Washington Administrative Code

(1) What documents are required to place or use a vessel on the water if purchased from a Washington licensed vessel dealer? If a vessel is purchased from a Washington vessel dealer licensed under chapter 88.02 RCW, the following documents are required:(a) If the vessel is curren…

(1) Will the department accept an application for certificate of ownership if the certificate of ownership or supporting documents have been altered? The department may refuse to accept any certificate of ownership when ownership or vessel information has been altered. A replacem…

When is a certificate of ownership required? An application for certificate of ownership is required when:(1) A person purchases a new vessel unless otherwise exempt from chapter 88.02 RCW.(2) There is a change of ownership due to:(a) Sale;(b) Gift;(c) Inheritance;(d) Trade;(e) A…

(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 no longer uses these designations when recording ownership interest. For those certificates of ownership that have been i…

(1) What does joint tenancy with rights of survivorship (JTWROS) mean when noted on a certificate of ownership? If a vessel certificate of ownership shows the owners are in joint tenancy with rights of survivorship and one of the named parties dies, ownership vests in the survivi…

(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(…

(1) Will the department issue a certificate of ownership indicating more than one security interest? Yes, more than one security interest may be shown on the certificate of ownership.(2) How are additional security interests shown on the certificate of ownership? Additional secur…

(1) What is ownership in doubt? Ownership in doubt is when a vessel owner(s) is unable to obtain satisfactory evidence of ownership or release of interest described in WAC 308-93-460.(2) What options are available in an ownership in doubt situation? When in an ownership in doubt …

(1) What is a chattel lien? For the purposes of this chapter, a chattel lien is a process by which a person may sell or take ownership of a vessel when:(a) They provide services or materials for the vessel at the request of the registered owner; and(b) The person who provided the…

(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 vessel as security for rent due. This chapter does not apply to vessels (including transient vessels) moo…

(1) What is a self-service storage facilities lien? A self-service storage facilities lien is a process by which the owner of a self-service storage facility may sell a vessel stored at the facility as security for rent or other charges due.(2) What documentation is required to o…

(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) …

(1) How does an owner release their interest in a vessel? A vessel owner(s) or secured party who intends to release interest in a vessel must:(a) Sign the release of interest provided on the certificate of ownership; or(b) Sign a release of interest document or form approved by t…

(1) Who may certify or notarize vessel certificate of ownership and registration activities on behalf of the department? Signatures must be notarized by a notary public or certified by agents and subagents appointed by the director. The certification must include the signature, c…

(1) What ownership documents does the department require to issue a certificate of ownership for a vessel, which has been purchased at a law enforcement sale? In addition to other documents and fees required by chapters 46.01 and 88.02 RCW the department requires:(a) The current …

What documentation does the department require to change my name as shown on the certificate of ownership? In addition to other documents required by chapters 88.02 RCW and 308-93 WAC, the department requires:(1) A copy of a court order from any district or superior court of this…

(1) What does the department require if ownership of a vessel is awarded by court order? In addition to other documents required by chapters 88.02 RCW and 308-93 WAC, for each of the specific situations the department requires the following:(a) If the vessel is most recently titl…

(1) What titling options are available when a vessel owner is deceased?(a) The vessel ownership may be released by a personal representative or beneficiary and transferred into the name of a new owner; or(b) The surviving owner may transfer into their name if joint tenancy was in…

Who is eligible to release interest on a vessel ownership document if the owner is declared incompetent?The release of interest may be signed by either:(1) The court appointed guardian, if one has been appointed by the court, may release interest in a vessel owned by an individua…

Who has the authority to release interest in a vessel when an owner has been declared bankrupt?A trustee appointed by the court has the authority to release interest on a vessel for the owner who has been declared bankrupt. The release of interest must be accompanied by a copy of…

Is my foreign registration valid in Washington? Current foreign registration will be recognized for a period of sixty days to the extent a similar reciprocity is granted for vessels registered in the state of Washington. However, on or before the sixty-first day of use in this st…

Can I obtain a certificate of ownership for my vessel without securing a vessel registration number and decal? Yes, you may obtain a certificate of ownership for a vessel without securing a registration number and vessel decal.[Statutory Authority: RCW 88.02.100. WSR 00-09-065, §…

What is the purpose of WAC 308-93-700 through 308-93-770? WAC 308-93-700 through 308-93-770 are adopted to implement the Consent Decree entered in United States v. Washington, Civ. No. 9213 - Phase I - Sub. 88-1 entered on November 28, 1994, and signed by the United States, the s…

The following terms used in WAC 308-93-700 through 308-93-770 have the meaning given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:(1) "Indian tribe" and "tribal" means the Indian tribes which are signatory to the Consent Decree entered in United State v.…

(1) What is an Indian tribe exempt vessel under the Consent Decree entered in United States v. Washington, Civ. No. 9213 - Phase I - Sub. 88-1 entered on November 28, 1994? State ad valorem property (personal property) and watercraft excise taxes will not be imposed upon any vess…

(1) What are the specifications for an Indian tribe vessel registration number? A tribal vessel number conforming to the specifications of 33 C.F.R. sections 173.27 and 174.23 and a certificate of number conforming to 33 C.F.R. section 174.19, must be assigned, and a "decal" must…

What registration conditions must be met to satisfy the state and the Coast Guard? Tribal and tribal member vessels will be deemed by the state and the Coast Guard to be properly registered provided the following conditions are met:(1) The tribal member has provided information l…

(1) May the department either object to or seek revocation of tribal issuance of a registration contained in the tribal vessel registration maintained with the department? Yes. The department may object to and seek revocation of tribal issuance of a registration contained in the …

(1) When must the tribe notify the department of a vessel registration? Each tribe must forward the proper forms and documentation to the department within five working days after approval of the registration. The mailing address is:Department of LicensingTitle and Registration S…

(1) Who has access to tribal vessel data? Indian tribes and tribal member vessel registration data will be stored in the department's computer system, which has twenty-four-hour availability. The department has procedures limiting access to civil or criminal law enforcement entit…

(1) How do I register my snowmobile? To register your snowmobile you must submit the following:(a) An application for original or transfer registration. The application must include:(i) The name and address of each registered owner; and(ii) The make, vehicle identification number…

(1) Where do I carry the snowmobile registration certificate? A snowmobile registration certificate must be:(a) Carried in the snowmobile for which it was issued; or (b) Carried on the person of the snowmobile operator; and (c) Be made available for inspection by any person havin…

What information is required to obtain a nonresident temporary snowmobile permit?(1) An application for a nonresident temporary permit shall include:(a) Name and address of the applicant;(b) Plate or registration number and expiration date, if registered in another jurisdiction;(…

(1) How long is a snowmobile dealer license valid? Snowmobile dealer licenses are valid for one year from the date of issue.(2) Are there restrictions for the use of the snowmobile dealer license plate? Yes.(a) Dealers may not test or demonstrate a snowmobile without either a val…

What are the requirements for Washington-licensed snowmobile dealers when purchasing and issuing dealer temporary permits? Washington-licensed snowmobile dealers must follow the same requirements as provided in WAC 308-56A-420 and 308-56A-425.[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. …

(1) Is a certificate of title issued for off-road, nonhighway vehicles, and wheeled all-terrain vehicles? Yes, a certificate of title is issued using the same laws, rules, and procedures for other classes of vehicles. The certificate of title will indicate the comment "not eligib…

(1) How long is an off-road/nonhighway vehicle use permit (registration) valid? The registration year of the off-road/nonhighway use permit (registration) begins the day it is issued and expires the same day of the following year.(2) Under what circumstances will the registration…

When are off-road/nonhighway vehicle(s) not required to be registered? Vehicles exempted in RCW 46.09.050 and 46.09.020 are not required to obtain off-road/nonhighway vehicle use permit (registration).[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 01-13-008, § 308-94A-015, filed 6/8/01…

(1) How do I display the off-road/nonhighway vehicle use permit number and validation tabs on my vehicle? Display off-road/nonhighway use permit number and validation tabs by:(a) Affixing the decals provided by the department to the right and left side or on the rear of the off-r…

What information does the department require when I apply for a temporary off-road/nonhighway vehicle use permit? An application for a temporary off-road/nonhighway vehicle use permit must include the following:(1) Name and address of the applicant;(2) Off-road or nonhighway vehi…

What is the cost of an off-road vehicle dealer's plate? An off-road vehicle dealer must pay three dollars and fifty cents, plus the reflectorization fee of fifty cents for each dealer plate ordered from the department.[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.01.110. WSR 01-13-008, § 308-94A-…

What are the requirements for Washington licensed off-road vehicle dealers when purchasing and issuing dealer temporary license plates? Washington licensed off-road vehicle dealers must follow the same requirements as provided in WAC 308-56A-420 and 308-56A-425, with the exceptio…

Terms used in chapter 46.16A RCW and this chapter will have the following meanings except where otherwise defined, and where the context clearly indicates the contrary:(1) "Application" means a form provided or approved by the department to apply for different types of services a…

(1) How do I obtain a replacement certificate of registration?You obtain a replacement certificate of registration by applying, either in person or by mail, at a Washington vehicle licensing office and paying appropriate fees.(2) When do I need to replace my certificate of regist…

(1) How do I obtain replacement plate(s) for my current Washington plate(s)?You obtain replacement plate(s) by applying to a Washington vehicle licensing office in person or by mail.(2) When do I need to replace my plate(s)?You need to replace your plate(s) if:(a) Your plate(s) a…

(1) What is a vehicle transit permit?A vehicle transit permit is a document that authorizes an individual to operate a vehicle on a public highway of this state solely for the purpose of obtaining necessary documentation to complete an application for a Washington certificate of …

(1) Who qualifies for the free licensing, authorized by RCW 73.04.110 and 46.16.305?(a) Disabled American veterans and former prisoners of war, as defined in RCW 73.04.110;(b) A veteran awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor as defined in RCW 46.16.305; and(c) Surviving spouses…

(1) Where do I order the Cooper Jones/Share the Road license plate emblem? You order them from the Washington state department of printing's general store located at www.prt.wa.gov or by mail to Department of Printing, P.O. Box 798, Olympia, WA 98507-0798.(2) Who may purchase the…

(1) What is required for obtaining the distribution of the first twenty-five sequential plates of each special license plate series?(a) The organizational sponsor liaison that signed the original special license plate series application (or their successor) may submit a list of r…

(1) What license plates must be displayed on a vehicle registered to a nonresident military person assigned to duty in Washington? Nonresident military personnel assigned to duty in Washington may display on their vehicle either:(a) License plates issued from their official home …