(1) Is a stolen vehicle check required whenever application is made for certificate of ownership? Yes. A Washington Crime Information Center/National Crime Information Center (WACIC/NCIC) stolen vehicle search will be performed on all vehicle title transactions.

(2) What is a WACIC/NCIC stolen vehicle search? A WACIC/NCIC stolen vehicle search is defined to include any nationally recognized source of stolen vehicle data obtained from the NCIC, including the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

(3) Who is authorized to receive and process stolen vehicle search inquiries? The department and vehicle licensing offices are authorized to receive and process stolen vehicle search information. In addition to WACIC/NCIC, stolen vehicle searches may also be processed through any nationally recognized source of stolen vehicle data obtained from the NCIC, including the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

(4) What happens if the stolen vehicle search indicates the vehicle has been reported stolen? If the information obtained indicates the vehicle has been reported and confirmed stolen, the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in the geographic location of the attempted licensing transaction will immediately be notified. A title will not be issued until the matter is resolved. If the department checks with the reporting law enforcement agency or jurisdiction and the reporting agency indicates that the vehicle's stolen status has been resolved, a certificate of ownership will be issued if the department is satisfied that all other requirements have been met.

(5) What happens if the stolen vehicle search indicates that the vehicle has not been reported stolen? If the stolen vehicle check is negative, a certificate of ownership will be issued if the department is satisfied that all other requirements have been met.