2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.16A - Registration. › 46.16A.140 - "Resident" defined—Natural person residency requirements—Vehicle registration required.

RCW 46.16A.140
"Resident" defined—Natural person residency requirements—Vehicle registration required.
(1) For the purposes of vehicle 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;
(b) Receiving benefits under one of the Washington public assistance programs; or
(c) Declaring residency for the purpose of obtaining a state license or tuition fees at resident rates.
(2) A natural person may be a resident of this state even though that person has or claims residency or domicile in another state or intends to leave this state at some future time. A natural person is presumed a resident if the natural person meets at least two of the following conditions:
(a) Maintains a residence in this state for personal use;
(b) Has a Washington state driver's license or a Washington state resident hunting or fishing license;
(c) Uses a Washington state address for federal income tax or state tax purposes;
(d) Has previously maintained a residence in this state for personal use and has not established a permanent residence outside the state of Washington, such as a person who retires and lives in a motor home or vessel that is not permanently attached to any property;
(e) Claims this state as his or her residence for obtaining eligibility to hold a public office or for judicial actions;
(f) Is a custodial parent with a child attending public schools in this state.
(3) "Washington public assistance programs," as 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. "Washington public assistance programs" does not include: 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.
(4) A resident of the state shall apply for a certificate of title under chapter 46.12 RCW and register under this chapter a vehicle to be operated on the highways of the state. New Washington residents are allowed thirty days from the date they become residents as defined in this section to obtain Washington registration for their vehicles. This thirty-day period may not be combined with any other period of reciprocity provided for in this chapter or chapter 46.85 RCW.
[ 2010 c 161 § 410; 1997 c 59 § 7; 1987 c 142 § 1; 1986 c 186 § 2; 1985 c 353 § 1. Formerly RCW 46.16.028.]
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—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.]