Section 46.16A.050 - Registration-Requirements before issuance-Penalty-Rules(1) The department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall not issue an initial registration certificate for a motor vehicle to a natural person under this chapter unless the natural person at time of application:(a) Presents an unexpired Washington state driver's license; or(b) Certifies that he or she is: (i) A Washington state resident who does not operate a motor vehicle on public roads; or(ii) Exempt from the requirement to obtain a Washington state driver's license under RCW 46.20.025.(2) The department must set up procedures to verify that all owners meet the requirements of this section.(3) A person falsifying residency is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of five hundred twenty-nine dollars.(4) The department may adopt rules necessary to implement this section, including rules under which a natural person applying for registration may be exempt from the requirements of this section if the person provides evidence satisfactory to the department that he or she has a valid and compelling reason for not being able to meet the requirements of this section.Amended by 2014 c 197,§ 1, eff. 6/12/2014.Added by 2010 c 161, § 405, eff. 7/1/2011.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.