3/00, effective 11/3/00; WSR 98-12-099, § 308-56A-090, filed 6/3/98, effective 7/4/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.250(1), 46.01.110, 46.12.151 and 46.12.380. WSR 96-03-047, § 308-56A-090, filed 1/11/96, effective 2/11/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 88.02.070. WSR 91-03-088, § 308-56A-090, filed 1/18/91, effective 2/18/91.] Repealed by WSR 14-01-051, filed 12/12/13, effective 1/12/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.635. |
| 308-56A-095 | Commercial parking companies. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 1997 c 33. WSR 97-19-015, § 308-56A-095, filed 9/5/97, effective 10/6/97.] Repealed by WSR 02-01-123, filed 12/19/01, effective 1/19/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.101, 88.02.070. |
| 308-56A-100 | Declaration of use tax form. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-100, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 99-01-014, filed 12/7/98, effective 1/7/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. |
| 308-56A-105 | Previously titled vehicles. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-105, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 99-01-014, filed 12/7/98, effective 1/7/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. |
| 308-56A-120 | Vehicle not on excise tax schedule. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-120, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 91-15-006, filed 7/8/91, effective 8/8/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16.335. |
| 308-56A-125 | Foreign title or registration. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 93-14-084, § 308-56A-125, filed 6/30/93, effective 7/31/93; WSR 88-20-035 (Order TL/RG 44), § 308-56A-125, filed 9/30/88; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-125, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 99-01-014, filed 12/7/98, effective 1/7/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. |
| 308-56A-130 | Acquired from United States government. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-130, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 99-01-014, filed 12/7/98, effective 1/7/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. |
| 308-56A-135 | Registered by foreign military command. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-135, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 99-01-014, filed 12/7/98, effective 1/7/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. |
| 308-56A-145 | Special mailing. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-145, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 99-12-031, filed 5/25/99, effective 6/25/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.040 and 46.16.216. |
| 308-56A-205 | Release of interest. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-205, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 99-12-031, filed 5/25/99, effective 6/25/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.040 and 46.16.216. |
| 308-56A-255 | Signature of registered owner—Supplemental form. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-255, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 99-08-065, filed 4/5/99, effective 5/6/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. |
| 308-56A-260 | Signature of legal owner on application. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-260, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 92-15-024, filed 7/6/92, effective 8/6/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. |
| 308-56A-280 | Certification of signature—Departmental employees. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-280, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 99-08-065, filed 4/5/99, effective 5/6/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. |
| 308-56A-285 | Certification of signature—Vehicle dealer. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 88-20-035 (Order TL/RG 44), § 308-56A-285, filed 9/30/88; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-285, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 99-08-065, filed 4/5/99, effective 5/6/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. |
| 308-56A-340 | Owner deceased—Will left. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-340, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 99-06-037, filed 2/26/99, effective 3/29/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. |
| 308-56A-345 | Owner deceased—No will left. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-345, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 99-06-037, filed 2/26/99, effective 3/29/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. |
| 308-56A-350 | Owner deceased—To spouse "in lieu of homestead." [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-350, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 99-06-037, filed 2/26/99, effective 3/29/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. |
| 308-56A-355 | Owner deceased—In name of estate. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 99-06-037, § 308-56A-355, filed 2/26/99, effective 3/29/99; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-355, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 01-03-002, filed 1/4/01, effective 2/4/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. |
| 308-56A-360 | Owner deceased—Estate not administered. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-360, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 99-06-037, filed 2/26/99, effective 3/29/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. |
| 308-56A-365 | Owner deceased—Community property agreement. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-365, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 99-06-037, filed 2/26/99, effective 3/29/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. |
| 308-56A-400 | Dealer to dealer transfer. [Order MV 208, § 308-56A-400, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 98-01-020, filed 12/8/97, effective 1/8/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.354. |
| 308-56A-465 | Fleets. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 92-15-024, § 308-56A-465, filed 7/6/92, effective 8/6/92; WSR 88-23-037 (Order TL/RG 46), § 308-56A-465, filed 11/9/88; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-465, filed 7/31/74.] Repealed by WSR 00-04-046, filed 1/27/00, effective 2/27/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. |
| 308-56A-470 | Issuance of certificates—Contents. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 97-07-014, § 308-56A-470, filed 3/11/97, effective 4/11/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.151 and 46.12.050. WSR 92-03-077, § 308-56A-470, filed 1/14/92, effective 2/14/92.] Repealed by WSR 00-04-046, filed 1/27/00, effective 2/27/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. |
| 308-56A-510 | Elimination of manufactured home title—Application. [Statutory Authority: RCW 65.20.110. WSR 90-11-091, § 308-56A-510, filed 5/18/90, effective 6/18/90.] Repealed by WSR 00-06-004, filed 2/18/00, effective 3/20/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 65.20.110. |
| 308-56A-515 | Elimination of manufactured home title—When perfected. [Statutory Authority: RCW 65.20.110. WSR 90-11-091, § 308-56A-515, filed 5/18/90, effective 6/18/90.] Repealed by WSR 00-06-004, filed 2/18/00, effective 3/20/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 65.20.110. |
| 308-56A-520 | Elimination of manufactured home title—Fees. [Statutory Authority: RCW 65.20.110. WSR 90-11-091, § 308-56A-520, filed 5/18/90, effective 6/18/90.] Repealed by WSR 00-06-004, filed 2/18/00, effective 3/20/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 65.20.110. |
| 308-56A-610 | Odometer disclosure statement—General procedures/requirements. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.124. WSR 97-14-034, § 308-56A-610, filed 6/25/97, effective 7/26/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.12.030 and 46.01.110. WSR 89-16-074 (Order TL/RG 49), § 308-56A-610, filed 7/31/89, effective 8/31/89.] Repealed by WSR 00-06-020, filed 2/23/00, effective 3/25/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.030. |
| 308-56A-620 | Odometer disclosure—Definitions. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.030. WSR 00-06-020, § 308-56A-620, filed 2/23/00, effective 3/25/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.124. WSR 97-14-034, § 308-56A-620, filed 6/25/97, effective 7/26/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.12.030 and 46.01.110. WSR 89-16-074 (Order TL/RG 49), § 308-56A-620, filed 7/31/89, effective 8/31/89.] Repealed by WSR 00-13-083, filed 6/20/00, effective 7/21/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 65.20.110. |
| 308-56A-630 | Odometer disclosure statement—Exemptions. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.12.030 and 46.01.110. WSR 89-16-074 (Order TL/RG 49), § 308-56A-630, filed 7/31/89, effective 8/31/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-14-034, filed 6/25/97, effective 7/26/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.124. |
| 308-56A-650 | Odometer disclosure statement—Leased vehicles. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.124. WSR 97-14-034, § 308-56A-650, filed 6/25/97, effective 7/26/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.12.030 and 46.01.110. WSR 89-16-074 (Order TL/RG 49), § 308-56A-650, filed 7/31/89, effective 8/31/89.] Repealed by WSR 00-06-020, filed 2/23/00, effective 3/25/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.030. |
| 308-56A-660 | Odometer disclosure statement—Involuntary divestiture. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.124. WSR 97-14-034, § 308-56A-660, filed 6/25/97, effective 7/26/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.12.030 and 46.01.110. WSR 89-16-074 (Order TL/RG 49), § 308-56A-660, filed 7/31/89, effective 8/31/89.] Repealed by WSR 00-06-020, filed 2/23/00, effective 3/25/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.030. |
| 308-56A-670 | Odometer disclosure statement—Dealer auction companies. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.124. WSR 97-14-034, § 308-56A-670, filed 6/25/97, effective 7/26/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.12.030 and 46.01.110. WSR 89-16-074 (Order TL/RG 49), § 308-56A-670, filed 7/31/89, effective 8/31/89.] Repealed by WSR 00-06-020, filed 2/23/00, effective 3/25/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.030. |
| 308-56A-680 | Odometer disclosure statement—Out-of-state vehicles. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.124. WSR 97-14-034, § 308-56A-680, filed 6/25/97, effective 7/26/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.12.030 and 46.01.110. WSR 89-16-074 (Order TL/RG 49), § 308-56A-680, filed 7/31/89, effective 8/31/89.] Repealed by WSR 00-06-020, filed 2/23/00, effective 3/25/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.030. |
| 308-56A-690 | Odometer disclosure statement—Forms. [Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.124. WSR 97-14-034, § 308-56A-690, filed 6/25/97, effective 7/26/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.12.030 and 46.01.110. WSR 89-16-074 (Order TL/RG 49), § 308-56A-690, filed 7/31/89, effective 8/31/89.] Repealed by WSR 00-06-020, filed 2/23/00, effective 3/25/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.030. |
PDF308-56A-006
Quick titles—Issuance by subagents.
(1) How may a subagent qualify to issue quick titles under RCW 46.12.555? Subagents may issue quick titles under the conditions and procedures established by the department.
(2) May a subagent's authority to issue quick titles be terminated or suspended? Yes, if the department or a vehicle licensing agent finds that a subagent has violated or no longer meets the qualifications or requirements of the department's policy or procedures regarding the issuance of quick titles the vehicle licensing agent may terminate or suspend for any period of time the subagent's authority to issue quick titles.
PDF308-56A-010
Title purpose only and no title issued.
(1) May I obtain a certificate of ownership for my vehicle even if I do not want or need to register it? You may obtain a certificate of ownership for your vehicle without a certificate of registration for:
(a) Vehicles defined in chapter 46.04 RCW and which are normally registered under chapter 46.16 RCW but will not be operated on the public highways;
(c) Off-road vehicles (ORV) as defined in RCW 46.09.020 whether or not required to obtain an ORV use permit;
(d) Golf carts;
(e) Dune buggies whether or not equipped for legal highway use;
(f) Off highway equipment that may be moved upon public highways under authority of special permits.
(2) If I obtain a certificate of ownership for title purpose only (TPO), may I register my vehicle at a later date? A vehicle which qualifies for road use may be registered for use on the public highways in accordance with chapter 46.16 RCW.
(3) May I register my vehicle without obtaining a certificate of ownership? Your vehicle may be registered when certain conditions prevent a Washington certificate of ownership from being issued, such as:
(a) A secured party will not surrender an out-of-state certificate of ownership; or
(b) Registration is required in Washington state and certificate of ownership and registration are required by another state.
(c) Ownership in doubt (registration only) under WAC 308-56A-210.
(d) Registration of a snowmobile under chapter 46.09 RCW.
(e) Dual use motorcycles (CYC) use class, may be titled and registered using one use class (CYC) and also can be registered as an off-road vehicle (ORV) or titling using (ORV) use class and registered under the CYC use class.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.101. WSR 00-20-065, § 308-56A-010, filed 10/3/00, effective 11/3/00; WSR 98-12-099, § 308-56A-010, filed 6/3/98, effective 7/4/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 92-15-024, § 308-56A-010, filed 7/6/92, effective 8/6/92; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-010, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-020
Application for certificate of ownership required.
When is an application for certificate of ownership required? In addition to the requirements set forth in chapter 46.12 and 46.16 RCW an application for certificate of ownership is required when:
(1) There is a change of vehicle ownership on a Washington certificate of ownership due to:
(a) Sale;
(b) Gift-donation;
(c) Inheritance;
(d) Trade;
(e) Addition or deletion of a registered owner;
(f) Proprietorship, partnership or individuals forming a corporation, whether or not the business name is changing;
(g) Proprietorship, partnership or individuals purchasing a corporation which will no longer be operated as a corporation, whether or not the business name is changed;
(h) Court order;
(i) Transferring vehicle to or from a trust;
(j) Repossession; or
(k) Adding/removing a lease on a vehicle.
(2) Applying for registration of a vehicle which has most recently been titled and/or registered in another jurisdiction and only registration is being established in Washington. If the vehicle will remain titled in another jurisdiction, no Washington certificate of ownership will be issued.
(3) There is a name change of the registered owner, whether individual(s) or a business entity.
(4) Adding a lien holder.
(5) The vehicle is assembled, homemade, has had a glider kit installed or is a street rod.
(6) The motorcycle engine has been replaced.
(7) The vehicle identification number needs to be corrected.
(8) The vehicle has been reported as salvage or wrecked by an insurer, owner, or wrecker and new certificate of ownership is requested. Title procedures are in WAC 308-56A-460.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 04-08-080, § 308-56A-020, filed 4/6/04, effective 5/7/04; WSR 03-05-081, § 308-56A-020, filed 2/19/03, effective 3/22/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.101. WSR 00-20-065, § 308-56A-020, filed 10/3/00, effective 11/3/00; WSR 98-12-099, § 308-56A-020, filed 6/3/98, effective 7/4/98; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-020, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-021
Assessment criteria for penalty fee.
(1) What is the penalty fee? When a used Washington registered vehicle is sold, the purchaser has fifteen days from the date of delivery of the vehicle to transfer the vehicle ownership into their name. If they wait until the 16th day or later from the date of delivery, a penalty fee may be assessed as described in RCW 46.16.101(6) unless the purchaser qualifies for exemption from penalty as set forth in subsection (2) of this section.
(2) Are there exceptions to when a penalty fee may be assessed when applying for certificate of ownership on the 16th day from the date of sale or later as described in RCW 46.12.101(6)? Yes, if:
(a) The vehicle was delivered to the purchaser after the date of sale indicated on the supporting documents; or
(b) There are conflicting dates on supporting documents; or
(c) There is no date on the certificate of ownership or other supporting documents; or
(d) The date on the certificate of ownership has been altered; or
(e) The purchaser is incarcerated or sequestered by a judiciary system; or
(f) The purchaser files a seller's report of sale thinking they have filed an application to transfer certificate of ownership; or
(g) The purchaser of a vehicle sells it before transferring ownership into their name and the new purchaser can prove they purchased the vehicle within fifteen days of making application; or
(h) The director, or their designee, determines other reasons are valid; or
(i) The delay in making application is due to the department requesting additional supporting documents; or
(j) Extended hospitalization or illness of the purchaser; or
(k) Failure of the legal owner to release his or her interest in the vehicle; or
(l) Failure due to an action of the department, auditor or subagent.
Note: | When an exception to the penalty fee requirement is made, an affidavit attesting to the actual date of delivery and the reason or reasons for exception to the penalty is required. |
(3) When are penalty fees for late application for certificate of ownership not assessed? Penalty fees are not assessed for late application for certificate of ownership under the following conditions:
(a) The vehicle is not motorized; or
(b) The vehicle is sold by a Washington dealer (dealer report of sale box on the application is completed); or
(c) A Washington record cannot be found; or
(d) Department of licensing records indicate the vehicle has been destroyed; or
(e) The vehicle is being titled as home made or assembled for the first time; or
(f) The vehicle is acquired as a result of:
(i) Inheritance or community property; or
(ii) Divorce settlement; or
(iii) Other legal action affecting ownership of the vehicle; or
(iv) Lease buyout; or
(g) The vehicle is a snowmobile; or
(h) The director, or designee, determines other reasons are valid.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.101, 88.02.070. WSR 03-11-069, § 308-56A-021, filed 5/20/03, effective 6/20/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 88.02.070 and 88.02,100 [88.02.100]. WSR 01-08-022, § 308-56A-021, filed 3/27/01, effective 4/27/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.101. WSR 00-20-065, § 308-56A-021, filed 10/3/00, effective 11/3/00; WSR 98-12-099, § 308-56A-021, filed 6/3/98, effective 7/4/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.101 as amended by 1987 c 127 § 1. WSR 87-21-012 (Order TL/RG/36), § 308-56A-021, filed 10/9/87.]
PDF308-56A-024
Stolen vehicle check required for certificate of ownership.
(1) Is a stolen vehicle check required whenever application is made for certificate of ownership? Yes. A Washington Crime Information Center/National Crime Information Center (WACIC/NCIC) stolen vehicle search will be performed on all vehicle title transactions.
(2) What is a WACIC/NCIC stolen vehicle search? A WACIC/NCIC stolen vehicle search is defined to include any nationally recognized source of stolen vehicle data obtained from the NCIC, including the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
(3) Who is authorized to receive and process stolen vehicle search inquiries? The department and vehicle licensing offices are authorized to receive and process stolen vehicle search information. In addition to WACIC/NCIC, stolen vehicle searches may also be processed through any nationally recognized source of stolen vehicle data obtained from the NCIC, including the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
(4) What happens if the stolen vehicle search indicates the vehicle has been reported stolen? If the information obtained indicates the vehicle has been reported and confirmed stolen, the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in the geographic location of the attempted licensing transaction will immediately be notified. A title will not be issued until the matter is resolved. If the department checks with the reporting law enforcement agency or jurisdiction and the reporting agency indicates that the vehicle's stolen status has been resolved, a certificate of ownership will be issued if the department is satisfied that all other requirements have been met.
(5) What happens if the stolen vehicle search indicates that the vehicle has not been reported stolen? If the stolen vehicle check is negative, a certificate of ownership will be issued if the department is satisfied that all other requirements have been met.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 04-24-022, § 308-56A-024, filed 11/23/04, effective 1/3/05.]
PDF308-56A-030
Owner name and address—Recorded on the vehicle record—Application for certificate of ownership.
(1) What registered owner and lien holder or secured party information is required on the vehicle record and application for certificate of ownership (title)?
The vehicle record and application for certificate of ownership (title) must include:
(a) The name of each registered owner (natural person or business) of the vehicle and, if the vehicle is subject to a lien or other security interest, the name of each secured party;
(b) The registered owner's primary residence street address (at the choice of the registered owner, a mailing address if different from the residence address can also be given); and
(c) The primary secured party's mailing address.
(2) What does primary residence mean for a registered owner who is a natural person or a business?
(a) In the case of a natural person, it means the person's true, fixed and permanent home in Washington. This does not include secondary or vacation homes where a vehicle is garaged or used. The department will presume that a registered owner's primary residence is the same as the address used in driver's license records or voter registration records.
(b) In the case of a business, it means the principal place in Washington from which the licensed trade or business of the registered owner is directed, managed, or conducted. Businesses with multiple Washington licensed business locations should use the licensed business location where the service vehicles owned and operated by the business are directed, managed, garaged, stored or maintained.
(3) Do the addresses for the application for certificate of ownership, and vehicle record need to conform to United States Postal Service (USPS) standards?
Yes. USPS address standards must be used on all vehicle records, and certificates of ownership.
(4) Are there exceptions to the requirement to provide a primary residence street address?
Yes. Exceptions will be made for:
(a) Persons who are exempt by law from paying motor vehicle excise tax or fees.
(b) Vehicles exempt by law from motor vehicle excise tax or fees.
(c) Natural persons who are homeless; defined as someone with no housing.
(d) Other exceptions may apply as determined appropriate by the director or his or her designee.
(5) What will the department do if presented with documentation or other information to indicate there may be an error in the primary residence street address provided?
The department will flag the vehicle record and the registered owner will be required, prior to the time of next renewal, to:
(a) Show a residential utility bill, driver license or other documentation that verifies the primary residence street address; and
(b) Complete and sign a declaration under penalty of perjury on a form developed by the department.
(6) Can more than one address be shown on the vehicle record or application if there are multiple registered owners with different addresses?
No. The department can store the primary residence address and separate mailing address (if applicable) for only one of the registered owner(s).
(7) Can more than one address be shown on the vehicle record or application if there is more than one secured party?
No. Only one address for the primary secured party will be shown on the vehicle record.
(8) Is the applicant or registered owner required to certify the truth of the address information contained in the application for certificate of ownership or vehicle renewal?
No. The applicant or registered owner will only be required to complete and sign a declaration under penalty of perjury on a form developed by the department when the department has been presented with documentation or other information to indicate there may be an error in the address information provided and the vehicle record has been flagged.
(9) What is the penalty if the applicant or registered owner provides false address information?
A person providing false residency information is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable by a fine of five hundred twenty-nine dollars.
(10) Is my residence address subject to public disclosure?
Where both a mailing address and a residence address are recorded on the vehicle record and are different, only a mailing address will be disclosed. Both addresses will be disclosed in response to requests from courts, law enforcement agencies, or government entities with enforcement, investigative, or taxing authority and only for use in the normal course of conducting their business.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.010. WSR 07-21-120, § 308-56A-030, filed 10/23/07, effective 11/23/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.010. WSR 05-23-135, § 308-56A-030, filed 11/22/05, effective 1/3/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 04-07-168, § 308-56A-030, filed 3/23/04, effective 4/23/04; WSR 03-05-081, § 308-56A-030, filed 2/19/03, effective 3/22/03; WSR 99-01-014, § 308-56A-030, filed 12/7/98, effective 1/7/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 88.02.100, 46.10.040, 46.12.030, 46.16.040, 88.02.050 and 88.02.070. WSR 96-04-004, § 308-56A-030, filed 1/25/96, effective 2/25/96; WSR 95-13-058, § 308-56A-030, filed 6/19/95, effective 7/20/95; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-030, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-040
Name and address—Change of address.
(1) If the registered owner's address changes, does the owner need to notify the department?
Yes.
(2) What information do registered owners need to provide to the department if their address changes?
The owner must provide to the department:
(a) The registered owner's name (natural person or business) as it appears on the vehicle record(s);
(b) The license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN) of each vehicle; and
(c) The street address for the primary residence and a separate mailing address if different from the primary residence address as defined in WAC 308-56A-030(2). The address must include a five digit zip code or the nine digit zip code if known.
(3) Who may file an address change or correction?
(a) The registered owner of the vehicle; or
(b) A public official, governmental agency, or taxing authority when proof of disputed residence is established; or
(c) A contractor who verifies or supplies correct addresses obtained from a public official or governmental agency.
This section does not relieve the registered owner of the responsibility to notify the department of an address change.
(4) Are there exceptions to the requirement to provide a primary residence street address on the department's change of address form?
Yes. Registered owners must meet one of the exceptions in WAC 308-56A-030(4) and complete and sign a form developed by the department indicating which exception they meet.
(5) Does the address need to conform to United States Postal Service (USPS) standards?
Yes. USPS address standards must be used on all vehicle records, registrations, and certificates of ownership.
(6) When is the registered owner required to certify the truth of the address information provided?
The registered owner is required to complete and sign a declaration under penalty of perjury if the department receives notice that there may be an error in the address information provided for the vehicle record. These records will be flagged to require the declaration be submitted before any transactions can be processed on that record.
(7) What is the penalty if the applicant or registered owner provides false address information when changing an address?
A person providing false address information is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable by a fine of five hundred twenty-nine dollars.
(8) Is my residence address subject to public disclosure?
The department of licensing complies with statutory standards for disclosure set out in chapter 46.12 RCW and the Driver's Privacy Protection Act set out in 18 U.S.C. Secs. 2721-2725.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 09-24-038, § 308-56A-040, filed 11/24/09, effective 12/25/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.010. WSR 05-23-135, § 308-56A-040, filed 11/22/05, effective 1/3/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 04-07-168, § 308-56A-040, filed 3/23/04, effective 4/23/04; WSR 03-05-081, § 308-56A-040, filed 2/19/03, effective 3/22/03; WSR 99-01-014, § 308-56A-040, filed 12/7/98, effective 1/7/99; WSR 92-15-024, § 308-56A-040, filed 7/6/92, effective 8/6/92; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-040, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-056
Names separated by the words "and," "or," or the slash symbol "/."
(1) Does the department use the words "and," "or," or the slash symbol "/" when recording multiple interests on a certificate of ownership? No, the department has not used these designations since 1974 when recording ownership interest. For certificates of ownership that have been issued using one of these designations:
(a) Any registered owners so shown are considered to have equal registered owner interest in the vehicle;
(b) Any lien holder so shown is considered to have equal security interest in the vehicle.
(2) Will the department use the words "and," "or," or the slash symbol "/" if another jurisdiction has recorded multiple interests on the foreign certificate of ownership using one of these designations? No, the department does not allow the use of these designations when recording ownership interest.
PDF308-56A-060
Ownership in joint tenancy.
(1) What does joint tenancy with rights of survivorship mean when noted on a certificate of ownership? If owners own a vehicle in joint tenancy with rights of survivorship and one of the named parties dies, ownership vests in the surviving joint owner(s). The department will issue a certificate of ownership in the name of the surviving joint owner(s) upon application supported by a copy of the death certificate.
(2) How is joint tenancy with rights of survivorship shown on the application for certificate of ownership? The application for certificate of ownership must show the name of every owner and include the phrase "Joint tenants with rights of survivorship" spelled out.
(3) How is joint tenancy with rights of survivorship shown on the certificate of ownership? The certificate of ownership will be printed showing the abbreviation "JTWROS" in the brands/comments section.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 03-05-081, § 308-56A-060, filed 2/19/03, effective 3/22/03; WSR 99-08-064, § 308-56A-060, filed 4/5/99, effective 5/6/99; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-060, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-065
Vehicles held in trust.
(1) How is a trust shown on a certificate of ownership? A certificate of ownership may show the name of the trustee(s) or trust in one of the following manners:
(a) The trustee(s) name(s) only followed by the designation trustee, i.e., John Doe, trustee; or
(b) The trustee(s) name(s) followed by the designation trustee and the name of the trust, i.e., John Doe, trustee John Doe Family Trust; or
(c) The name of the trust only, i.e., John Doe Family Trust.
Note: | If necessary, the name of the trust will be abbreviated to meet the department's system limitations. |
(2) If a vehicle is held in trust, who represents the trust for certificate of ownership transactions? If the vehicle record shows or is to be shown as:
(a) The trustee(s) name(s) only, followed by the designation trustee, i.e., John Doe, trustee, all trustees shown or to be shown on the certificate of ownership must sign.
(b) The trustee(s) name(s) followed by the designation trustee and name of the trust, i.e., John Doe, trustee John Doe Family Trust, all trustees shown or to be shown on the certificate of ownership must sign.
(c) The name of the trust only, i.e., John Doe Family Trust, any trustee(s) designated in the trust document must sign.
(3) What trust documents do I need to present to apply for a certificate of ownership in the name of the trust? You will need to provide a copy of the signed trust documents, showing the name of the trust, trustee(s) and successor trustees.
Note: | Massachusetts trusts described in chapter 23.90 RCW must provide verification that the trust was filed with the Washington secretary of state. |
(4) What is required when a trustee no longer acts on behalf of a trust? If a trustee no longer acts on behalf of a trust, and the vehicle ownership currently shows:
(a) The trustee(s) name(s) only followed by the designation trustee, i.e., John Doe, trustee, application must be made for a new certificate of ownership; or
(b) The trustee(s) name(s) followed by the designation trustee and the name of the trust, i.e., John Doe, trustee John Doe Family Trust, application must be made for a new certificate of ownership; or
(c) The name of the trust only, i.e., John Doe Family Trust, application for new certificate of ownership is not required.
In applying for a new certificate of ownership you will need to provide a copy of the signed trust documents, showing the name of the trust, trustee(s) and successor trustees.
Note: | Massachusetts trusts described in chapter 23.90 RCW must provide verification that the trust was filed with the Washington secretary of state. |
Note: | New or successor trustees must provide documentation showing they are named as such in the trust. |
(5) What is required when a trust is terminated? The owner of the vehicle must apply for a new certificate of ownership under chapter 46.12 RCW.
If trustee(s) are deceased and no successor trustee(s) is appointed, the process established in WAC 308-56A-335 - Owner deceased, applies.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 03-10-097, § 308-56A-065, filed 5/7/03, effective 6/7/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 88.02.070 and 88.02,100 [88.02.100]. WSR 01-08-022, § 308-56A-065, filed 3/27/01, effective 4/27/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 99-08-064, § 308-56A-065, filed 4/5/99, effective 5/6/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.030. WSR 97-03-076, § 308-56A-065, filed 1/15/97, effective 2/15/97; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-065, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-070
Leased vehicles.
(1) How are the lessee and lessor designated on Washington certificates of ownership?
(a) The certificate of ownership will show the name of the lessee as registered owner, followed by LSE. The name of the lessor will be shown as the secured party or legal owner, followed by LSR.
(b) If the vehicle is subject to a security agreement the certificate of ownership will show the lessor's name immediately below the lessee's name as a subsequent registered owner followed by LSR. The address shown will be the lessee's. The secured party's name and address will be shown as the legal owner.
(c) Dealers and persons engaged in the business of vehicle leasing may simply be shown as sole registered owner if a copy of the lease or rental agreement is attached to the application. This does not apply if the lease contains an option to purchase or if it is for more than one year.
(2) How does a lien holder release interest on a leased vehicle? To release a lien on a vehicle that is being leased the lien holder must follow procedures outlined in WAC 308-56A-265.
(3) What if a sublessee is to be shown on the Washington certificate of ownership?
(a) Sublessees will be shown on the certificate of ownership as first registered owner, followed by SUBLSE. Lessees, lessor, and secured parties will be shown successively as described in subsection (1) of this section.
(b) The address of the registered owner will be that of the sublessee.
(c) Any person to be shown on the certificate of ownership as a registered owner as described in subsections (1) and (3)(a) of this section must sign the application for certificate of ownership.
(4) Do I need to surrender my out-of-state certificate of ownership to the department when I register my leased vehicle in Washington? If the out-of-state certificate of ownership shows lessee and lessor designations as required by Washington state law or rule, the certificate of ownership need not be surrendered. A certificate of registration will be issued, however, a Washington certificate of ownership will not. If the out-of-state certificate of ownership is not in name agreement or does not show lessee and lessor designations as required by Washington law or rule, the out-of-state certificate of ownership must be surrendered and a Washington certificate of ownership will be issued to the lessor/legal owner.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.101. WSR 03-12-071, § 308-56A-070, filed 6/3/03, effective 7/4/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 99-08-064, § 308-56A-070, filed 4/5/99, effective 5/6/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.030. WSR 97-03-076, § 308-56A-070, filed 1/15/97, effective 2/15/97; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-070, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-075
Multiple legal owners.
(1) Can more than one legal owner show as security interest on the certificate of ownership? Yes, however, this is subject to the limited amount of space available in the department's computer system for legal owner's name information.
(2) How are additional legal owner's interest shown on the certificate of ownership? Additional legal owners are shown directly after the first legal owner. Only the address of the first legal owner will be shown on the certificate of ownership.
(3) If the security interest has been satisfied with one of the legal owners shown on a certificate of ownership, how is their interest released? When the security interest of one of the legal owners shown on a certificate of ownership has been satisfied that interest must be released on the certificate of ownership or a department approved release of interest form. The remaining legal owner(s) must, within ten days of receiving the properly released certificate of ownership, apply for reissuance of the certificate of ownership showing the remaining legal owner's name and address.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 04-13-118, § 308-56A-075, filed 6/22/04, effective 7/23/04; WSR 03-10-097, § 308-56A-075, filed 5/7/03, effective 6/7/03; WSR 99-08-064, § 308-56A-075, filed 4/5/99, effective 5/6/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.030. WSR 97-03-076, § 308-56A-075, filed 1/15/97, effective 2/15/97; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-075, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-110
New vehicles—Manufacturer's statement/certificate of origin.
(1) What ownership documentation from the manufacturer is required to title a new vehicle?
An application for a certificate of ownership for a new vehicle must be accompanied by a manufacturer's statement/certificate of origin (MSO/MCO).
(2) What information needs to be shown on the MSO/MCO?
The MSO/MCO must contain at least the following information:
(a) First conveyance of the vehicle after its manufacture;
(b) The model year;
(c) Make;
(d) Model, body style;
(e) Vehicle identification number;
(f) An indication that the vehicle was not manufactured for road use, if applicable; and
(g) Shipping weight or curb weight.
(3) What documentation may be used in lieu of an MSO/MCO?
If the MSO/MCO is not available, the manufacturer's invoice to the dealer may be used. The manufacturer's invoice shall contain all the information required in subsection (2) of this section. If a flooring agent is shown on the invoice, the department requires a release of interest from the flooring agent.
(4) How is a dealer-to-dealer sale recorded on the MSO/MCO before the first retail sale?
A dealer-to-dealer sale is recorded in the assignment area on the MSO/MCO.
In the absence of an available assignment area a dealer to dealer report of sale or similar document may be used as long as a complete chain of ownership is documented from the original dealer named on the MSO/MCO through the retail selling dealer making the application.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 03-05-081, § 308-56A-110, filed 2/19/03, effective 3/22/03; WSR 99-01-014, § 308-56A-110, filed 12/7/98, effective 1/7/99; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-110, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-115
Vehicles from a state or country other than Washington.
(1) What ownership documents are required to title and license a vehicle not currently titled or licensed in the state of Washington?
(a) If a vehicle is titled in another state, the application for certificate of ownership must be accompanied by the current ownership documents.
(b) If the vehicle was acquired from an agency of the United States government, the federal ownership document issued by the United States government must accompany the application for certificate of ownership. When a bill of sale covers more than one vehicle, a photocopy may be accepted when:
(i) United States federal government either registered or titled in Washington with a federal (FED) use class, the purchaser needs a bill of sale for a no title issued (NTI), or when title is issued in Washington, need title properly released.
(ii) A secure odometer disclosure completed only by the transferee and buyer if the vehicle falls within the federal odometer disclosure criteria.
(c) If a vehicle is titled in another country, the application for certificate of ownership must be accompanied by the current ownership document issued by that country. If the country from which the vehicle is imported cancels the vehicle ownership document for export, the application for certificate of ownership must be accompanied by documents showing proof of ownership and evidence of the cancellation if available. If evidence of cancellation is not available, then a statement of fact by the owner is required.
(d) If a member of the United States armed forces owns the vehicle and the vehicle has been registered by a United States government military entity, the application for certificate of ownership must be accompanied by the registration certificate as proof of ownership. If there is a lien holder, the armed forces member must provide the lien holder information at the time of application.
(2) What ownership documents are required to obtain a certificate of ownership for a vehicle from a nontitling state or country?
(a) If the vehicle is from a state or country that by policy or law does not title a specific vehicle, but does register it, the department will accept the registration as an ownership document. If the applicant is not the owner shown on the registration, a bill of sale or release of interest is also required.
(b) If the vehicle is from a state or country that neither registers nor titles, follow the ownership in doubt procedures from WAC 308-56A-210. The applicant must submit a statement indicating when and where they acquired the vehicle.
(3) What if I am unable to locate a record of my vehicle in any state or country? If there is no indication that your vehicle is from a nontitle or nonregistration state or country, and no record of your vehicle is found, you may follow ownership in doubt procedures in WAC 308-56A-210.
(4) What is required to title a vehicle from a titling state or country that has refused to issue a title document for a specific vehicle? If the state or country has refused to issue title, Washington may require the customer to comply with ownership in doubt procedures from WAC 308-56A-210. In those cases where a title was refused for reasons not applicable to Washington, the department may consider issuing a title with the appropriate documentation.
(5) What documentation is required in addition to the ownership document if my vehicle is from a foreign country? In addition to the ownership document, the application for certificate of ownership must be accompanied by:
(a) An approved Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection Entry Summary form properly executed authorizing the vehicle entry into this country. Applications for certificate of ownership for vehicles imported from Puerto Rico need not be accompanied by a customs document;
(b) An English translation for any document provided which is not in the English language. The translator must provide a notarized or certified affidavit attesting to the accuracy of the translation;
(c) A release of interest from the owners shown on the ownership documents, as provided in WAC 308-56A-265, if the applicant is not the owner shown.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 07-20-109, § 308-56A-115, filed 10/3/07, effective 11/3/07; WSR 06-22-025, § 308-56A-115, filed 10/25/06, effective 11/25/06; WSR 03-05-081, § 308-56A-115, filed 2/19/03, effective 3/22/03; WSR 01-20-010, § 308-56A-115, filed 9/20/01, effective 10/21/01; WSR 99-01-014, § 308-56A-115, filed 12/7/98, effective 1/7/99; WSR 93-14-084, § 308-56A-115, filed 6/30/93, effective 7/31/93; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-115, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-140
Department temporary license plate.
(1) What is a department temporary license plate? A department temporary license plate is a system-generated license plate printed on durable paper material which may be issued in lieu of a registration certificate and license plates when:
(a) The vehicle is not currently licensed in Washington; and
(b) Appropriate vehicle documentation to title and license the vehicle is not immediately available but is likely to be available within 60 days; and
(c) The vehicle was purchased from someone other than a licensed Washington dealer or is scheduled for inspection by the Washington state patrol; and
(d) For the purposes of this section, a vehicle may be considered unlicensed if the current license expires within 60 days of application for the department temporary license plate, or the vehicle's license plates are missing or unreadable.
(2) How long is a department temporary license plate valid? The department temporary license plate is valid for no longer than 60 days from the date of application.
(3) Where do I apply for and obtain a department temporary license plate? You may apply for a department temporary license plate at any Washington vehicle licensing office.
(4) What fees are due when applying for a department temporary license plate? All applicable taxes, title, license fees and inspection fees are due when the department temporary license plate is issued. Any fees for permanent license plates are due when the department temporary license plate is cleared.
(5) How do I display the temporary license plate? You must display the temporary license plate the same as described for a permanent license plate in RCW 46.16A.200 (5)(a), in the same location or locations where permanent license plates are displayed for vehicles. The temporary license plate must be secured so as to remain stable and readable during movement or in windy conditions.
(6) If my vehicle is eligible for monthly gross weight, how many months of gross weight must I purchase with a department temporary license plate? If your vehicle is eligible for monthly gross weight, you must purchase a minimum of two months' gross weight license to correspond with the duration of the department temporary license plate. You may receive credit as described in WAC 308-96A-220(7) for gross weight license already purchased.
(7) How do I clear the department temporary license plate and obtain a registration certificate and license plates for my vehicle? You may obtain a registration certificate and license plates for your vehicle at any vehicle licensing office by submitting:
(a) An application for certificate of ownership; and
(b) An odometer disclosure statement, if applicable; and
(c) License plate fees; and
(d) Other applicable documentation, fees, and taxes.
(8) What fees are due when clearing a department temporary license plate? In addition to other fees as prescribed by law, the title application fee and license plate fees are due when the department temporary license plate is cleared.
(9) How do I obtain a replacement department temporary license plate? You may obtain a replacement department temporary license plate by contacting any vehicle licensing office. You must provide the vehicle identification number or the department temporary license plate number. The replacement department temporary license plate will retain the same expiration date as the original.
(10) May another department temporary license plate be issued after the expiration of the first? Yes, when necessary, another department temporary license plate may be issued on a case-by-case basis upon departmental approval.
An extension of a department temporary license plate cannot be granted for vehicles described in subsection (6) of this section when no more than two months' gross weight was purchased. Additional gross weight cannot be issued until the department temporary license plate is cleared.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 23-15-119, § 308-56A-140, filed 7/19/23, effective 8/19/23; WSR 07-22-090, § 308-56A-140, filed 11/6/07, effective 12/7/07; WSR 04-08-080, § 308-56A-140, filed 4/6/04, effective 5/7/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.040, 46.16.216. WSR 03-12-006, § 308-56A-140, filed 5/22/03, effective 6/22/03; WSR 99-12-031, § 308-56A-140, filed 5/25/99, effective 6/25/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 93-14-084, § 308-56A-140, filed 6/30/93, effective 7/31/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.151 and 46.12.050. WSR 92-03-077, § 308-56A-140, filed 1/14/92, effective 2/14/92; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-140, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-150
Certificate of vehicle inspection.
(1) When is a certificate of vehicle inspection required? A certificate of vehicle inspection, completed by the Washington state patrol or other authorized inspector, must accompany the application for certificate of ownership and include the applicable statutory inspection fee whenever the applicant's vehicle is:
(a) Reported destroyed since the last certificate of ownership was issued and ownership was not retained by the registered owner;
(b) A homemade, assembled, or rebuilt vehicle not previously titled as such;
(c) One on which the identification number needs verification as requested by the department, county auditor, or authorized agent;
(d) A kit vehicle not previously titled as such (if no vehicle identification number (VIN) or model year previously assigned);
(e) A street rod not previously titled as such;
(f) A glider kit not previously titled as such;
(g) Subject to ownership in doubt described in WAC 308-56A-210;
(h) One which the Washington crime information center (WACIC) or National Crime Information Center (NCIC) indicates may be stolen;
(i) One for which the WACIC/NCIC has failed to respond to the stolen vehicle search required by chapter 46.12 RCW; or
(j) Inspections are not required for snowmobiles or mobile homes.
(2) Is there a fee charged for a VIN inspection? Yes, the amount of the fee is established in RCW 46.12.040. The fee is not due when:
(a) The out-of-state fee authorized by chapter 46.12 RCW has been collected on the same application; or
(b) The Washington state patrol or department of licensing has determined that the fee is not due.
(3) Who is authorized to perform a vehicle inspection? Vehicle inspections may be performed by:
(a) The Washington state patrol;
(b) Other entities or individuals designated by the director if the vehicle is located in another state or country and the requirement for inspection by the Washington state patrol will cause undue hardship.
(4) How long is a vehicle certificate of inspection valid? The vehicle certificate of inspection is valid for the following periods of time after the inspection date:
(a) Sixty days for vehicles:
(i) Reported destroyed;
(ii) Homemade, assembled, rebuilt, street rods, kit vehicles and glider kits;
(iii) If the identification number needs verification, has been removed, defaced, altered, destroyed, illegible or missing;
(iv) With no Washington record or no manufacture certificate/statement of origin (MCO/MSO) except those described in WAC 308-56A-210;
(v) Referred for inspection for any reason not listed.
(b) Three hundred sixty-five days for a licensed vehicle dealer.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 08-03-104, § 308-56A-150, filed 1/22/08, effective 2/22/08; WSR 06-22-025, § 308-56A-150, filed 10/25/06, effective 11/25/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.125, 46.16.225, 46.16.276, 46.16.060, 46.16.600, 43.17.060. WSR 04-08-002, § 308-56A-150, filed 3/24/04, effective 4/24/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.040, 46.16.216. WSR 03-12-006, § 308-56A-150, filed 5/22/03, effective 6/22/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 03-05-081, § 308-56A-150, filed 2/19/03, effective 3/22/03; WSR 01-20-010, § 308-56A-150, filed 9/20/01, effective 10/21/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.040 and 46.16.216. WSR 99-21-098, § 308-56A-150, filed 10/20/99, effective 11/20/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 97-07-014, § 308-56A-150, filed 3/11/97, effective 4/11/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.040 and 46.16.216. WSR 91-04-024, § 308-56A-150, filed 1/29/91, effective 3/1/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 85-06-011 (Order TL/RG 11), § 308-56A-150, filed 2/22/85; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-150, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-160
Model year—How determined.
(1) How is a model year assigned to a vehicle? The model year for a vehicle is the model year assigned by the manufacturer. If an original manufacturer has not assigned a model year, or your vehicle is rebuilt, homemade, a street rod, or assembled vehicle, the following criteria will be used to establish the model year:
(a) When possible, the model year will be determined from the vehicle identification number (VIN). When the VIN does not identify the production date, corresponding production records of the original manufacturer must be used.
(b) The model year for a homemade vehicle will be the year of inspection for the purpose of making an application for certificate of ownership.
(c) The model year for assembled vehicles will be determined at the time of inspection based on the date of manufacture of the vehicle that the newly assembled vehicle most closely resembles.
(2) Are there standards for assigning model years that manufacturers must follow? Manufacturers must adopt standards for assigning model years based on the date of manufacture as outlined in 46 C.F.R. Manufacturers must designate the model year on the manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO), manufacturer's statement of origin (MSO) or similar documents.
(3) How are model years assigned to vehicles that are incomplete? Manufacturers of chassis or incomplete vehicles sold to manufacturers who issue separate MCOs/MSOs need not assign model year to the chassis or incomplete vehicle. The final stage manufacturer of these vehicles must assign the model year as provided in subsection (2) of this section. In the event a model year is assigned by both the incomplete vehicle manufacturer and the completing manufacturer, the completing manufacturer assigned model year will be used on the certificates of ownership and registration.
(4) For purposes of this section the following terms will have the meanings indicated:
(a) "Manufacture" means to produce or assemble vehicles or vehicle equipment in the customs territory of the United States or to import.
(b) "Manufacturer" means:
(i) A person engaged in the business of manufacturing vehicle or vehicle equipment, including predecessor or successor of the person to the extent provided under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation in 49 C.F.R.; and
(ii) If more than one person is the manufacturer of a vehicle, the person specified under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation in 49 C.F.R.
(c) "Incomplete vehicle" means an assemblage consisting of, as a minimum:
(i) Frame and chassis structure;
(ii) Power train;
(iii) Steering system;
(iv) Suspension system; and
(v) Braking system.
To the extent that those systems are to be part of the completed vehicle that requires further manufacturing operation; other than the additions of readily attachable components, such as mirrors or tire and rim assemblies, or minor finishing operations such as painting, to become a completed vehicle.
(d) "Model" means a name that a manufacturer applies to a family of vehicles of the same type, make, line, series, and body type.
(e) "Assembled and homemade vehicles" have the meaning provided in WAC 308-56A-455.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 10-02-034, § 308-56A-160, filed 12/30/09, effective 1/30/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.040, 46.16.216. WSR 03-12-006, § 308-56A-160, filed 5/22/03, effective 6/22/03; WSR 99-12-031, § 308-56A-160, filed 5/25/99, effective 6/25/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 97-07-014, § 308-56A-160, filed 3/11/97, effective 4/11/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 1993 c 488 and chapter 46.12 RCW. WSR 94-17-044, § 308-56A-160, filed 8/10/94, effective 9/10/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 93-14-084, § 308-56A-160, filed 6/30/93, effective 7/31/93.]
PDF308-56A-170
Retail sales and use tax exemption criteria for clean alternative fuel vehicles.
(1) The lowest manufacturer's retail price for a base model vehicle is the one provided by a vendor selected by the department;
(2) The department publishes and periodically updates a list of all vehicle models qualifying for the sales and use tax exemptions under those sections; and
(3) The list of qualifying vehicle models is available on the department's website.
PDF308-56A-200
Replacement Washington certificate of ownership.
(1) What is a replacement certificate of ownership? A replacement certificate of ownership replaces certificates of ownership that are:
(a) Lost;
(b) Mutilated;
(c) Stolen; or
(d) Destroyed.
(2) What documents and information do I need to provide to the department to obtain a replacement certificate of ownership? A replacement certificate of ownership will be issued only to the owner(s) of record. You will need to provide an explanation of what happened to the certificate of ownership that you are replacing and the vehicle description to include, but not limited to, the model year, make, and vehicle identification number or the Washington license plate number. A request for a replacement certificate of ownership must be presented to the department on a notarized or certified:
(a) Affidavit of loss form;
(b) Letter of request from the owner(s) of record; or
(c) Affidavit in lieu of title.
(3) Who needs to sign the request for a replacement certificate of ownership? All legal owners shown on department records must sign the request for the replacement certificate of ownership. Signatures must be certified or notarized in accordance with WAC 308-56A-275.
(4) What do I do if I find my certificate of ownership after I receive a replacement? Once a replacement certificate of ownership is issued, any previously issued certificate of ownership is void and, if found, must be destroyed.
PDF308-56A-210
Ownership in doubt—Bonded title or three-year registration without title.
(1) What is ownership in doubt? Ownership in doubt is when a vehicle owner(s) is unable to obtain satisfactory evidence of ownership or releases of interest as described in WAC 308-56A-265.
(2) What options are available in an ownership in doubt situation? When in an ownership in doubt situation, the owner may:
(a) Apply for three-year registration without title; or
(b) Apply for a bonded title described in RCW 46.12.151; or
(c) Petition any district or superior court of any county of this state to receive a judgment awarding ownership of the vehicle. This is required if ownership of the vehicle is contested after the applicant makes application for ownership in doubt and before the three-year ownership in doubt period has lapsed.
(3) What documents are required when applying for a bonded title or three-year registration without title? Required documents when applying for a bonded title or three-year registration include:
(a) The originals or copies of letters sent by registered or certified mail to the registered and legal owners of record, including the return receipt. The letters must include information regarding the applicant's claim to ownership and a request for the released certificate of ownership (title) or a notarized or certified release of interest.
(i) If there is no Washington record, (a) of this subsection does not apply.
(ii) If the owners of record do not respond before submitting their application, the applicant must wait 15 days from acknowledged receipt of the letter.
(iii) If the letter is returned unclaimed, the applicant must submit the letter, unopened, with the application.
(b) A bonded title or a three-year registration without title affidavit completed by the applicant and signed by all persons to be shown as a registered owner.
(c) Washington state patrol inspection, unless the vehicle is specifically exempt under subsection (4) of this section. For vehicles exempt from the Washington state patrol inspection under subsection (4) of this section, the following documents are also required:
(i) A bonded title or three-year registration without title affidavit for vehicles exempt from the Washington state patrol inspection completed and signed by a person to be shown as a registered owner; and
(ii) A legible etching or photograph of the VIN as proof of the VIN.
(d) Application for certificate of ownership (title).
(e) A bond as described in RCW 46.12.151, if the applicant is applying for a bonded title.
(f) Other documents that may be required by law or rule.
(4) Are there exemptions from the Washington state patrol inspection? Yes.
(a) Certain vehicles are exempt from the Washington state patrol inspection if:
(i) There is a Washington record; or
(ii) There is no Washington record, but the vehicle owner has a title or registration certificate issued by Washington or another jurisdiction.
(b) Vehicles exempt from the Washington state patrol inspection include:
(i) Mopeds;
(ii) Trailers with a scale weight less than 2,000 pounds;
(iii) Not eligible for road use (NEFRU) vehicles as defined in WAC 308-56A-500 when the model year is 10 years old or older;
(iv) Travel trailers and park model trailers when the model year is 10 years old and older;
(v) Campers when the model year is 10 years old and older;
(vi) Manufactured and mobile homes are exempt at all times.
(5) When is a bond required? A bond is required in ownership in doubt situations when:
(a) The applicant is a Washington state licensed vehicle dealer; or
(b) The Washington record shows there is an existing lien.
(6) How is a vehicle value determined for filing a bond? Vehicle value may be determined from one of the following sources:
(a) The department's automated valuing system; or
(b) A published appraisal guide; or
(c) Appraisal from a licensed vehicle dealer or appraisal company. The appraisal must be on company letterhead and have the business card attached; or
(d) Insured amount; or
(e) Consideration or payment plus estimated repairs by a bona fide mechanic; or
(f) Other valuing sources approved by the department.
(7) May I transfer ownership on a vehicle with a bonded title or three-year registration without title? Yes.
(a) Owners releasing interest in a vehicle with a bonded title or three-year registration without title must provide a release of interest described in WAC 308-56A-265;
(b) The new owners must submit an application for title as described in this chapter and complete the time remaining on the current ownership in doubt period.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.12.635. WSR 23-23-183, § 308-56A-210, filed 11/22/23, effective 12/23/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 07-13-082, § 308-56A-210, filed 6/19/07, effective 7/20/07; WSR 06-22-025, § 308-56A-210, filed 10/25/06, effective 11/25/06; WSR 03-05-081, § 308-56A-210, filed 2/19/03, effective 3/22/03; WSR 99-01-014, § 308-56A-210, filed 12/7/98, effective 1/7/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.250(1), 46.01.110, 46.12.151 and 46.12.380. WSR 96-03-047, § 308-56A-210, filed 1/11/96, effective 2/11/96; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-210, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-215
Erasures, alterations, and incorrect information.
(1) Will the department accept an application for certificate of ownership or supporting documents if they have been altered? The department may refuse to accept any application for certificate of ownership or supporting documents when ownership or vehicle information has been altered.
(2) Will the department accept a certificate of ownership if it has been altered? Any alteration or erasure voids the certificate of ownership unless documentation satisfactory to the department in accordance with subsection (3) of this section is submitted with the certificate.
(3) What does the department require when a certificate of ownership, an application for certificate of ownership or supporting documents has been altered?
(a) The department may require an affidavit explaining any erasure or alteration on the application, certificate of ownership, or any supporting documentation.
(b) The department may require a notarized/certified release of interest when:
(i) A signature or name that has been altered or erased appears on an application; or
(ii) A security interest is named to be shown on the new certificate of ownership and the applicant claims there is no lien; or
(iii) A security interest is shown incorrectly or is altered on the application for certificate of ownership from a Washington licensed dealer. In lieu of a release of interest, the Washington licensed vehicle dealer may attach an affidavit explaining the error in the security interest.
(c) A name erroneously shown on the certificate of ownership as the purchaser must be accompanied by either a release of interest from the erroneously named purchaser or a statement by the owner of record that the sale was not completed or other explanation for the erroneous designation.
PDF308-56A-250
Signature of registered owner on application—Exceptions.
(1) When is the signature of a registered owner(s) required? Each registered owner is required to sign the application for certificate of ownership except when:
(a) The application is for the sole purpose of removing a secured party of record from the certificate of ownership;
(b) Authorized supportive documentation is used in lieu of the signature or signatures;
(c) The legal owner applies for a duplicate certificate of ownership;
(d) There is a statutorily authorized lien filed by a government agency against the vehicle;
(e) An existing legal owner's perfected security interest is transferred to another party and the new secured party is perfecting its security interest;
(f) The department determines from a review of supporting documentation that the vehicle record must be corrected and a new certificate of ownership issued to correct an error made by the department.
(2) When is one signature acceptable on an application for certificate of ownership with multiple registered owners? Only one registered owner's signature is required when:
(a) The last certificate of ownership was issued in another jurisdiction; and
(b) The last certificate of ownership shows multiple registered owners; and
(c) Ownership is not changing.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.110. WSR 04-19-017, § 308-56A-250, filed 9/7/04, effective 10/8/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 03-08-055, § 308-56A-250, filed 3/31/03, effective 5/1/03; WSR 99-08-065, § 308-56A-250, filed 4/5/99, effective 5/6/99; WSR 92-15-024, § 308-56A-250, filed 7/6/92, effective 8/6/92; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-250, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-265
Releasing interest.
(1) How does a registered or legal owner release interest in a vehicle? To release interest in a vehicle a registered or legal owner must:
(a) Sign the release of interest section provided on the certificate of ownership; or
(b) Provide a release of interest document or form approved by the department.
(2) Do signatures releasing interest need to be notarized or certified? If the signatures releasing interest are not provided on the certificate of ownership, all signatures must be notarized or certified in accordance with WAC 308-56A-275.
(3) When are notarized or certified signatures not required on a release of interest? Signatures releasing interest do not need to be notarized or certified when:
(a) A signature releasing interest is provided on the certificate of ownership issued by the department or another jurisdiction;
(b) An approved affidavit in lieu of title printed by a lending institution that is authorized by the department to participate in the electronic title program is provided;
(c) A secured party is releasing interest; and
(i) The secured party is a business; and
(ii) Provide a release of interest document or form approved by the department; and
(iii) Is submitted with the current certificate of ownership;
(d) A release of interest or bill of sale from the registered owner when the vehicle is from a jurisdiction which does not title this type of vehicle;
(e) A release of interest or bill of sale from a wrecker or insurance company.
(4) When is a release of interest not required from a registered owner? A release of interest from the registered owner is not required when:
(a) The registered owner is identified as a lessee or sublessee on an ownership document.
(b) The vehicle is awarded to a different owner by legal action.
(5) What other documentation may be used as a release of interest? Documents that may be used as a release of interest include, but are not limited to:
(a) Bill of sale;
(b) Affidavit in lieu of title with the release of interest portion properly completed;
(c) Letter of release;
(d) Affidavit of repossession;
(e) Affidavit of sale on an abandoned vehicle report;
(f) Chattel or landlord lien form;
(g) Certificate of junk vehicle form; or
(h) Other documentation approved by the department.
These items may be subject to notary requirements.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 03-08-055, § 308-56A-265, filed 3/31/03, effective 5/1/03; WSR 99-08-065, § 308-56A-265, filed 4/5/99, effective 5/6/99; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-265, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-270
Forms of signature.
(1) What forms of signature are acceptable to the department? The department will accept any memorandum, signature stamp, mark, or sign made with intent to authenticate any instrument or writing.
(2) What form of signature is required for business owned vehicles? Signatures for business owned vehicles must include:
(a) The name of the business or a commonly accepted abbreviation for the business;
(b) The signature of the person authorized to sign on behalf of the business as stated in subsection (1) of this section; and
(c) The title or position of that person.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.16A.220. WSR 15-16-090, § 308-56A-270, filed 8/3/15, effective 9/3/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.010 and 9A.04.110. WSR 06-15-060, § 308-56A-270, filed 7/12/06, effective 8/12/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 03-08-055, § 308-56A-270, filed 3/31/03, effective 5/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.101, 88.02.070. WSR 02-01-123, § 308-56A-270, filed 12/19/01, effective 1/19/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 99-08-065, § 308-56A-270, filed 4/5/99, effective 5/6/99; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-270, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-275
Certification of signature.
Who may certify signatures?
(1) Signatures must be notarized by a notary public or certified by an agent or subagent appointed by the director to conduct vehicle title and registration activities on behalf of the department. The certification must include the signature, county, and office of the person certifying the signature. Signatures may also be certified by one of the following:
(a) Employees authorized by the director to certify signatures. These employees are:
(i) Deputy director; and
(ii) Assistant director for vehicle services; and
(iii) Administrator and managers of the division primarily responsible for vehicle title and registration; and
(iv) Persons assigned to liaison duties between the department and its agents and subagents; and
(v) Persons assigned the responsibility of accepting title and registration applications at the department's offices; and
(vi) Persons assigned the responsibility for investigating vehicle dealer activities; and
(b) Persons authorized by a Washington licensed vehicle dealer, if the vehicle is sold by that dealer. The certification must include the dealer number, signature, and title of the person certifying the signature.
(2) The person certifying the signatures shall require proof of identification. Approved identification includes:
(a) Drivers license; or
(b) Any nationally or regionally recognized government issued photo identification card; or
(c) Any two of the following:
(i) A nationally or regionally recognized credit card (signed);
(ii) Any certificate or other document issued by a government agency for the purpose of establishing identity; or
(d) Other documentation satisfactory to the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 88.02.320. WSR 23-23-146, § 308-56A-275, filed 11/20/23, effective 12/21/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 03-08-055, § 308-56A-275, filed 3/31/03, effective 5/1/03; WSR 99-08-065, § 308-56A-275, filed 4/5/99, effective 5/6/99; WSR 88-20-035 (Order TL/RG 44), § 308-56A-275, filed 9/30/88; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-275, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-295
Vehicle sold—Reported stolen—Liability if abandoned.
Who is responsible for removal, storage, and disposal fees if a vehicle has been reported stolen after it was reported sold, and is subsequently abandoned?
If a report of sale has been properly filed with the department prior to the date the vehicle was reported stolen, the purchaser shown on that report of sale will be responsible for removal, storage, and disposal fees. If a report of sale has not been properly filed, the registered owner on the department records remains liable.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 03-05-081, § 308-56A-295, filed 2/19/03, effective 3/22/03; WSR 99-01-014, § 308-56A-295, filed 12/7/98, effective 1/7/99.]
PDF308-56A-300
Application for certificate of ownership for abandoned vehicles.
What proof of ownership do I need to submit for a vehicle I purchased at a Washington abandoned vehicle auction as authorized under chapter 46.55 RCW? You must submit:
(1) A Washington Abandoned Vehicle Report - Affidavit of Sale form as provided for in WAC 308-61-026(1); and
(2) Certificate of ownership application and other documents required by RCW 46.12.030(3).
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.12.101. WSR 03-12-071, § 308-56A-300, filed 6/3/03, effective 7/4/03; WSR 99-13-150, § 308-56A-300, filed 6/21/99, effective 7/22/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.101 as amended by 1987 c 127 § 1. WSR 87-21-012 (Order TL/RG/36), § 308-56A-300, filed 10/9/87; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-300, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-305
Law enforcement sale.
(1) What documents must I submit to obtain a certificate of ownership for a vehicle that has been purchased at a law enforcement sale? You must submit:
(b) A bill of sale from law enforcement to the purchaser stating that the vehicle was sold in accordance with chapter 63.32, 63.35 or 63.40 RCW;
(c) A copy of an order from any district or superior court of any county of this state authorizing law enforcement to sell the vehicle; or
(d) The current certificate of ownership, if it is available.
(2) Does the sale of a vehicle at a law enforcement sale remove any previous security interest? Yes, the security interests are released at the time of sale.
PDF308-56A-310
Personal property lien—Chattel.
(1) What is a chattel lien? For the purposes of this section a chattel lien is a process by which a person may sell or take ownership of a vehicle when:
(a) They provide services or materials for a vehicle at the request of the registered owner; and
(b) The person who provided the services and/or materials has not been compensated.
(2) What documents are required to obtain a certificate of ownership for a vehicle? The required documents include:
(a) A completed Vehicle/Vessel Chattel Lien Sale Affidavit form provided or approved by the department; and
(b) A certified copy of the lien filing that is filed with the county auditor; and
(c) A copy of the letter(s) sent by the lien applicant via first class mail, and certified or registered mail, to the registered and legal owners of record, including the return receipt; and
(d) Affidavit of service by mail; and
(e) Application for certificate of ownership; and
(f) Other documents that may be required by law or rule.
(3) When is a Washington court order required to issue a certificate of ownership as a result of a chattel lien? A Washington court order is required when:
(a) Someone other than the owner of record requested the services and/or materials; or
(b) There is no record of the vehicle on file with the department.
(4) What laws regulate chattel liens? Chapter 60.08 RCW regulates chattel liens.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 88.020 [88.02.070], 88.02.100. WSR 07-03-128, § 308-56A-310, filed 1/23/07, effective 2/23/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 06-17-145, § 308-56A-310, filed 8/22/06, effective 9/22/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 88.02.070 and 88.02.100. WSR 01-21-071, § 308-56A-310, filed 10/18/01, effective 11/18/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 88.02.070 and 88.02,100 [88.02.100]. WSR 01-08-022, § 308-56A-310, filed 3/27/01, effective 4/27/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.101. WSR 99-13-150, § 308-56A-310, filed 6/21/99, effective 7/22/99; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-310, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-311
Personal property lien—Landlord's lien for rent.
(1) What is a landlord's lien for rent? For the purposes of this chapter, a landlord's lien for rent is a process by which a landlord may sell or take ownership of a tenant's vehicle as security for rent due.
(2) What documents are required to issue a certificate of ownership for a vehicle obtained through the landlord's lien for rent process? The required documents include:
(a) A completed affidavit of landlord lien form provided or approved by the department;
(b) Application for certificate of ownership; and
(c) Other documents that may be required by law or rule.
(3) When is a Washington court order required to issue a certificate of ownership as a result of a landlord's lien for rent? A Washington court order is required when there is no record of the vehicle on file with the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 06-17-145, § 308-56A-311, filed 8/22/06, effective 9/22/06.]
PDF308-56A-312
Personal property lien—Self-service storage facilities.
(1) What is a self-service storage facilities lien? For the purposes of this chapter, a self-storage facilities lien is a process by which the owner of a self-storage facility may sell a vehicle stored at the facility as security for rent or other charges due.
(2) What documents are required to obtain a certificate of ownership for a vehicle obtained through the self-service storage facilities lien process? The required documents include:
(a) A completed affidavit of self-storage facilities lien sale form provided or approved by the department;
(b) Application for certificate of ownership; and
(c) Other documents that may be required by law or rule.
(3) When is a Washington court order required to issue a certificate of ownership as a result of a self-service storage facilities lien?
(a) The vehicle is no longer in the possession of the person who is claiming the self-service storage facilities lien; or
(b) There is an existing lien holder on the vehicle record; or
(c) There is no record of the vehicle on file with the department.
(4) What law regulates self-service storage facilities liens? Chapter 19.150 RCW regulates self-storage facilities liens.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 06-17-145, § 308-56A-312, filed 8/22/06, effective 9/22/06.]
PDF308-56A-315
Name change.
What document must I submit to change my name shown on the certificate of ownership? You must submit:
(2) If the name was changed by a court order, a copy of that order; or
(3) A notarized/certified affidavit signed by you stating:
(a) Your previous and current names; and
(b) The reason for the name change; and
(c) That the purpose of the name change is not to defraud.
PDF308-56A-320
Transfer by court order.
(1) What documents must I submit if ownership of a vehicle is awarded by court order? In addition to ownership documents required by chapter 46.12 RCW and registration documents required by chapter 46.16 RCW, you must submit:
(a) A copy of the Washington state court order, or certification from the clerk of the court confirming the courts action; or
(b) Finding of fact, conclusion of law and decision from the Washington state office of administrative hearings per RCW 46.12.330 for vehicles titled in Washington state; or
(c) A copy of the foreign court order if a vehicle for which ownership was most recently established is in the same jurisdiction as the court action, example: California court order and California vehicle ownership documents; or
(d) The court order to be filed in accordance with RCW 6.36.025 if the court order and vehicle certificate of ownership are not from the same jurisdiction; or
(e) A certificate of ownership from a foreign jurisdiction in the applicant's name.
(2) What information does the department require on the court order or legal decision as defined in RCW 46.12.330? At a minimum, the court order or legal decision must contain:
(a) The full name of the person to whom the property is awarded;
(b) A description of the vehicle(s) awarded;
(c) Validation that the court order has been filed;
(d) An indication that the court order is the final judgment of the court in this matter; and
(e) A signature of an authorized representative of the court.
(3) Does the department require all pages of the final court order or legal decision as defined in RCW 46.12.330? No, the department requires only copies of pages of the final court order or legal decision that contain:
(a) The information listed in subsection (2) of this section; and
(b) If the court order or legal decision identifies any collateral agreements, include the first page, the signature page, and vehicle description; and
(c) The page of the order or decision actually signed by the judge or legal official.
(4) Does the copy of the court order or legal decision need to be certified? No.
(5) What does the department require if the court order or legal decision does not describe the vehicle by vehicle identification number (VIN) or Washington license plate number? The department requires a certified or notarized statement from the owner describing the vehicle in the court order or legal decision by year, make and VIN or vehicle license plate number.
(6) Does the court order or legal decision allow the department to remove the security interest recorded on the current certificate of ownership? The department will remove the security interest only if the court order or legal decision specifically directs the department to do so.
(7) How do I get the security interest removed if the court order or legal decision does not specifically direct the department to do so? The new owner may:
(a) Negotiate with the secured party to obtain either a release of interest or a new security agreement; or
(b) Petition the original court or legal official that issued the order or decision, or a higher court, to have the matter of the secured interest resolved.
PDF308-56A-325
Owner incompetent.
(1) What documentation does the department require to show a guardian has been appointed for a person who has been declared incompetent? The department requires a copy of the order issued from any district or superior court of competent jurisdiction.
(2) How is the interest of a person who has been declared incompetent by the court recorded on the certificate of ownership issued by the department? The department will record the name of the court appointed guardian(s) followed by the designation GDN and the name of the estate of the person declared incompetent on the certificate of ownership. Example: John Doe GDN, Estate of Mary Smith.
(3) Who releases interest on a vehicle ownership document if the owner is declared incompetent? Only the court appointed guardian may release interest in the vehicle. If guardianship is not recorded on the current certificate of ownership, a copy of the court order appointing the guardian must accompany the release of interest. The guardian may not appoint any person through power of attorney to release interest.
PDF308-56A-330
Owner bankrupt.
Who releases interest in a vehicle when an owner has been declared bankrupt? The owner or the trustee appointed by the bankruptcy court has the authority to release interest in a vehicle. A copy of the court order appointing the trustee must accompany the release of interest.
PDF308-56A-335
Owner deceased.
(1) What titling options are available when a vehicle owner is deceased?
(a) The vehicle can be titled in the name of the estate; or
(b) The vehicle ownership may be released by a personal representative and transferred into the name of a new owner; or
(c) The surviving owner may transfer into their name if joint tenancy was indicated on the certificate of ownership.
(2) How can a vehicle be titled in the name of the estate of the deceased? The signature of a personal representative as described in RCW 11.02.005(1) is required to release interest for the deceased owner. The vehicle may then be titled and licensed in the name of the estate of the deceased pending final settlement of the estate. A copy of the court order appointing or confirming the personal representative must be attached to the application for certificate of ownership.
(3) How will the name of the estate be shown on the certificate of ownership? The name will be shown as "Estate of (deceased's name)."
(4) What do I need as documentation to release or transfer interest in a vehicle acquired from an estate of a deceased person?
If the estate is:
(a) Administered:
(i) Letters of testamentary; or
(ii) Letter of administration; or
(iii) Certificate of county clerk.
(b) Joint tenants with rights of survivorship:
Copy of death certificate.
(c) Community property:
(i) Copy of the death certificate; and
(ii) A copy of the community property agreement.
(d) Not administered:
(i) Copy of death certificate; and
(ii) Affidavit of inheritance; or
(iii) Affidavit of succession.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 01-03-002, § 308-56A-335, filed 1/4/01, effective 2/4/01; WSR 99-06-037, § 308-56A-335, filed 2/26/99, effective 3/29/99; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-335, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-405
Acquired from United States government.
Do I need to title those vehicles? A licensed vehicle dealer who acquires vehicles from an agency of the United States government may title the vehicles under "title purpose only" procedures and need attach only the original or one certified copy of the bill of sale if each application is filed in the name of the dealer and all such applications are filed at the same time.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.70.160. WSR 05-14-092, § 308-56A-405, filed 6/30/05, effective 7/31/05; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-405, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-410
No application required.
When do I not need to apply for a certificate of ownership? A Washington vehicle dealer need not apply for certificate of ownership in his own name when:
(1) A vehicle is acquired that is titled and the title is properly released; or
(2) One vehicle dealer transfers a particular vehicle to another vehicle dealer, unless precluded by other regulations;
(3) The dealer has a properly executed affidavit of loss from the legal owner of record and release of interest from the registered and legal owners of record for a Washington titled vehicle.
(4) An abandoned vehicle/vessel is purchased by a Washington licensed dealer and intended for retail sale.
PDF308-56A-415
Application in dealers name.
When do I need to apply for a certificate of ownership? Except as referenced in WAC 308-56A-410, a Washington dealer must apply for title in his/her own name by following all procedures set forth in these rules whenever the dealer does not have a valid certificate of ownership properly released.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.70.160. WSR 05-14-092, § 308-56A-415, filed 6/30/05, effective 7/31/05; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-415, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-420
Delivery of vehicle on dealer temporary license plate.
How does a Washington licensed vehicle dealer deliver a vehicle using a dealer temporary license plate?
(1) Washington licensed vehicle dealers may deliver a vehicle that is not currently registered, or that does not have valid Washington license plates, tabs, decals, or gross weight, or the current tabs will expire within 45 days of the date of delivery, by using a dealer temporary license plate.
(2) The application for title part of the dealer temporary license plate form must be properly and completely filled out by the selling or leasing dealer, including the dealer's report of sale and the date on which the vehicle is physically delivered to the purchaser or lessee. If license based on gross weight is required, the amount of gross weight purchased must be clearly shown. The application must be signed by the registered owner(s) or lessee.
(3) The Washington licensed vehicle dealer must collect all fees required for titling and registration of a vehicle.
(4) All temporary license plates must be printed through the e-permitting system. The date of expiration is 45 calendar days from the date the vehicle is physically delivered to the purchaser or lessee.
(5) A dealer may preprint and hold up to 10 temporary license plates purchased through the e-permitting system for off-line use, with the expiration date to be manually recorded in dark, bold letters and numbers upon use. The date of expiration for preprinted temporary license plates is 45-calendar days from the date the vehicle is physically delivered to the purchaser or lessee. A dealer may not have more than 10 preprinted temporary license plates at one time unless an exception is approved by the department. The e-permitting system will not allow a dealer to preprint additional temporary license plates, beyond the 10 allowed, until the previously issued temporary license plates are properly filed in the e-permitting system and all required information is recorded with the department.
(6) The application copies must be used by the Washington licensed dealer to apply for title and to complete licensing of the vehicle. Except as provided in RCW 46.70.180(8), when a second temporary license plate is authorized; the selling dealer must submit the application and all titling and licensing fees to the department of licensing or an authorized licensing agent within 45 calendar days from the date the vehicle is physically delivered to the purchaser or lessee. The date that the selling or leasing dealer physically delivers the vehicle to the purchaser or lessee will start the 45-day interval of an application for a certificate of title in the purchaser's or lessee's name. Additionally, the director may excuse late applications only in situations where applications are delayed, for reasons beyond the control of the dealer.
(7) The , temporary vehicle registration and a purchase order identifying the vehicle and the date that the vehicle was physically delivered to the purchaser or lessee must be carried in the vehicle or the towing vehicle at all times the vehicle is operated on the dealer temporary permit.
(8) The dealer temporary license plate must be displayed in a manner consistent with the requirements in RCW 46.16A.200 (5)(a) for a permanent license plate, in the same location or locations where permanent license plates are displayed for vehicles. The dealer temporary license plate must be secured so as to remain stable and readable during movement or in windy conditions.
(9) The dealer temporary license plate is valid for not more than 45 calendar days starting with the date that the vehicle is physically delivered to the purchaser or lessee.
(10) The dealer temporary license plate will not be issued:
(a) For a dealer inventoried vehicle that has not been sold or a dealer or dealer-employee operated vehicle;
(b) As a demonstration permit;
(c) For a vehicle processed as a courtesy delivery;
(d) For out-of-state residents unless Washington registration is intentionally being obtained.
(11) Fees for dealer temporary license plate application forms are not refundable unless the dealer ceases doing business as a vehicle dealer.
(12) Washington licensed dealers must maintain a record of each dealer temporary license plate acquisition and distribution including the following:
(a) Date and location of purchase of each temporary license plate and the plate number;
(b) Identification of vehicles delivered on temporary license plates;
(c) Dates of vehicle sales, leases, and deliveries;
(d) Customer's complete name.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 23-15-119, § 308-56A-420, filed 7/19/23, effective 8/19/23; WSR 11-18-047, § 308-56A-420, filed 8/31/11, effective 10/1/11; WSR 09-16-017, § 308-56A-420, filed 7/24/09, effective 8/24/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.70.160. WSR 05-14-092, § 308-56A-420, filed 6/30/05, effective 7/31/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.70.160 and 46.70.110. WSR 99-02-049, § 308-56A-420, filed 1/5/99, effective 2/5/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.70.160 and 46.70.124. WSR 94-21-055, § 308-56A-420, filed 10/13/94, effective 11/13/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 93-14-084, § 308-56A-420, filed 6/30/93, effective 7/31/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.70.160. WSR 90-10-013, § 308-56A-420, filed 4/20/90, effective 5/21/90; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-420, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-425
Obtaining dealer temporary license plates.
(1) What is a dealer temporary license plate? For the purposes of vehicles, a dealer temporary license plate is a combination title application and temporary registration used by Washington licensed vehicle dealers when delivering a vehicle that is not currently registered, or does not have valid Washington license plates, tabs, decals, or gross weight, or the current tabs will expire within 45 days of the date of delivery.
(2) How does a Washington licensed vehicle dealer obtain dealer temporary license plates? Washington licensed vehicle dealers may purchase dealer temporary license plates at any Washington vehicle licensing office for the fee required in RCW 46.17.400.
(3) What will Washington licensed vehicle dealers receive when purchasing dealer temporary license plates? Washington licensed vehicle dealers will receive access to printable temporary license plates through the department's e-permitting system.
(4) Will Washington licensed dealers be able to obtain unassigned temporary license plates for off-line use? A dealer may preprint and hold up to 10 unassigned temporary license plates purchased through the e-permitting system for off-line use, with the expiration date to be manually recorded in dark, bold letters and numbers upon use. A dealer may not have more than 10 unassigned temporary license plates at one time, unless an exception is approved by the department. The e-permitting system will not allow a dealer to preprint additional unassigned temporary license plates, beyond the 10 allowed, until the previously issued unassigned temporary license plates are properly filed in the e-permitting system and all required information is recorded with the department.
(5) What are the requirements for using unassigned temporary license plates? Washington licensed dealers who issue unassigned temporary license plates must enter the dealer temporary license plate information into the department's e-permitting system within 24 hours of issuance or hardware/software resolution, or within 24 hours of returning to the office if the hard copy was issued off-site. Failure to properly record the required information into the department's e-permitting system may result in a Washington licensed dealer being unable to preprint additional unassigned temporary license plates until the previously issued unassigned temporary license plates are accounted for.
(6) Will Washington licensed vehicle dealers be able to use previously purchased hard copy (paper/card stock) dealer temporary permits after July 1, 2023? Washington licensed dealers will no longer be able to purchase hard copy dealer temporary permits after July 1, 2023, but may issue any remaining stocks until July 15, 2023. After July 15, 2023, Washington licensed dealers must fully transition to using dealer temporary license plates printed through the department's e-permitting system. Dealer temporary permits issued by dealers will no longer be valid for unregistered vehicle use on public highways after September 1, 2023.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 23-15-119, § 308-56A-425, filed 7/19/23, effective 8/19/23; WSR 11-18-047, § 308-56A-425, filed 8/31/11, effective 10/1/11.]
PDF308-56A-450
Glider kits.
(1) What is a glider kit? A glider kit consists of a new cab, chassis, front axle, fenders and air-hose equipment designed for assembly with an existing truck or truck-tractor's rear axle(s), and power train.
(2) How are glider kits described on a certificate of ownership? The following identifiers will be shown on the certificate of ownership:
(a) The model year of the vehicle as designated by the kit manufacturer or the Washington state patrol;
(b) The make of the vehicle will be the make of the kit;
(c) The series and body type will include the initials GL;
(d) The identification number of the vehicle as determined by an authorized vehicle identification inspector.
(3) What documents must be submitted with an application for certification of ownership for glider kits? The application for certificate of ownership must be accompanied by the following documents:
(a) The previously issued certificate of ownership, bill(s) of sale or manufacturer's certificate/statement of origin (MCO/MSO);
(b) The previously issued gross weight license when applying for credit against the registration fee, if applicable;
(c) A certificate of inspection by an authorized inspector verifying the vehicle identification number and of component parts not included in the glider kit MCO/MSO;
(d) A certified weight slip showing the new scale weight of the vehicle;
(e) An MCO/MSO or bill of sale for the kit;
(f) A declaration of value form provided by the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110, 46.16.125, 46.16.225, 46.16.276, 46.16.060, 46.16.600, 43.17.060. WSR 04-08-002, § 308-56A-450, filed 3/24/04, effective 4/24/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 00-04-046, § 308-56A-450, filed 1/27/00, effective 2/27/00; WSR 92-15-024, § 308-56A-450, filed 7/6/92, effective 8/6/92; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-450, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-455
Assembled and homemade vehicles.
(1) What constitutes an assembled vehicle? An assembled vehicle is a vehicle that has been constructed using a cab, body, or frame from two or more vehicles and has the same appearance as a vehicle that was manufactured under a specific year, make, and model by a manufacturer but the original vehicle identification number (VIN) no longer accurately describes the vehicle. Assembled vehicles do not include glider kits, custom vehicles, street rods, salvage, or kit vehicles.
(2) How is the model year determined for an assembled vehicle? The Washington state patrol will determine the model year of an assembled vehicle upon inspection of the vehicle.
(3) What constitutes a homemade vehicle? A homemade vehicle is one that has been constructed from any combination of new, used, or homemade parts that does not resemble a vehicle that was manufactured under a specific year, make, and model by a manufacturer. This includes:
(a) A vehicle that has been structurally modified so that it does not have the same appearance as a similar vehicle from the same manufacturer;
(b) A vehicle that has been constructed entirely from homemade parts and materials not obtained from other vehicles; or
(c) A vehicle that has been constructed by using major component parts from one or more manufactured vehicles and cannot be identified as a specific make and model.
All homemade vehicles of a type requiring registration must be certified by the owner to meet all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards in effect at the time construction is completed.
(4) How is the model year determined for a homemade vehicle? The Washington state patrol will determine the model year of a homemade vehicle upon inspection of the vehicle.
(5) What documents must I submit with my application for a certificate of title for an assembled or homemade vehicle? You must submit the following documents with your application for certificate of title:
(a) The certificate of title or bills of sale for each vehicle or major component part used in the assembly or construction of the vehicle. The bills of sale must be notarized unless purchased from an auto dealer or business licensed to sell auto parts. The bill(s) of sale must include:
(i) The names and addresses of the seller and purchaser;
(ii) A description of the part being sold, including the make, model and identification or serial number;
(iii) The date of sale;
(iv) The purchase price of the part; and
(v) The stock number if from a Washington licensed wrecker;
(b) A Washington state patrol inspection or inspection from other personnel authorized by the director verifying the vehicle identification number, make, model, and year;
(c) A completed declaration of value form; and
(d) A completed homemade/assembled vehicle use declaration form.
You may be required to apply for ownership in doubt as described in WAC 308-56A-210 if you do not have all the required documentation.
(6) What is required to remove, destroy, or conceal a vehicle identification number plate on a vehicle or major component part to be used on my assembled or homemade vehicle? The vehicle or major component part containing the VIN plate must be presented to the Washington state patrol with the VIN plate intact. The WSP will remove the VIN plate and mark the vehicle or major component part so it can be identified when the assembled or homemade vehicle is ready for inspection.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.560. WSR 14-24-111, § 308-56A-455, filed 12/3/14, effective 1/3/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 04-08-080, § 308-56A-455, filed 4/6/04, effective 5/7/04; WSR 03-10-097, § 308-56A-455, filed 5/7/03, effective 6/7/03; WSR 00-04-046, § 308-56A-455, filed 1/27/00, effective 2/27/00; WSR 92-15-024, § 308-56A-455, filed 7/6/92, effective 8/6/92; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-455, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-460
Destroyed or wrecked vehicle—Reporting—Rebuilt.
(1) What are total loss, destroyed, salvage, and wrecked vehicles? For the purposes of this section:
(a) A total loss vehicle is one whose destruction has been reported to the department as described in RCW 46.12.600 by an insurer (insurance companies and self-insurers as described in RCW 46.29.630);
(b) A destroyed vehicle is one whose destruction has been reported to the department as described in RCW 46.12.600 by the vehicle's owner;
(c) A salvage vehicle as defined in RCW 46.04.514;
Note: | When used in this section, the terms "destroyed" and "destroyed vehicle" include total loss, destroyed, and salvage vehicles. |
(d) A wrecked vehicle as defined in RCW 46.80.010(6).
Note: | A vehicle may be considered destroyed or wrecked when the evidence of ownership is a salvage certificate/title, insurance company bill of sale, or wrecker bill of sale from any jurisdiction, or when the evidence of ownership indicates the vehicle may be a destroyed vehicle not reported to the department. |
(2) How are vehicles reported to the department as total loss, destroyed, salvage, or wrecked?
(a) Insurers may report total loss vehicles to the department:
(i) Electronically through the department's online reporting system. Insurers must destroy ownership documents for a vehicle reported this way; or
(ii) By submitting the certificate of title or affidavit in lieu of title indicating the vehicle is "DESTROYED"; or
(iii) By submitting a completed total loss claim settlement form.
Note: | Reports of total loss vehicles must include the insurer's name, address, and the date of loss. |
(b) Registered or legal owners report a vehicle as destroyed by submitting the certificate of title or affidavit in lieu of title indicating the vehicle is "DESTROYED," and must include the registered owner's name, address, and date of loss.
(c) Licensed wreckers report wrecked vehicles as required in RCW 46.80.090.
(d) For vehicles six through 20 years old a statement whether or not the vehicle meets the market value threshold amount as defined in RCW 46.12.600 is also required.
(3) What is the current market value threshold amount? The current market value threshold amount is $11,780.
(4) How is the market value threshold amount determined? Using the current market value threshold amount described in RCW 46.12.600 each year the department will add the increased value if the increase is equal to or greater than $50.
(5) What if the "market value threshold amount" is not provided as required? If the market value threshold amount is not provided when required, the department would treat the report of destruction as if the market value threshold as described in RCW 46.12.600 has been met. The certificate of title will be branded according to WAC 308-56A-530.
(6) What documentation is required to obtain a certificate of title after a vehicle is destroyed? After a vehicle has been reported destroyed or wrecked and is rebuilt, you must submit the following documentation to the department in order to obtain a new certificate of title:
(a) Application for certificate of title as described in RCW 46.12.530;
(b) Certificate of vehicle inspection as described in WAC 308-56A-150;
(c) Bill of sale from the insurer, owner, or wrecker who reported the vehicle's destruction to the department.
(i) Bills of sale from insurers must include a representative's signature and title of office;
(ii) Bills of sale from insurers and wreckers do not need to be notarized;
(iii) Bills of sale from owners shown on department records must be notarized or certified;
(iv) A bill of sale is not required when owners shown on department records retain a destroyed vehicle and apply for a new certificate of ownership;
(v) Releases of interest from lien holder(s) or proof of payment such as a canceled check bearing a notation that it has been paid by the bank on which it was drawn or a notarized statement on a receipt from the legal owner that the debt is satisfied are required when the vehicle is retained by the registered owner(s).
(d) Odometer disclosure statement, if applicable.
(7) What is required of a Washington licensed vehicle dealer prior to selling a destroyed or wrecked vehicle? Except as permitted by RCW 46.70.101 (1)(b)(viii), before a dealer may sell a destroyed or wrecked vehicle under their Washington vehicle dealer license, the dealer must:
(a) Rebuild the vehicle to standards set by the state of Washington or the federal government pertaining to the construction and safety of vehicles; and
(b) Obtain a vehicle inspection by the Washington state patrol; and
(c) Apply for and receive a certificate of ownership for the vehicle, issued in the name of the vehicle dealer.
(8) Once a destroyed or wrecked vehicle is rebuilt, do the license plates remain with the vehicle? Whether or not the license plates remain with the vehicle depends on the circumstance:
(a) Standard issue license plates may remain with a destroyed vehicle unless they are severely damaged or the vehicle was issued a department temporary license plate described in WAC 308-56A-140;
(b) Replacement license plates are required for wrecked vehicles since Washington licensed wreckers are required by WAC 308-63-070 to remove them;
(c) Special license plates may remain with or be transferred to a destroyed or wrecked vehicle;
(d) Applicants may retain the current license plate number as provided for in RCW 46.16A.200, unless the vehicle was issued a department temporary license plate as described in WAC 308-56A-140.
(9) Will the certificate of ownership or registration certificate indicate "WA REBUILT"? Salvage or wrecked vehicles meeting the criteria described in WAC 308-56A-530 will be branded "WA REBUILT."
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.600. WSR 23-16-052, § 308-56A-460, filed 7/26/23, effective 8/26/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.12.600, 46.01.110, and 46.16A.220. WSR 23-10-065, § 308-56A-460, filed 5/2/23, effective 6/2/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.12.600. WSR 22-10-102, § 308-56A-460, filed 5/4/22, effective 7/1/22; WSR 22-02-056, § 308-56A-460, filed 1/4/22, effective 2/4/22; WSR 20-19-113, § 308-56A-460, filed 9/21/20, effective 10/22/20; WSR 19-13-008, § 308-56A-460, filed 6/6/19, effective 7/7/19. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.600. WSR 12-20-032, § 308-56A-460, filed 9/27/12, effective 10/28/12; WSR 11-22-034, § 308-56A-460, filed 10/26/11, effective 11/26/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 10-19-045, § 308-56A-460, filed 9/13/10, effective 10/14/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.12.005 and 46.01.110. WSR 09-19-113, § 308-56A-460, filed 9/22/09, effective 10/23/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 04-08-080, § 308-56A-460, filed 4/6/04, effective 5/7/04; WSR 02-19-016, § 308-56A-460, filed 9/9/02, effective 10/10/02; WSR 01-20-010, § 308-56A-460, filed 9/20/01, effective 10/21/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.070. WSR 00-06-025, § 308-56A-460, filed 2/23/00, effective 3/25/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 92-15-024, § 308-56A-460, filed 7/6/92, effective 8/6/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.070. WSR 91-04-025, § 308-56A-460, filed 1/29/91, effective 3/1/91; Order MV 208, § 308-56A-460, filed 7/31/74.]
PDF308-56A-500
Definitions.
The following definitions apply to terms used in chapters 46.12 and 46.16A RCW and chapter 308-56A WAC:
(1) "Affidavit in lieu of title" is a written declaration confirming the certificate of title is unavailable, lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated. The affidavit in lieu of title may be used to release interest in the vehicle. The signature of the owner completing the affidavit in lieu of title must be notarized or certified as described in WAC 308-56A-270.
(2) "Affixed" means attached.
(3) "Brands" means a permanent notation on the electric vehicle record which prints on the certificate of title and vehicle registration certificate that records a circumstance or condition involving a vehicle.
(4) "Brands incident date" is the date that a brand was first applied to a vehicle. For states/jurisdictions participating in the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), it's the date the brand was first reported. For all states or jurisdictions, it is established by using the date the current title was issued. Brands on Washington records prior to the effective date of this rule will reflect a brand incident date equal to the date the last Washington certificate of title was issued.
(5) "Certificate of title" (also referred to as "certificate of ownership" or "title") is a legal document indicating proof of ownership and will establish a fact or sustain a judgment unless contradictory evidence is produced. A certificate of title may be a document other than a title when a title document is not issued by a jurisdiction. For example, for Canadian vehicles, the certificate of title is the registration.
(6) "Comment" means an indication on the certificate of title, vehicle title or registration application, or vehicle registration certificate that relates to tax liability, type of ownership, title transaction type or previous or current condition of the vehicle.
(7) "Commercial parking company" means any business directly engaged in providing vehicle parking upon property owned or controlled by the business and approved for public parking of vehicles.
(8) "Current license plate registration" means the current registration or one that has been expired less than one year.
(9) "Department temporary license plate" is a permit issued temporarily in lieu of registration and license plates when required documentation is unavailable.
(10) "Electronic/electronically filing" is a method to transmit information to the department that may include, but is not limited to, the use of the internet or facsimile.
(11) "Involuntary divestiture" means a change in vehicle ownership without the registered owner's involvement.
(12) "Impossible" as used in RCW 46.16A.200, means that there was nothing made by the manufacturer (to include, but not limited to, a bracket or the bumper of the vehicle) for the originally manufactured vehicle which would allow the license plate to be affixed to the vehicle in the manner prescribed in RCW 46.16A.200.
(13) "Joint tenancy with rights of survivorship" (JTWROS) means two or more people who own a vehicle in joint tenancy with the right to own individually if one of them dies.
(14) "Jurisdiction code" means an abbreviation used by the department that indicates state, province, district, or country.
(15) "Lien holder" means a person or entity that has a legal right or interest in another's property until a debt or duty that it secures is satisfied.
(16) "Not eligible for road use" (NEFRU) means a vehicle that does not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards, other federal or state standards for public road use as adopted, applied, and enforced by the Washington state patrol described in RCW 46.37.005.
(17) "A declaration under penalty of perjury" means a statement signed by the applicant to the effect - "I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Washington that the information I have provided on this form is true and correct." Anyone who knowingly makes a false statement may be guilty of a crime under state law.
(18) "Personal representative" means:
(a) An individual appointed by the court; or
(b) An individual named in the last will and testament and confirmed by the court to manage the estate of a deceased person.
Personal representative may also include executor, administrator, special administrator, and guardian or limited guardian and special representative as defined in RCW 11.02.005(1).
(19) "Registered owner" means the same as described in RCW 46.04.460.
(20) "Security interest holders" means in this instance, the same as "lien holder" as defined in subsection (15) of this section.
(21) "Standard brand" is a brand found on the brands list maintained by the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) program.
(22) "Transferee" means a person to whom a vehicle is transferred, by purchase, gift, or any means other than by creation of a security interest, and any person who, as agent, signs an odometer disclosure statement for the transferee, when applicable.
(23) "Transferor" means a person who transfers ownership in a vehicle by sale, gift, or any means other than by creation of a security interest and any person who, as agent, signs an odometer disclosure statement for the transferor, when applicable.
(24) "Unique brand" means a brand issued by a state that is not participating in the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) program and does not appear on the brands list maintained by NMVTIS.
(25) "Report of sale" is a document as required by RCW 46.12.650 or electronic record transaction that protects the seller of a vehicle from certain criminal and civil liabilities arising from use of the vehicle by another person after the vehicle has been sold or a change of ownership has occurred.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.12.600, 46.01.110, and 46.16A.220. WSR 23-10-065, § 308-56A-500, filed 5/2/23, effective 6/2/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 11-23-014, § 308-56A-500, filed 11/7/11, effective 12/8/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.12.005 and 46.01.110. WSR 09-19-113, § 308-56A-500, filed 9/22/09, effective 10/23/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.101. WSR 06-23-038, § 308-56A-500, filed 11/7/06, effective 12/8/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.16.010. WSR 05-23-135, § 308-56A-500, filed 11/22/05, effective 1/3/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 05-07-152, § 308-56A-500, filed 3/23/05, effective 5/15/05; WSR 04-08-081, § 308-56A-500, filed 4/6/04, effective 5/7/04; WSR 02-19-016, § 308-56A-500, filed 9/9/02, effective 10/10/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 65.20.110. WSR 00-13-083, § 308-56A-500, filed 6/20/00, effective 7/21/00; WSR 00-06-004, § 308-56A-500, filed 2/18/00, effective 3/20/00; WSR 90-11-091, § 308-56A-500, filed 5/18/90, effective 6/18/90.]
PDF308-56A-505
Elimination of manufactured home certificate of ownership (title)—Eligibility.
(1) May I eliminate the certificate of ownership (title) on my manufactured home? You may eliminate the certificate of ownership (title) on your manufactured home provided you own or are purchasing the manufactured home and the land to which it is affixed as defined in RCW 65.20.020 and 65.20.030.
(2) How do I apply to eliminate the certificate of ownership on my manufactured home? You must complete, record and submit a manufactured home application. The application to eliminate the certificate of ownership issued under chapter 46.12 RCW, and record ownership as real property under chapter 65.20 RCW or to transfer ownership in real property to a title under chapter 46.12 RCW, must be signed by all persons having an interest in the land and the manufactured home as defined in RCW 65.20.020.
(3) What conditions must be met before the certificate of ownership can be eliminated? The following conditions must be met before the certificate of ownership will be eliminated:
(a) The manufactured home must be affixed or be in the process of being affixed to the land.
(b) The building permit office certification box on the elimination application must be completed by the issuing authority stating that the home was affixed or that a building permit has been issued for this purpose as described in RCW 65.20.040(3).
(c) If a title company is involved in the elimination transaction, they must certify that the legal description of the land is true and correct per real property records.
(d) The completed application must be recorded with the county auditor's office in the county where the manufactured home and land are located.
(e) After recording, the original or a certified copy of the elimination application and any other documents required by the department must be submitted to a vehicle licensing office to complete the elimination process with the appropriate fees. A confirmation letter is sent from the department confirming the elimination of the certificate of ownership.
(f) Failure to finalize the elimination process with a vehicle licensing office will render the elimination incomplete until such time the original or certified copy of the recorded application and any other documents required by the department are submitted to a vehicle licensing office with the appropriate fees.
(4) How do I complete the elimination of my manufactured home certificate of ownership with the department? After recording the original or a certified copy of the elimination application and any other documents required, it must be submitted to the department for processing with payment of the applicable fees. After the application has been processed, you will receive a confirmation letter from the department that your manufactured home certificate of ownership has been eliminated.
(5) What are the fees for elimination of a manufactured home title? The fees for elimination of a manufactured home title are as follows:
(a) Fees as provided in RCW 46.01.140 for each application.
(b) Fees as provided in RCW 46.12.040 for each application.
(c) A fee for each application to transfer a new or used manufactured home as provided in RCW 59.22.080.
(d) A fee of twenty-five dollars for each application to cover the cost of processing documents and performing services as described in RCW 65.20.090.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 65.20.090. WSR 05-01-209, § 308-56A-505, filed 12/21/04, effective 1/21/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 04-08-081, § 308-56A-505, filed 4/6/04, effective 5/7/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 65.20.110. WSR 01-11-069, § 308-56A-505, filed 5/14/01, effective 6/14/01; WSR 00-06-004, § 308-56A-505, filed 2/18/00, effective 3/20/00; WSR 90-11-091, § 308-56A-505, filed 5/18/90, effective 6/18/90.]
PDF308-56A-525
Vehicle seller's report of sale.
(1) Who must file a vehicle seller's report of sale? With the exception of certain vehicle transfers by registered Washington vehicle dealers, and vehicles disposed of by licensed vehicle wreckers, Washington law (RCW 46.12.101) requires filing a vehicle seller's report of sale by any person or business that transfers their interest in a Washington titled vehicle to anyone else. For the purposes of this rule, transferring interest includes, but is not limited to, selling, gifting, trading, or disposing of your vehicle, but does not include the creation, deletion, or change of a security interest. A licensed Washington vehicle dealer may file a report of sale on behalf of the legal and/or registered owner who trades in, sells, or otherwise transfers ownership to the dealership.
(2) When must a completed vehicle seller's report of sale be filed? Vehicle seller's report of sale must be received by the department within five days of the date of sale, gift, trade, or other disposition of the vehicle, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state and federal holidays.
(3) Who is the seller? The seller is the current registered owner of record according to the computer file kept by the department. The seller is a person (individual or business) who transfers their right of ownership of a vehicle to another person or business.
(4) Who is the purchaser? The purchaser is a person (individual or business) who takes a vehicle into their possession, by voluntary acquisition.
(5) Why complete and file a vehicle seller's report of sale? It is in the seller's best interest to file the properly completed vehicle seller's report of sale to protect the seller in the event the buyer does not make application for ownership and then accumulates parking tickets, or towing charges, is involved in an uninsured accident or used in illegal activity, etc.
Vehicle seller's report of sale received by the department of licensing that are incomplete will be filed with the department; however, those that do not meet the requirements of the law may not protect the seller from any civil or legal action if the vehicle is subsequently abandoned or involved in illegal activity.
(6) How do I file my vehicle seller's report of sale? You may file your seller's report of sale through:
(a) Your local vehicle/vessel licensing office; or
(b) The department by mail; or
(c) The internet.
(7) What information is required on the vehicle report of sale? You are required to provide information contained in RCW 46.12.101 that includes:
(a) The date of sale or transfer;
(b) Name(s) and address of seller;
(c) Name(s) and address of transferee (buyer);
(d) Description of vehicle; and
(e) Purchase price.
When you mail a vehicle seller's report of sale to the department, you will not receive a confirmation or receipt. You may wish to make a photocopy of the report of sale for your records prior to sending it to the department.
(8) Is there a fee for recording a vehicle seller's report of sale? Yes. It applies when a report of sale is filed through your local vehicle licensing office as authorized by RCW 46.01.140 (5)(b).
(9) May a vehicle seller's report of sale be removed from my vehicle record? Yes. As a registered owner, you may have a vehicle seller's report of sale removed from your vehicle record through your local vehicle licensing office, or by notifying the department in writing. You will need to provide the reason you are removing the vehicle seller's report of sale from your vehicle record.
(10) How will I show that I filed a completed vehicle seller's report of sale? When you file a vehicle seller's report of sale at any Washington vehicle licensing office, you will be provided with a receipt.
When you file a vehicle report of sale on the internet, you will have the option of printing your receipt. Both receipts will show the following information:
(a) Date the report of sale was filed;
(b) Description of vehicle;
(c) Name and address of agent/subagent where filed (not included when filing through the internet);
(d) Date of sale;
(e) Purchase price if provided;
(f) Name(s) and address of seller;
(g) Name(s) and address of transferee (buyer if provided).
Washington law makes it clear that it is a felony to knowingly make a false statement of fact. The penalty, upon conviction, must be a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 10 years, or both the fine and imprisonment. (RCW 46.12.210.)
PDF308-56A-530
Vehicles brands and comments.
(1) What is a brand? For the purposes of this section a brand is a notation on the certificate of ownership or vehicle registration certificate that records a special circumstance or condition involving a vehicle.
(2) What brands are assigned to vehicles by the department? Brands used by the department include, but are not limited to:
(a) Former exempt, as defined in RCW 46.16A.170;
(b) Former for hire, as defined in RCW 46.72.010;
(c) Former taxicab, as described in RCW 46.72.010;
(d) Rebuilt as required in RCW 46.12.540, when a vehicle reported destroyed under RCW 46.12.600 or 46.80.090 and WAC 308-56A-460 meets the definition of salvage vehicle in RCW 46.04.514;
(e) Street rod as formerly defined in repealed section RCW 46.04.571;
(f) Nonconformity uncorrected or safety defect uncorrected as defined in RCW 19.118.021 (14) and (19);
(g) Nonconformity corrected or safety defect corrected as defined in RCW 19.118.021 (14) and (19);
(h) Returned to manufacturer;
(i) Odometer - Not actual;
(j) Odometer - Exceeds mechanical limits;
(k) Repaired - Wrecker/insurance bill of sale;
(l) Contaminated - Vehicles described in chapter 64.44 RCW;
(m) Decontaminated - Vehicles described in chapter 64.44 RCW.
(3) What brands are carried forward from the other states/jurisdictions by the department?
(a) Brands for states/jurisdictions participating in the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) program (known as "Standard Brands,") are maintained in the brands list by NMVTIS and include, but are not limited to:
(i) Rebuilt;
(ii) Junk;
(iii) Destroyed;
(iv) Salvage - Damaged;
(v) Salvage - Retention;
(vi) Salvage - Stolen;
(vii) Salvage - Other;
(viii) Flood damage;
(ix) Hail damage;
(x) Saltwater damage;
(xi) Totaled.
(b) Brands from states/jurisdictions not participating in NMVTIS that do not appear on the brands list maintained by NMVTIS (known as "unique brands") will be carried forward on Washington certificates of ownership and registration certificates exactly (or abbreviated if too long) as they appear on the foreign title.
More than one brand may appear on the vehicle registration or certificate of ownership.
(4) Will a brand be applied to destroyed vehicles that have been sold on an out-of-state wrecker or insurance bill of sale, then repaired, and inspected? Yes. Vehicles not reported to DOL as destroyed and then sold using an insurance or wrecker bill of sale in lieu of a certificate of ownership/title, then brought into Washington from another jurisdiction that is not subject to reporting under RCW 46.12.600 repaired, and inspected will be branded. The brand will appear as "repaired-wrecker/insurance bill of sale."
The jurisdiction code will be identified as "WA."
(5) Why is a brand used? A brand is used in the circumstances above for consumer protection. The brand is used to inform any subsequent owners of the current or former condition or use of the vehicle.
(6) Will the department remove a brand? Brands stay on vehicle records indefinitely. The department will only remove a brand if the brand was applied to a Washington certificate of ownership in error; or
(a) If a former rental brand was applied prior to the effective date of this rule, it will remain on the certificate of ownership and/or vehicle registration unless applied in error.
(b) If a nonstandard brand was applied prior to the effective date of this rule, it will remain on the certificate of ownership and/or vehicle registration unless applied in error.
(7) Where are brands located on the documents? Brands are located in the brands section of the certificate of ownership and vehicle registration. Brands will display beginning with Washington issued brands, followed by unique brands, then standard brands. If applicable, "wa rebuilt" will show as a banner across the certificate of ownership.
(8) What is a comment? For the purposes of this section a comment is an indication on the certificate of ownership, vehicle title/registration application or vehicle registration certificate that relates to tax liability, type of ownership, title transaction type.
(9) What comments could the department print on certificates of ownership?
(a) Comments relating to the ownership that include: Bonded, leased, JTWROS.
(b) Comments relating to tax liability that include: Use tax waived - Gift, value code, value year.
(c) Comments relating to the type of title transaction, which include duplicate, and reprint.
(d) Miscellaneous comments that include: Not eligible for road use.
(10) What comments could the department print on vehicle registration certificates? Comments printed on vehicle registration certificates may include, but are not limited to:
(a) "cvsef paid" or "commercial vehicle safety enforcement fee paid";
(b) "Because scale weight exceeds gross weight, D.O.T. permit also required";
(c) "Commercial vehicle safety enforcement fee not paid";
(d) "Display tab on back license plate" only - front plate is still required;
(e) "*Check vehicle database record for actual expiration date";
(f) "Replica";
(g) "Proof of FHVUT verified";
(h) "No title issued" or "no title issued - ownership in doubt";
(i) "Excise exempt NRM";
(j) "Excise exempt Native American";
(k) "Excise exempt van pool";
(l) "Excise exempt rideshare";
(m) "Registration only";
(n) "Prorated gross weight to be more than 16,000";
(o) "Additional owners on record";
(p) "Not eligible for road use";
(q) "Perm plt";
(r) "Use tax waived: Gift";
(s) "Permanent fleet vehicle";
(t) "*Perm";
(u) "Color";
(v) Comments relating to the ownership; bonded, leased, JTWROS, registration only;
(w) Tax liability DAV, Native American, NRM, value code/year, use tax option, rideshare, POW, tax code 95, double transfer;
(x) Title transaction type duplicate, reprint, NTI, dual registration, corrected title data, corrected registration;
(y) Miscellaneous gift, ride, previous plate VIN flag, farm vehicle restrictions, Federal Drug Program (Title 49 C.F.R. Part 382) vehicle color, odometer code, return to mfg, not eligible for road use (NEFRU), custom vehicle and street rod.
(11) What comments would the department carry forward from other jurisdictions? The department does not carry forward comments assigned by other jurisdictions.
(12) Why are comments used? Comments are used for consumer protection, to inform any subsequent owners and vehicle licensing personnel of the current tax liability, type of ownership, or title transaction type or other pertinent information.
(13) Will the department remove a comment? The department will remove a comment if:
(a) The comment was applied in error; or
(b) The comment no longer applies.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 13-05-007, § 308-56A-530, filed 2/7/13, effective 3/10/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 88.02.070. WSR 08-20-034, § 308-56A-530, filed 9/23/08, effective 10/24/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 05-07-152, § 308-56A-530, filed 3/23/05, effective 5/15/05; WSR 02-19-016, § 308-56A-530, filed 9/9/02, effective 10/10/02.]
PDF308-56A-640
Odometer disclosure statement.
(1) When is an odometer disclosure statement required? An odometer disclosure statement is required on all transfers of ownership as required by RCW 46.12.124 and Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.), unless specifically exempted.
(2) What odometer disclosure statement forms will the department accept? The department will accept odometer disclosure statement forms that comply with the Federal Truth in Mileage Act of 1986, Title 49 C.F.R., and RCW 46.12.124.
Note: | An odometer power of attorney used in compliance with Part 580, Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) is acceptable, and will not violate the intention of this rule. |
(3) When is an odometer disclosure/title extension statement used? An odometer disclosure/title extension statement is a form used:
(a) With a certificate of ownership when an odometer disclosure statement is required; and
(b) If all reassignments on the certificate of ownership are full; or
(c) If the certificate of ownership is unavailable.
(4) What are the odometer disclosure requirements for dealer transactions? Dealers are required to obtain an odometer disclosure statement from the selling owner (transferor), and acknowledge the disclosure as transferee, when taking a vehicle in on trade, purchase, or otherwise acquiring a vehicle. Dealers must complete an odometer disclosure statement as transferor when selling a vehicle either wholesale or retail.
(5) What are the odometer disclosure requirements for vehicles sold through an auction company? The seller/consignor completes an odometer disclosure statement as transferor and the successful bidder/buyer acknowledges the disclosure as transferee.
(6) How long must dealers and auction companies maintain odometer disclosure statement records? Dealers and auction companies must keep odometer disclosure statement records for five years.
(7) What are the odometer disclosure requirements for leased vehicles? Odometer disclosure is required when establishing, terminating, or buying out a lease.
(a) When establishing a lease, the lessor must complete an odometer disclosure statement as transferor, and the lessee must acknowledge the disclosure as transferee.
(b) When terminating or buying out a lease, the lessee must complete an odometer disclosure statement as transferor, and the lessor must acknowledge the disclosure as transferee. Prior to the termination of the lease or any transfer of ownership, the lessor must notify the lessee in writing that the lessee must provide an odometer disclosure statement to the lessor.
(c) Only the former lessee needs to submit a completed odometer disclosure statement with an application for certificate of ownership following a lease buyout. The former lessee must complete the odometer disclosure statement as transferee. No transferor signature is required.
(8) May a power of attorney be used to complete an odometer disclosure statement? Yes, with the following restrictions:
(a) The transferor cannot authorize or give power of attorney to the transferee or dealer to complete the odometer disclosure statement.
(b) The transferee cannot authorize or give power of attorney to the transferor or dealer to complete the odometer disclosure statement.
(c) No person may sign an odometer disclosure statement as both the transferor and transferee in the same transaction.
Note: | An odometer power of attorney used in compliance with Part 580, Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) is acceptable, and will not violate the intention of this rule. |
(9) Is an odometer disclosure statement required when involuntary divestiture occurs? Yes. The seller, although not the owner of record, must complete an odometer disclosure statement as transferor, and the buyer must acknowledge the disclosure as transferee. The department may approve disclosure by the transferee only in extenuating circumstances.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.020. WSR 04-03-016, § 308-56A-640, filed 1/12/04, effective 2/12/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.030. WSR 00-06-020, § 308-56A-640, filed 2/23/00, effective 3/25/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110 and 46.12.124. WSR 97-14-034, § 308-56A-640, filed 6/25/97, effective 7/26/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.12.030 and 46.01.110. WSR 89-16-074 (Order TL/RG 49), § 308-56A-640, filed 7/31/89, effective 8/31/89.]