How are the Petitions for Vehicle Ownership to be filed?
In 2010, the Legislature enacted a statute that creates a new cause of action in both the superior court and the district court for petitioners to request a judgment awarding ownership of a vehicle. The new procedure is effective beginning July 1, 2011. See RCW 46.12.680 or the Laws of 2010, Chapter 161, Section 314 (SB 6379) for the specific details.
A person who is unable to provide the Department of Licensing with sufficient evidence of ownership when registering a vehicle, may file a petition in district court or superior court seeking a judgment of vehicle ownership. See RCW 46.12.680 (2) (b).
- Superior courts should file the petitions as a Case Type 2 - Civil filing, using the existing Cause Code MSC - Miscellaneous.
- District courts should file the petition as a CV - Civil Filing, using the existing Cause Code OTH - Other.
These unusual petitions are likely to be filed rarely so a court receiving one may well benefit from having additional background information. A detailed legal analysis containing background information for judges, court administrators, and clerks to review can be located attached to the bottom of this eService Answer.
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