RCW 46.16A.140 "Resident" Defined-Natural Person Residency Requirements-Vehicle Registration Required

• Library: Washington Statutes
• Edition: 2023
• Currency: Current through Chapter 1 of the 2023 1st Special Session

(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.