(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.
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Note:
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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.
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(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.
