Washington § 46.01.230 - Payment by check or money order — Dishonored checks or money orders — Failure to surrender canceled certificate, registration, or permit — Immunity from payment of uncollected fees — Rules.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 46.01.230 — Payment by check or money order — Dishonored checks or money orders — Failure to surrender canceled certificate, registration, or permit — Immunity from payment of uncollected fees — Rules., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 46.01.230. Payment by check or money order — Dishonored checks or money orders — Failure to surrender canceled certificate, registration, or permit — Immunity from payment of uncollected fees — Rules.

(1) The department may accept checks and money orders for the payment of drivers' licenses, certificates of title and vehicle registrations, vehicle excise taxes, gross weight fees, and other fees and taxes collected by the department. Whenever registrations, licenses, or permits have been paid for by checks or money orders that have been dishonored by nonacceptance or nonpayment, the department shall:

(a) Cancel the registration, license, or permit;

(b) Send a notice of cancellation by first-class mail using the last known address in department records for the holder of the certificate, license, or permit, and complete an affidavit of first-class mail; and

(2) It is a traffic infraction to fail to surrender a certificate of title, registration certificate, or permit to the department or to an authorized agent within ten days of being notified that the certificate, registration, or permit has been canceled.

(3) County auditors, agents, and subagents appointed by the director may collect restitution for dishonored checks and money orders and keep the handling fee.

(4) A person who has recently acquired a vehicle by purchase, exchange, gift, lease, inheritance, or legal action is not liable or responsible for the payment of uncollected fees and taxes that were paid for by a predecessor's check or money order that was subsequently dishonored. The department may not deny an application to transfer ownership for the uncollected amount.

(5) The director may adopt rules to implement this section. The rules must provide for the public's convenience consistent with sound business practice and encourage annual renewal of vehicle registrations by mail, authorizing checks and money orders for payment.

[ 2010 c 161 s 205; 2003 c 369 s 1; 1994 c 262 s 1; 1992 c 216 s 2; 1987 c 302 s 2; 1979 ex.s. c 136 s 39; 1979 c 158 s 124; 1975 c 52 s 1; 1965 ex.s. c 170 s 44.]

Notes

Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

Effective date—2003 c 369: "This act takes effect October 1, 2003." [ 2003 c 369 s 2.]

Severability—1987 c 302: See note following RCW 46.01.140.

Effective date—Severability—1979 ex.s. c 136: See notes following RCW 46.63.010.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 46.01.230

What does Revised Code of Washington § 46.01.230 cover?

Section 46.01.230 ("Payment by check or money order — Dishonored checks or money orders — Failure to surrender canceled certificate, registration, or permit — Immunity from payment of uncollected fees — Rules.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 46.01.230?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 46.01.230" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 46.01.230 apply to my situation?

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Sources & Verification

Official text of § 46.01.230 at the Washington source

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.