RCW 46.16.028
"Resident" defined -- Vehicle registration required. (Effective until July 1, 2011. Recodified as RCW 46.16A.140.)

(1) For the purposes of vehicle license registration, a resident is a person who manifests an intent to live or be located in this state on more than a temporary or transient basis. Evidence of residency includes but is not limited to:

     (a) Becoming a registered voter in this state; or

     (b) Receiving benefits under one of the Washington public assistance programs; or

     (c) Declaring that he or she is a resident for the purpose of obtaining a state license or tuition fees at resident rates.

     (2) The term "Washington public assistance programs" referred to in subsection (1)(b) of this section includes only public assistance programs for which more than fifty percent of the combined costs of benefits and administration are paid from state funds. Programs which are not included within the term "Washington public assistance programs" pursuant to the above criteria include, but are not limited to the food stamp program under the federal food stamp act of 1964; programs under the child nutrition act of 1966, 42 U.S.C. Secs. 1771 through 1788; and temporary assistance for needy families.

     (3) A resident of the state shall register under chapters 46.12 and 46.16 RCW a vehicle to be operated on the highways of the state. New Washington residents shall be allowed thirty days from the date they become residents as defined in this section to procure Washington registration for their vehicles. This thirty-day period shall not be combined with any other period of reciprocity provided for in this chapter or chapter 46.85 RCW.

[1997 c 59 § 7; 1987 c 142 § 1; 1986 c 186 § 2; 1985 c 353 § 1.]

NOTES:

     Effective date -- 1985 c 353: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately, except for section 1 of this act, which shall take effect September 1, 1985." [1985 c 353 § 6.]