Washington statute
RCW 9A.56.180 — Obscuring the identity of a machine
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Chapter 9A.56: Theft And Robbery, Revised Code of Washington.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of RCW 9A.56.180
Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the official text of the Revised Code of Washington from the Code Reviser's published files; it is not the official statutes of the State of Washington.
(1) A person is guilty of obscuring the identity of a machine if he or she knowingly:
(a) Obscures the manufacturer's serial number or any other distinguishing identification number or mark upon any vehicle, machine, engine, apparatus, appliance, or other device with intent to render it unidentifiable; or
(b) Possesses a vehicle, machine, engine, apparatus, appliance, or other device held for sale knowing that the serial number or other identification number or mark has been obscured.
(2) "Obscure" means to remove, deface, cover, alter, destroy, or otherwise render unidentifiable.
(3) Obscuring the identity of a machine is a gross misdemeanor.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is obscuring the identity of a machine a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
Obscuring the identity of a machine is a Gross Misdemeanor in Washington under RCW 9A.56.180.
Which Washington statute covers obscuring the identity of a machine?
Obscuring the identity of a machine is governed by RCW 9A.56.180 (Obscuring the identity of a machine).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.