Washington § 46.12.750 - Penalty for false statements, illegal transfers, alterations, or forgeries — Exception.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 46.12.750 — Penalty for false statements, illegal transfers, alterations, or forgeries — Exception., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 46.12.750. Penalty for false statements, illegal transfers, alterations, or forgeries — Exception.

(1) A person is guilty of a class B felony if the person:

(a) Knowingly makes any false statement of a material fact, either on an application for a certificate of title or in any transfer of a certificate of title;

(b) Intentionally acquires or passes ownership of a vehicle which that person knows or has reason to believe has been stolen;

(d) Possesses any vehicle which that person knows or has reason to believe has been stolen;

(e) Alters or forges or causes the alteration or forgery of:

(i) A certificate of title or registration certificate issued by the department;

(ii) An assignment of a certificate of title or registration certificate; or

(iii) A release or notice of release of an encumbrance referred to on a certificate of title or registration certificate; or

(f) Holds or uses a certificate of title, registration certificate, assignment, release, or notice of release, knowing that it has been altered or forged.

(2) A person convicted of violating subsection (1) of this section must be punished by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than ten years, or both such fine and imprisonment. This subsection does not exclude any other offenses or penalties prescribed by any existing or future law for the larceny or unauthorized taking of a vehicle.

(3) It is a class C felony for a person to sell or convey a vehicle certificate of title except in conjunction with the sale or transfer of the vehicle for which the certificate was originally issued.

(4) This section does not apply to an officer of the law engaged at the time in the performance of official authorized law enforcement activities.

[ 2010 c 161 s 319; 2003 c 53 s 236; 1961 c 12 s 46.12.210. Prior: 1937 c 188 s 12; RRS s 6312-12. Formerly RCW 46.12.210.]

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.

Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 46.12.750

What does Revised Code of Washington § 46.12.750 cover?

Section 46.12.750 ("Penalty for false statements, illegal transfers, alterations, or forgeries — Exception.") 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 § 46.12.750?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 46.12.750" (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 § 46.12.750 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

Official text of § 46.12.750 at the Washington source

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