(1) Will the department accept an application for certificate of ownership or supporting documents if they have been altered? The department may refuse to accept any application for certificate of ownership or supporting documents when ownership or vehicle information has been altered.

(2) Will the department accept a certificate of ownership if it has been altered? Any alteration or erasure voids the certificate of ownership unless documentation satisfactory to the department in accordance with subsection (3) of this section is submitted with the certificate.

(3) What does the department require when a certificate of ownership, an application for certificate of ownership or supporting documents has been altered?

(a) The department may require an affidavit explaining any erasure or alteration on the application, certificate of ownership, or any supporting documentation.

(b) The department may require a notarized/certified release of interest when:

(i) A signature or name that has been altered or erased appears on an application; or

(ii) A security interest is named to be shown on the new certificate of ownership and the applicant claims there is no lien; or

(iii) A security interest is shown incorrectly or is altered on the application for certificate of ownership from a Washington licensed dealer. In lieu of a release of interest, the Washington licensed vehicle dealer may attach an affidavit explaining the error in the security interest.

(c) A name erroneously shown on the certificate of ownership as the purchaser must be accompanied by either a release of interest from the erroneously named purchaser or a statement by the owner of record that the sale was not completed or other explanation for the erroneous designation.