RCW 46.12.151
Procedure when department unsatisfied as to ownership and security interests. (Effective until July 1, 2011. Recodified as RCW 46.12.680.)

If the department is not satisfied as to the ownership of the vehicle or that there are no undisclosed security interests in it, the department may register the vehicle but shall either:

     (1) Withhold issuance of a certificate of ownership for a period of three years or until the applicant presents documents reasonably sufficient to satisfy the department as to the applicant's ownership of the vehicle and that there are no undisclosed security interests in it; or

     (2) As a condition of issuing a certificate of ownership, require the applicant to file with the department a bond for a period of three years in the form prescribed by the department and executed by the applicant. The bond shall be in an amount equal to one and one-half times the value of the vehicle as determined by the department and conditioned to indemnify any prior owner and secured party and any subsequent purchaser of the vehicle or person acquiring any security interest in it, and their respective successors in interest, against any expense, loss or damage, including reasonable attorney's fees, by reason of the issuance of the certificate of ownership of the vehicle or on account of any defect in or undisclosed security interest upon the right, title and interest of the applicant in and to the vehicle. Any such interested person has a right of action to recover on the bond for any breach of its conditions, but the aggregate liability of the surety to all persons shall not exceed the amount of the bond. At the end of three years or prior thereto if the vehicle is no longer registered in this state or when satisfactory evidence of ownership is surrendered to the department, the owner may apply to the department for a replacement certificate of ownership without reference to the bond.

[1990 c 250 § 30; 1967 c 140 § 9.]

NOTES:

     Severability -- 1990 c 250: See note following RCW 46.16.301.

     Effective date -- 1967 c 140: See note following RCW 46.12.010.

Definitions: RCW 46.12.005.