Washington statute
RCW 9A.64.030 — Child selling—Child buying
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Chapter 9A.64: Family Offenses, Revised Code of Washington.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of RCW 9A.64.030
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) It is unlawful for any person to sell or purchase a minor child.
(2) A transaction shall not be a purchase or sale under subsection (1) of this section if any of the following exists:
(a) The transaction is between the parents of the minor child; or
(b) The transaction is between a person receiving or to receive the child and an agency recognized under RCW 26.33.020; or
(c) The transaction is between the person receiving or to receive the child and a state agency or other governmental agency; or
(d) The transaction is pursuant to chapter 26.34 RCW; or
(e) The transaction is pursuant to court order; or
(f) The only consideration paid by the person receiving or to receive the child is intended to pay for the prenatal hospital or medical expenses involved in the birth of the child, or attorneys' fees and court costs involved in effectuating transfer of child custody.
(3)(a) Child selling is a class C felony.
(b) Child buying is a class C felony.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is child selling a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
Child selling is a Class C Felony in Washington under RCW 9A.64.030.
Which Washington statute covers child selling?
Child selling is governed by RCW 9A.64.030 (Child selling—Child buying).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.