Washington § 46.12.520 - Certificate required to operate and sell vehicle — Manufacturer or dealer testing — Security interest, how perfected.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 46.12.520 — Certificate required to operate and sell vehicle — Manufacturer or dealer testing — Security interest, how perfected., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 46.12.520. Certificate required to operate and sell vehicle — Manufacturer or dealer testing — Security interest, how perfected.

(1) A person shall not:
(a) Operate a vehicle in this state with a registration certificate issued by the department without having a certificate of title for the vehicle that contains the name of the registered owner exactly as it appears on the registration certificate; or
(b) Sell or transfer a vehicle without complying with the provisions of this chapter relating to certificates of title and vehicle registration.
(2) A certificate of title does not need to be obtained for a vehicle owned by a manufacturer or dealer and held for sale, even though incidentally moved on the highway or used for purposes of testing and demonstration, or for a vehicle used by a manufacturer or dealer solely for testing. A security interest in a vehicle held as inventory by a manufacturer or dealer must be perfected as described in chapter 62A.9A RCW. An endorsement is not required on certificates of title held by a manufacturer or dealer to perfect the security interest. A certificate of title may be issued for any vehicle without the vehicle needing to be registered.
[ 2010 c 161 s 301; 1997 c 241 s 3; 1979 c 158 s 132; 1975 c 25 s 6; 1967 c 140 s 1; 1967 c 32 s 6; 1961 c 12 s 46.12.010. Prior: 1937 c 188 s 2; RRS s 6312-2. Formerly RCW 46.12.010.]

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—1967 c 140: "This act shall become effective at midnight on June 30, 1967. It applies to transactions entered into and events occurring after that date." [ 1967 c 140 s 11.]

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 46.12.520

What does Revised Code of Washington § 46.12.520 cover?

Section 46.12.520 ("Certificate required to operate and sell vehicle — Manufacturer or dealer testing — Security interest, how perfected.") 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 § 46.12.520?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 46.12.520" (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 § 46.12.520 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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